Whale Shark Diaries

Dedicated to protecting the Earth's largest fish through collaborative research, conservation & education facilitated by responsible ecotourism in La Paz, Mexico.

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Research

Collaborative and independent research to better under the species. Research interests include but are not limited to abundance and migrations of whale sharks in our dynamic region and better management and protection for the species globally.

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Conservation

The scientific study of nature and the conservation of biodiversity with the aim of protecting species, habitats and ecosystems from anthropogenic activities.

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Education

Working with schools, colleges, orphanages, locals and tourists to raise awareness about the whale sharks and other marine creatures that share their habitat.

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Support Us

There are many ways you can support us from adopting a whale shark or buying a t-shirt to joining us on one of our informative whale shark trips or enrolling in our internship program.

Responsible and fun whale shark trips in La Paz, Mexico that support the conservation of this endangered species.

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About Us

Our motivations and project goals

Whale Shark Diaries is focused on helping to gain a better understanding of the endangered whale shark.

We exist to contribute to collaborative research, conservation and educational activities to increase the level of awareness and protection for this socially and economically important species.

Whale Shark Diaries works in collaboration with Wildbook for Whale Sharks, a Wild Me Project engineered by Jason Holmberg which is a global photo-identification library and visual database of whale shark encounters and of individually catalogued whale sharks. The library is maintained and used by marine biologists and citizen scientists to collect and analyze whale shark sighting data to learn more about these amazing creatures.

We work with schools, colleges and orphanages to help raise awareness with the younger community of La Paz and involve them in our conservation efforts.

We host trips for environmentally conscious individuals and groups to join us for informative trips to learn about the biology, life-history and conservation status of these gentle giants.

THE TEAM

Jay Gittens

Project Director

Marine biologist specialising in whale sharks. Jay is primarily interested in supporting ongoing studies to better understand the migratory pathways of the regions whale sharks by helping to identify important areas for this highly migratory species. Co-founder of MarineScape Conservation in 2012.

Natalie Lynn Lichtenbert

Conservation Officer

Zoologist and Wildlife Correspondent, Natalie Lynn has been involved in numerous projects including plastic bans, bird population monitoring and working as a Climate Reality Leader. Whale sharks have captured her heart in their gentleness and size. Preserving their populations and learning more about them is of utmost importance.

Michael Bear

Community Outreach Coordinator

Citizen Science Project Director for Ocean Sanctuaries, a San Diego based non-profit organization devoted to creating and supporting marine citizen science projects. Michael is working with us to develop and maintain our citizen science program which will train non-scientists on data collection techniques.

Bethan Ward

Conservation Intern 2017

Studied Marine Biology/ Zoology at The School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Wales, United Kingdom. Bethan is interested in a whole range of species, however is using this time to gain new and great experiences to guide her career and future in wildlife conservation.

Jessica Emily Sherlock

Conservation Intern 2017

Studied BSc Marine Vertebrate Zoology at The School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, North Wales, UK. Jessica is interest in all shark species, particularly whale sharks, and is using this internship to gain a greater understanding of practical research and conservation in the hope of progressing her career.

Maria Abbotto

Conservation Intern 2017

Studied BSc Animal Behaviour at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambrdige, UK. Maria is interested in different types of species, both terrestrial and marine, with a particular concern for their behaviour. She is using this internship to gain experience and a deeper knowledge regarding the conservation and behaviour of whale sharks.

TJ Mapes

Conservation Intern 2017

Aspiring citizen scientist and conservationist eternally interested and inspired by the ocean. TJ is a business owner from Chicago and enjoys volunteering to clean up the local beaches on Lake Michigan. He took this internship to gain a deeper knowledge and respect for whale sharks.

Juan Arévalo Villeda

Conservation Intern 2017

A Berlitz Language Instructor from Mexico City who also loves sharks, crocodiles, and fishes. He took this internship to learn more about whale shark behaviour and conservation in the Mexican Pacific area, and compare it to the experiences he has had freediving with whale sharks in the Mexican Caribbean.

Read the TripAvisor Reviews for our Informative and Fun Whale Shark Trips in La Paz, Baja California Sur.

