About us

The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) exists to conduct whale shark research and foster community focused conservation initiatives throughout the Maldives and the Indian Ocean. 

Set up in 2006, a strong research programme has enabled the MWSRP to fufill a much needed consultancy role, providing important information about the status of the whale shark and it's habitat to both industry stakeholders and government policy-makers. 

The MWSRP's grass-roots conservation initiatives provide education opportunities and support to local island communities; many of which traditionally hunted the whale shark for its liver oil.     

The Programme is a UK registered charity that exists through generous donations from private and corporate donors as well as funding from small research grants. It is a goal of the MWSRP to become a Maldivian-run organisation.

The MWSRP has a research and conservation volunteer scheme and MWSRP merchandise can be purchased from our online shop.

The MWSRP is based within the new Marine Protected Area along the southern fringe of South Ari atoll. (Click here for a map of the study area.). This is one of the few sites in the world where whale sharks aggregate year round. From their South Ari base the MWSRP work throughout the Maldives and recently have begun research projects in Indonesia and Somaliland.

Please explore this site to learn more about the MWSRP and their work

To read our 2009 -2010 annual report please click here