The Madagascar Whale Shark Project (MWSP), initially a collaborative research project looking at whale shark abundance, saw its inception in 2016 after unexpected high numbers of whale sharks were observed in a preliminary season in 2015, thanks to opportunistic data collection by local operators.
Through our work we aim to better understand the species population ecology in Nosy Be, while supporting the development of effective protection for whale sharks thanks to our scientific research, such as the implementation of the code of conduct. Community engagement is a key tenet of our work, and we currently work in various schools in Nosy Be through our education programme.
At the Madagascar Whale Shark Project, now a registered foundation, we collaborate with international institutions and projects, such as MADA Megafauna, the Marine Megafauna Foundation, Florida International University, l’Institut Halieutique et des Sciences Marines in Madagascar and the Pelagic Ecology Research Group at the University of St Andrews, UK. Our local operating partner in Nosy Be is Les Baleines Rand’eau, and we are based at MADA Megafauna’s office in Madirokely.
Our work is supported by the Shark Foundation, Aqua-Firma, Natural World Safaris, Waterlust, the Marine Megafauna Foundation, the Tropical Conservation Institute, the Batchelor Foundation, the PADI Foundation, IdeaWild, Vocatio, Clear Reef Social Fund, Flying Sharks, Lush Charity Pot Foundation, Cressi, Nosy Saba Island Resort & Spa, Les Baleines Rand’eau, and MADA Megafauna.