Volunteering for Maldives Whale Shark Research

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Volunteering as a diver for any marine conservation project is a great opportunity for passionate divers. My passion is working as a citizen scientist volunteer with sharks and other megafauna.

I spent 10 days on the MV Felicity dive boat with an exceptional group of ocean lovers. We studied, surveyed, took photos, observed, and identified whale sharks in South Ari Atoll, Maldives, with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Program.

There are specific steps to approaching a whale shark. They are not tactile creatures, so touching one may cause it to dive. Never block a whale shark's path, so avoid swimming directly in front of a whale shark and on top of one, which may prevent its surfacing. Stay away from the tail fin. A sudden movement may cause serious injury if hit by a whale shark fin....

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