MISSION WILLIAM PROJECT

How it all began

The Mission William Project was launched in 2022 by Hugues de Kerderel, chairman of Over The Swell. With his non-profit organisation, he has been actively campaigning for the protection of the oceans and their fascinating inhabitants since 2018. During one of his missions, Hugues met 13-year-old William, who was terminally ill and passionate about whale sharks, and promised him that one day he would name a whale shark after him. Tragically, the teenager passed away in January 2023, but Hugues kept his promise and so William’s love and commitment to protecting the majestic whale shark lives on thanks to the project.

IUU fishing: a threat to sharks and the population

The project focuses on the coastal waters off São Tomé, an area particularly affected by overfishing. But the threat does not end there: according to the FAO and INTERPOL, the Gulf of Guinea is one of the regions most affected by illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU fishing) worldwide. It is estimated that up to 40% of the catch in West African waters is illegal or unregistered, with serious consequences. This form of exploitation not only threatens the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, but also the livelihoods of around 4,500 local fishermen and approximately 30% of the local population, whose existence depends directly or indirectly on intact fish stocks.

IUU fishing also poses a significant threat to whale sharks. Although they are still relatively common in these waters, especially during the high season, they are classified as ‘critically endangered’ worldwide according to the IUCN Red List. Estimates suggest that the global population has declined by over 50% in the last 75 years. IUU fishing therefore threatens not only the whale sharks off São Tomé, which can grow up to 21 metres in length, but also those along their entire migration route, which passes through some of the most heavily exploited marine regions in the world. The IUU fishing of whale sharks is also a major threat to the species' reproduction.

Realising the mission together

The Mission William Project is a multinational joint project that raises awareness of the protection of whale sharks in the Gulf of Guinea. An international research team of ten scientists, seven institutions and five countries supports Hugues de Kerderel in his mission. Together, they research the movement patterns of whale sharks, analyse biodiversity in the region and actively involve local fishermen in the research. The aim is to reduce shark fishing in the waters, develop sustainable alternatives for the local population and establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

The project not only offers educational programmes on the ecological importance of sharks and the consequences of overfishing for the local population, but also focuses on direct exchange with local fishermen. Hugues de Kerdrel works closely with them to systematically document whale shark sightings. In order to make communication channels more efficient in the future, an app is to be developed that will allow fishermen to record sightings directly, including fish species (whale shark, other shark species), coordinates, date and time.

SHARKPROJECT was also on site to get an idea of the complex situation. We have been officially supporting the project since 2023 by helping to finance equipment such as satellite transmitters and by raising awareness.

YOU CAN HELP TOO

Not all heroes wear diving masks; you too can make a significant contribution to the protection of whale sharks. Every donation, no matter how small or large, allows people like Hugues de Kerderel to continue their work and keeps the dreams of children like William alive.