Diving with Purpose: Supporting Marine Conservation
At Galapagos Shark Diving, every dive is more than an adventure—it’s a commitment to marine conservation. We are proud to announce that, thanks to our incredible diving community, we have donated $18,030 USD to the Galapagos Whale Shark Project (GWSP) in 2024. This brings our total contributions to over $80,500 since 2019, directly supporting whale shark research and conservation efforts in the Galapagos Islands.
2024: A Year of Growth & Impact
For a comprehensive overview of this year's research and findings, view the Galapagos Whale Shark Project Annual Fieldwork Report 2024.
This year’s donation has funded groundbreaking research projects, allowing GWSP to expand its vital work in whale shark conservation. Key achievements include:
1. Deploying New Satellite Tags
During the 2024 field season, researchers successfully tagged six adult female whale sharks at Darwin Island using SPLASH10-346 fin-mounted satellite tags. These tags provide crucial data on whale shark migration routes and behavior, helping scientists understand their movement patterns and risks.
2. Advancing Reproductive Health Studies
To gain insights into whale shark reproduction, the team conducted 15 ultrasound scans and collected five blood samples to assess their overall health and reproductive condition. This data is essential for understanding breeding cycles and potential nursery areas.
3. Groundbreaking Migration Findings
One of the most significant discoveries of 2024 came from Elise (#262715), a newly identified whale shark. Over seven months, Elise traveled 17,000
km across the Pacific before returning to the Galapagos. This unprecedented journey sheds light on the vast distances whale sharks cover and highlights the threats posed by illegal
fishing in international waters.
Want to explore Elise’s journey? Check out her migration map below!
Ever Wondered How Whale Sharks Get Their Names?
As a thank-you to our divers, we invite them to participate in our annual ‘Name a Whale Shark’ contest. Guests onboard submit name ideas during our liveaboard trips, and at the end of the season, our founder, Jenny, selects the winning names. These names are then assigned to newly tagged whale sharks during the Galapagos Whale Shark Project research expedition.
Curious about past winners? Explore the 2023 ‘Name a Whale Shark’ Contest results here!
Overcoming Challenges in Whale Shark Research
While 2024 brought exciting discoveries, researchers faced challenges, including:
- Adverse weather conditions impacting field operations.
- Limitations in ultrasound technology, making it difficult to penetrate the thick skin of adult whale sharks.
Despite these obstacles, invaluable data was collected, contributing to conservation management strategies and advocating for the expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Our Divers: The True Heroes of Conservation
The success of our conservation efforts wouldn’t be possible without our incredible diving community. Every diver who joins Galapagos Shark Diving plays a crucial role in funding
whale shark research, making a direct impact on marine conservation.
To celebrate their contributions, we’re showcasing some group photos from this year’s expeditions.
A Diver’s Role in Conservation
Our divers are more than just participants—they are ocean stewards. Beyond contributing financially, they leave each expedition with a deeper appreciation for marine conservation, carrying this knowledge into their own communities. By diving with us, they become part of a movement that extends far beyond the Galapagos.
In 2024, we expanded our educational outreach, ensuring that every diver leaves our liveaboard experience with the tools to advocate for ocean conservation worldwide.
How You Can Support Whale Shark Conservation
Even if you can’t join us on a dive, you can still make an impact!
Donate directly to
the Galapagos Whale Shark Project to support critical research.
Stay connected with the Galapagos Whale Shark Project’s journey—follow along on social media!
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
Our mission to protect whale sharks continues! With your support, we aim to expand conservation efforts, deploy more tracking devices, and advocate for stricter protections of whale sharks in the Galápagos and beyond.
Thank you to every diver who has joined us on this journey. Together, we are making a difference for whale sharks and the future of our oceans!
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@galapagossharkdiving.com.
Write a comment