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Latest From the Diaries

Photo Identification: How Star System Algorithms Have Lead to Identifying Whale Sharks

Just like a human fingerprint, whale sharks have their own unique patterns. Scientists can use these distinctive spots and stripes to identify individuals and track their growth, movements and migrations across the planet. Photo identification is a common practise amongst many animal research projects. Species include humpback whales, manta rays, turtles, seals, cheetahs, lizards, giraffes Read more about Photo Identification: How Star System Algorithms Have Lead to Identifying Whale Sharks[…]

International Whale Shark Day – August 30, 2017

A project in collaboration with scientists, conservationists, underwater photographers and ocean enthusiasts from around the globe to help bring the endangered whale shark, Rhincodon typus, into the spotlight for International Whale Shark Day, August 30, 2017 International Whale Shark Day is a global celebration of the whale shark, Rhincodon typus, an endangered animal on the Read more about International Whale Shark Day – August 30, 2017[…]

Raising awareness about whale sharks through school presentations and activities – “World Oceans Day”, June 8, 2017

“The future belongs to the children” In celebration of World Oceans Day June 8, 2017 by Whale Shark Diaries In collaboration with Montessori Del Cabo, Ocean Sanctuaries, Dive O’Clock and World Oceans Day. The event and activities I spent the last three days working with the students and guides of Montessori Del Cabo, a Montessori Read more about Raising awareness about whale sharks through school presentations and activities – “World Oceans Day”, June 8, 2017[…]

Raising Awareness of Whale Sharks through School Presentations

Whale Shark Diaries has been busy! Recently our team visited Columbus English Language School and Colegio St. Johns– two local schools in La Paz, BCS. Our goal was to provide the students with some basic information on whale sharks, our project, and the positives and negatives of whale shark tourism. We are excited to share Read more about Raising Awareness of Whale Sharks through School Presentations[…]

5 Ways You Can Help Save the Ocean

You don’t have to be a marine biologist to aid our oceans. If you are passionate about marine conservation but don’t know what you can do to help, then look no further. Here are five simple ways you can help save our oceans. 1. Reduce your energy consumption One of the easiest ways you can Read more about 5 Ways You Can Help Save the Ocean[…]

Top Nine Eco-Friendly Activities in La Paz, Mexico

La Paz BCS, Mexico is a popular tourist destination for national and international visitors alike. Well known for its downtown boardwalk and beautiful ocean views of the Sea of Cortez, La Paz also offers a variety of eco-friendly activites throughout the year. Check out our list below for some of our favourites. Visit the Anthropology Read more about Top Nine Eco-Friendly Activities in La Paz, Mexico[…]

Day in the Life of a Whale Shark Intern

Our average day starts with free yoga, where we relax while overlooking the marina below. After a good stretch we walk down the Malecón to the boat launch, where we meet Captain Erick to get the boat ready for our trip. Usually the water in the morning is calm, and it’s an easy boat ride Read more about Day in the Life of a Whale Shark Intern[…]

Whale shark trip November 28 2016

Today we had six whale shark encounters which turned out to be five individuals. One shark was new to us, a three metre male. Two are known from La Paz bay and the remaining two were first sighted 1000 kilometres north of here in Bahia de Los Angeles two years ago. One of the encounters Read more about Whale shark trip November 28 2016[…]

Neonate whale shark sightings extremely rare

Although the whale shark, Rhincodon typus, was first discovered way back in 1828, there are only 21 confirmed reports of neonate whale sharks globally. In this species, a neonate is generally defined as an individual measuring 1.5 metres in length or less. In 2009, a ‘baby’ whale shark specimen was found off the coast of Read more about Neonate whale shark sightings extremely rare[…]

Bottlenose dolphin encounter whilst out monitoring the whale sharks of La Paz Bay

I have an amazing bottlenose dolphin encounter to share with you. This video is just 18 seconds long. First please read, the video link is at the foot of the post. I followed a very small (approx. 2 metre), shy juvenile whale shark into the shallows before losing sight of it. Suddenly I could hear Read more about Bottlenose dolphin encounter whilst out monitoring the whale sharks of La Paz Bay[…]

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