Whale Shark Watch was established in 1998. Our mission is to actively collect data on Whale Shark occurrences and behaviour patterns in the Sodwana Bay region with the aim of contributing to management strategies for the conservation of Whale Shark in this region.
WSW is a recognised and endorsed project of the Natal Sharks Board, Marine and Coastal Management and EKZNW. Whale Shark Watch is in the process of being registered as a Not-for Profit Organisation.
2006/2007 Whale Shark season sees commencement of the new I3S Photo-Identification programme which will monitor the Western Indian Ocean Whale Shark population.
As a non-funded project, Whale Shark Watch offers Interactive Experiences and Educational Awareness of Whale Sharks at Sodwana Bay to sustain data collection. Clients are afforded the opportunity of participating in the data collection and photo identification of whale sharks along with the opportunity of personalized and professionally managed interactions with the biggest fish in the ocean.
Whale Shark Watch Board Members:
Directors:
Rob Bester
Samantha Bester
Steve Rubin
Members:
Francois Burger – Sodwana Flight Services
Grant Smith – Sharklife Managing Director
Meaghen Mc Cord – South African Shark Conservancy Director
Scientific Advisors:
1. Prof. Vic Peddemors PHD
University of Kwa Zulu Natal
Director of Sea Predator Research Unit
2. Prof. Rob Harcourt
Director of Marine Science
MacQuarie University
Sydney, Australia
Whale Shark Watch Scientific Advisory Board:
Mr. Geremy Cliff
Mr. Herman Oosthuizen
Dr Kerry Sink
Prof. Vic Peddemors (Australia)
Prof. Mark Meekan (Australia)
Mr. David Rowatt (Seychelles)
Whale Shark Watch Government Advisors:
Mr. Herman Oosthuizen – Marine and Coastal Management