Introduction
Registered Charity No. 1130369
**THIS SITE IS BEING REDESIGNED AT PRESENT. PLEASE EXPLORE THE CONTENT SO FAR AND FEEL FREE TO VISIT US AGAIN TO SEE THE NEW LOOK**
MWSRP Mission Statement
The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) exists to conduct perpetual whale shark research projects and to foster community focused conservation initiatives within the Maldives.
The whale shark - the largest fish on our planet. Despite their great size very little is known about these colossal fish. We know they swim the oceans, potentially covering vast distances, feeding on plankton, small fish and fish eggs; but questions like how long they live or where they reproduce still remain unanswered.
The Maldives are unique in the Indian Ocean in that they host a year round population of whale sharks, making the archipelago a superb place to study their biology and behaviour. The better our understanding of whale sharks in the Maldives the greater protection we can provide for them.
Please explore this website to learn more about the whale shark and how you can contribute towards the conservation of these captivating animals. You can even help scientific researchers around the world by providing your whale shark photos.
Please also join our facebook group to view some promo videos
Follow our twitter feed and keep updated with the team and the Whale Sharks
Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme
Latest News
The MWSRP is proud to say that Ocean Dancer (in partnership with Peter Hughes Diving) has become the charity's newest sponsor.
http://www.oceandancer-maldives.com/
The December part of the research trip has been a major success, both in terms of research and future initiatives, collaborations and business relationships.
The focus this trip has been on continuing to build the Photo ID database and measuring each individual.
The sharks are most definitely back in South Ari Atoll at the moment...but unfortunately so are the unregulated tourist boats.
The MWSRP team has recorded 35 encounters over the last 3 days in the new FenMaaDhiguRan Marine Protected Area.