Maldives Whale Shark Research

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Maldives Whale Shark Research

Maldives Whale Shark Research (MWSR) is a Maldivian NGO conducting research and conservation initiatives within the Maldives.

The Maldives Whale Shark Research (MWSR) is an NGO that exists to conduct whale shark research projects and to foster community focused conservation initiatives within the Maldives. Our goal is simple: we seek to advance the field of whale shark knowledge and to advocate for sound conservation policy in the Maldives. By encouraging and valuing community and industry stakeholder participation, we are able to leverage scientific research to safeguard the rich biodiversity and fragile marine ecosystems that are the basis for not only whale sharks, but also life, livelihood and culture in the Maldives.

02/10/2026

Most whale shark aggregation sites are driven by predictable increases in prey availability which can include copepods, euphausiid and sergestid shrimps, fish eggs and even small schooling fishes. Alas, these are ephemeral events and nothing lasts forever… even good soup 🥣 🦠

Sources: Motta et al., 2010 and Rowat & Brooks, 2012.

25/09/2026

New expedition date added for February 👀

In partnership with Secret Paradise | Maldives Tours, who operate the liveaboard experience, MWSR will guide you through hands-on community science as we work together to collect valuable whale shark sighting data that supports ongoing conservation and research.

Whether you’re an experienced ocean lover or simply passionate about marine conservation, this is your chance to make your time in the water count.

Spaces are limited for February 2027!

Register your interest via the link in our bio 🔗

📸 Julia & Tim | Wildlife Photography SOPHIA NASIF | ސޯފި & Theo Cabot

23/09/2026

Up close and personal with the King of South Ari 👑 any guesses who?

Please note this image is zoomed - always maintain at least a 3 metre distance when encountering whale sharks 🩵

20/09/2026

YOUR HOW-TO GUIDE: WHALE SHARK ENCOUNTER SUBMISSIONS 🦈✨

Every whale shark encounter matters. The photos and information submitted by our contributors help us learn more about individual whale sharks, their movements, behaviour and population - ultimately helping us better protect them 🩵

Not sure how to submit an encounter? We’ve put together this simple guide to help you get started, from taking the perfect ID shot to submitting your encounter through the Big Fish Network.

Already a contributor? Keep those encounters coming!

Not a contributor yet? There’s never been a better time to join!

16/09/2026

We had a great time at the Lhaviyani Turtle Festival organised by Atoll Marine Conservation and Naifaru Juvenile 🐢 it was so much fun spending time with the local community in Naifaru, and seeing all the other incredible presentations, stalls and festivities at the event.

A huge, huge thank you to the wonderful Laura from Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru - Maldives for joining us on the day to run our activities and to our lovely junior local volunteer Yalvee for helping out 💙 we appreciate you.

Scroll to see what we got up to!

12/09/2026

Unfortunately, boat propeller strikes on whale sharks are far too common - not just in the Maldives, but around the world.

We estimate that more than 70% of whale sharks in the Maldives have sustained at least one major injury, with vessel propeller strikes believed to be one of the primary causes.

Let’s all play our part in preventing this from getting worse. When operating in whale shark areas, remember to search slowly, maintain a safe distance, and consider additional measures such as propeller guards to help prevent serious injuries.

Together, we can help protect these gentle giants 🩵🦈

08/09/2026

We had a great time this weekend participating at Laamafaru Festival hosted by MUI by Six Senses Laamu 🪸 it was fantastic to see so many come together to celebrate the ocean, and to spend time with our peers from fellow Maldivian NGOs Manta Trust Maldives Manta Conservation Programme The Olive Ridley Project Parley Maldives Miyaru | Maldives Shark Research & Conservation Programme Maldives Resilient Reefs Atoll Marine Conservation Soneva CSM Coral Restoration and the guest of honour Zuna from Salted Ventures Swimmers

Scroll to see what we got up to!

Thank you to Owen Bornhorst for the official photos.

06/09/2026

Sometimes it’s like that…

30/08/2026

A special collaboration, inspired by a very special whale shark 🩵

To celebrate World Whale Shark Day, we’re incredibly excited to announce a limited-edition collaboration between Maldives Whale Shark Research (MWSR) and Island Lore.

Inspired by WS294 Reygandu - the whale shark who features in the MWSR logo - this collection of handcrafted fine-silver pieces celebrates both the beauty of whale sharks and our connection to the ocean.

Each piece is lovingly handmade to order by Shanu of Island Lore in Fuvahmulah, an island in the deep south of the Maldives where whale sharks have also been sighted 🦈✨

With only a limited number of pieces available, the collection will be made and sold until every piece has found a home.

And there’s an extra special reason to add one to your collection: a minimum of 25% of the proceeds from every piece will be donated to MWSR, helping to support our ongoing work to understand and protect whale sharks in the Maldives.

Prices are exclusive of international postage & packaging. Limited edition - available until sold out.

To place your order, simply complete the Google Form linked in our bio.

A little piece of Reygandu, a little piece of the Maldives, and a contribution towards the future of whale shark conservation 🩵

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York

Website

http://www.maldiveswhalesharkresearch.org/

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