Whale shark Info Board at White Sands

Starting with a Data-Base

24th May 2001 was the day 4 Whale Sharks were sighted and since then, we have started collecting data on these gentle giant. This day also mark the beginning of on-going process of protecting and studying the lives of Whale Sharks. The idea struck us after a guest asked if we (divers) could recognize the same shark again if there?s another encounter. Since then, we have started with the establishment of the Whale Shark database to record all Whale Sharks encounters. On each occasion whether it is the Dive Activities, Snorkelling Safaris or Night Fishing, We have meticulously counted the sharks encountered and this data has been collected in an Access database which we could develop a variety of statistics deriving from these data. This information may prove to be extremely useful for future projects. A simple Questionnaire for guides and guests, who experienced these encounters of Whale Sharks in the South Ari Atoll, has been prepared to gather as much information as possible on these Giant travellers.

Photo / Video Identification Library

Up to date, not only data had been compiled but also a Photo Identification Library and a Video Identification Library were developed and gathered in our database. This same technique is being used by the Shark Trust and by Ecocean Australia, whom are two different organizations and both are observe by the Whale Shark?s specialists. Many other organizations are using the same technique. Whale Shark tagging methods are possible future projects. In our three years Whale Shark observations we have never observed a Whale Shark with a tag. Many Whale Sharks with special markings or serious scaring on their Body, Tailfin, and dorsal fin where observed. If scars are presented then they can be used to identify the Whale Shark, but not all Whale Sharks have these scars and markings, some they have no scars at all.

Markings like fingerprints

An area behind the Gills just above the Pectoral fin at the left side has been chosen to be used to Identify Individuals, but also any other special markings can be used to Identifiy Individuals.
We had positively identified a Whale Shark over a period of 8 months in South Ari Atoll area. With that, it boost our confident to commence a Regional Whale Shark Photo Identification Library for the Maldives at:  www.whaleshark-id.net
The idea is to work with different Dive Operators and / or Cruise ships [Safari Boats] in the Maldives region and compile data on all the Whale Shark encounters.
The Information and Images / Pictures that was contributed by members will be added into the www.whaleshark-id.net the newfound Whale Shark Picture Identification Library.

Of course, Whale Shark Specialised organisations like the Shark Trust or Ecocean for the Australian Waters will also be informed and these images / pictures will also be added into these Trust / Organisations Library.
A close network with the above mentioned Organisation is important.
We believed that a regional Photo Identification is very crucial and important now, especially after observing a Whale Shark over a long period of 08 months in the Maldives Water.