Galapagos Whaleshark Project.

Why the project is so important:

The islands of Wolf and Darwin

– a potential nursery for whale sharks?

Off the coasts of the Galapagos islands of Wolf and Darwin, adult whale sharks, most of them female, have been observed repeatedly for over 30 years. It is therefore surprising that there are very few to no young or even newborn whale sharks to be found there. Sofia, Jonathan and their team want to find out why this is the case, where the males of this species are, and why hardly any of the male whale sharks are found there.

If the behavior of the whale sharks is better researched and understood, this data may lead to making this protected habitat even more attractive for the whale sharks or expanding it so that it may become a nursery for these giants of the sea.

Living study example for "Jurassic Park"

– gaining a better understanding of a prehistoric ocean creature

The Galapagos Whale Shark Project (GWSP) is already working to create a greater understanding of these prehistoric animals among the youngest and, therefore, potential future marine conservationists. Whale sharks are a species that has already survived an entire era. This means that these animals are actually dinosaurs. Sofia, Jonathan and their team want to explore the secrets behind this in order to offer these animals the protection they so urgently need.

Strong team on site

Together with their team of 5, Galapagos Whale Shark Project leader Jonathan R. Green and Sofia Green are trying to save this endangered fish and play his part in the conservation of the species by

• building local capacity for whale shark research.
• using photo/video identification to determine the population density and structure of whale sharks.
• research whale shark abundance, including identification of environmental triggers & changes in major currents.
• the migratory movements of whale sharks are examined in more detail.
• identify the reproductive behavior of these fish inside and outside the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR).

Protection only in cooperation with the local community

Another important component of Sofia’s and Jonathan’s work is to raise awareness among the local population of the importance of the GMR for migratory pelagic species, using the example of whale sharks. In particular, Sofia, Jonathan and their team are working in schools to sensitize even the youngest children to the importance of this species for the oceans. Oceans that are unfortunately still being plundered and polluted globally.

The long-term goal of SHARKPROJECT in collaboration with Sofia, Jonathan and their team, is not only to change local awareness and bring the importance of whale sharks more into the focus of the population, but also to raise awareness of the fact that oceans are a finite resource and are fundamental to a healthy planet.

Why is your support so important?

Sofia, Jonathan and their team’s work helps to better understand these giant prehistoric animals and their behaviors. This species could be a real-life study example for "Jurassic Park", as whale sharks are in fact dinosaurs that survived a bygone era.

Be part of it and support the research around these huge, fascinating and valuable animals. These animals play a big part in maintaining the balance of the oceans and, therefore, the balance of our planet. Be part of protecting a real living dinosaur.