Whale Shark Research Training in Philippines

“Extraordinary opportunities exist to restore and sustainably develop our oceans in order to protect them and sustain all life on this planet” – Cristina Mittermeier.

We are Marine Science students from University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) currently looking for funding to a 3-month (June – August 2019) training with Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute (LAMAVE) who is working on conserving the large marine vertebrates in Philippines. Then, further studies of elasmobranch (sharks and rays) will be conducted after the program to ensure the sustainability and longevity of this species in the marine environment. The focus of the training will be in shark tagging, data collection and survey techniques, and policy development for shark resource management.

The oceans are home to billions of species. However, scientists discovered one in four sharks, rays, and skates are facing extinction. Whale sharks , which are one of the endangered species of shark, contributed much in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem for a long time. The extinction of whale shark could lead to few consequences that could cause the uprising or depletion of certain marine species which might affect the whole food web of the ocean and even terrestrial areas. It is essential to acquire skills from the training for conducting research regarding the species. By implementing skills such as shark tagging, the migration pattern and their interaction and behaviors could be studied in order to understand their ecological importance. We hope that through this hands-on practical training, we could contribute to the scientific field in terms of discovering the knowledge and skills regarding whale sharks and also to accomplish our duty as Marine Science students who are familiar with the current threats and the possible harmful outcomes if these problems encountered are ignored. However, we have insufficient funds to be able to do so. We need your help to contribute to our knowledge and skills in order to conserve the animals. This is to ensure the sustainability and longevity of balanced marine ecosystem.

The funding collected will all go to accommodation, transport, gears, facilities, and practical training throughout the investigation in LAMAVE. Every single donation will be greatly appreciated. With your contribution, we are able to help the whale sharks and our oceans.

Thank you in advance for your support.