Maldives Whale Shark Research

20/06/2026

Great Code of Conduct from the team at 👏🏼 this was during a lucky encounter with the famous WS071 Fernando!

Remember to always maintain a 3 metre distance from the whale shark’s body, and 4 metre distance from the tail. You are far more likely to have a longer and more enjoyable encounter if you stick to these guidelines 🤗

📷 Thanks to .o_ for this beautiful drone footage!

19/06/2026

13/06/2026

✨ A milestone worth celebrating! ✨

We’re thrilled to share the 900th individual whale shark recorded in our database: Arshy - އަރުޝީ

Arshy is a juvenile female measuring just 2.5 metres in length, making her one of the smaller whale sharks documented in the Maldives. She was first sighted and named by the wonderful Captain Dhonbo from at our partner resort, 🩵

Reaching 900 identified whale sharks is a major milestone for our research, and it would not have been possible without the dedication, support, and contributions of the Big Fish Network. Every sighting submitted helps us build a better understanding of these incredible animals and strengthens long-term conservation efforts in the Maldives.

To everyone who has contributed sightings over the years: thank you. This achievement belongs to all of us 💙

Thanks to for capturing this beautiful footage of Arshy during a recent encounter with her!

Maldives

08/06/2026

🌊 World Oceans Day 2026 🌊

This year’s theme - “Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet” - is a reminder of just how important SAMPA is for whale sharks, local communities, and sustainable tourism in the Maldives.

Since its establishment in 2009, SAMPA has helped protect one of the world’s most important year-round whale shark aggregation sites - and while challenges remain, there is still plenty of reason for hope.

At MWSR, our role is to provide the scientific data and long-term monitoring that help inform management decisions. But the future of SAMPA depends on all of us. Operators, guides, guests, researchers, Rangers, and authorities each have a role to play in creating safer, more sustainable whale shark encounters.

Small actions matter. Following regulations, respecting the Code of Conduct, listening to guides, and supporting responsible tourism can all help protect the whale sharks that make SAMPA so special.

This World Oceans Day, let’s celebrate how far we’ve come - and continue working together towards a future where whale sharks and people can thrive side by side 🩵🦈

06/06/2026

🦈 MYTH OR FACT? 🧐

Think you know whale sharks? Put your knowledge to the test with our Whale Shark Science Edition!

Swipe through and see if you can separate fact from fiction while learning more about the biology, behaviour and conservation of the world’s largest fish.

How many did you get right? Let us know your score in the comments below!👇

03/06/2026

When the buffet is good, everyone shows up 🤩

Whale sharks and manta rays may look very different, but they share a similar strategy: filtering tiny plankton from the water.

Seasonal blooms, upwellings, and nutrient-rich currents can attract both species to the same location, creating extraordinary encounters like this one!

📷 Thanks to for the fabulous capture!



Have you ever been lucky enough to encounter a whale shark and manta ray together?!

31/05/2026

What an incredible experience attending Sharks International 2026 🦈🌍

We’re so proud to have shared MWSR’s research on an international stage, connected with inspiring members of the global conservation community, and represented whale shark research and conservation in the Maldives alongside so many passionate people.

A huge thank you to the Sharks International Organising Committee, Blue Resources Trust, and all of our amazing partners and supporters who made our attendance possible 💙

29/05/2026

It’s 📸 and today we’re featuring and her spectacular photo capture of a young juvenile whale shark!

Did you know 💡 whale sharks fertilize phytoplankton by bringing nutrition from the deep waters up to the surface where they disperse it as faecal matter.

27/05/2026

Whale sharks are full of surprises 🦈✨ swipe through to learn more about our favourite gentle giants!