Whale Shark programmes with the Underwater Centre Seychelles

Whale Shark programme

WHALE SHARKS


	Whale shark feeding. Photo Bob Wharton

Whale Sharks have long been the ultimate marine animal for many divers but yet very little is know about these magnificent creatures. Recent attempts to get international protected status for these sharks through CITES finally had them listed as Appendix ll meaning that trade in these sharks or their parts needed to be reported. Over the last five years whale sharks in the Indian Ocean have been subjected to unlimited slaughter for the far eastern 'Fad Food' restaurant industry and sightings seem to have declined in many areas.

In Seychelles although whale sharks have never been hunted and they are now completely protected under the wild animals protection bill. Local whale shark sightings have in fact been on the increase over the last few years. The Underwater Centre is honoured to be closely involved with the Marine Conservation Society, Seychelles (Shark Research Institute Seychelles) Whale Shark Monitoring programme and now you too can assist us in getting the much needed data to get this species legally protected, and have an immense amount of fun and excitement into the bargain!

The monitoring programme relies on aerial surveys from our microlight aircraft to pin-point the positions of the sharks so that our monitoring team boat can quickly and efficiently locate the sharks and check them for the project. This gives you an unrivalled chance of seeing these amazing creatures and at the same time assist in a worthwhile conservation effort.

JOIN THE MONITORING TEAM


MCSS Team member photographs a whale shark

You can join in with the monitoring activities directly with the Marine Conservation Society researchers. Whenever the sharks are found in an accessible area the team uses one of our high speed catamarans to get to them to record their details and tag them as required.

On most trips they allow interested people to join them to help cover the costs of the project and to assist if they so wish. These trips are essentially snorkelling / free diving trips as the sharks swimming speed makes the use of scuba very difficult in most cases. A maximum of 8 people are allowed in the water at any one time and all activities are run according to the Seychelles Whale Shark Encounter Code of Conduct.

These trips are run every day when conditions allow from the beginning of August to the end of October. In the morning the microlight aircraft locates the shark and in the afternoon the boats are dispatched to the most promising area. If the sharks are in the South of Mahe then the boats will depart from one of the beaches in the South and transport is arranged to transfer people to and from the departure point.

Costs are Euro 125 per person of which 70 Euro goes directly to MCSS to support the project costs; the costs do not include transfers to the South which are done on an at-cost basis with local hire companies / taxis. It is advisable to book in advance as group bookings can block the boats for several days at a time.

Because the afternoon trips are dependant on feedback from aerial sightings, if there are no sharks around, or for some reason we cannot fly the support aircraft, we reserve the right to cancel the trip.

Visit the MCSS whale shark Blog for the latest information.

"Adopt a Whale Shark"

Any one can help this conservation effort for the Whale Shark by participating in the Shark Research Institute / Marine Conservation Society, Seychelles adoption programme. By adopting a Whale shark you help fund important research as well as learn more about these magnificent animals through the newsletter and sighting reports. Click here to visit the 'Adoption' page at the MCSS web site.

us if you have any questions!

Last updated October 26, 2008

Underwater Centre Seychelles
Po Box 384, Mahe, Seychelles Tel; +248 345445