The document is about the Whale Shark Research Project, a marine conservation organization based in Baja California, Mexico. There are three ways to get involved with the Project: 1) Volunteer for 1-10 weeks to participate in data collection, field research, and learn about whale sharks and Mexican culture. 2) Upload whale shark identification photos to an online database to help scientists track the sharks. 3) Adopt a whale shark to support the Project's efforts and receive updates on the adopted shark.

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WHALE SHARK
RESEARCH PROJECTIN SEARCH OF A WORTHY CAUSE? HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP.
BY KATIE POGGIO
MISSION Generating marine conservation through researching whale sharks, preserving
the marine ecosystem and encouraging the sustainable use of Mexico’s natural resources
HQ Baja California, Mexico YEAR FOUNDED 2014 CONTACT info@whalesharkrp.com
PROJECT Spanning up to 40 feet and weighing over 45,000 pounds, whale sharks are the
ocean’s largest living fsh. The Whale Shark Research Project is committed to conservation,
scientifc research, public awareness and education for these gentle giants.
1VOLUNTEER
WSRP participants
have the opportuni-
ty to spend between
one and 10 weeks mak-
ing a diference while
exploring La Paz Bay,
Espiritu Santo Island
or Los Cabos in the Gulf
of California. During
your time volunteering,
you’ll have the oppor-
tunity to learn data-
collection techniques,
monitor juvenile whale
sharks, participate
in feld research and
immerse yourself in
Mexican culture.
2PHOTOGRAPH
Akin to a human
fngerprint, distinct spot
patterns can be found
around the shark’s gill
area. Divers can upload
whale shark photos to
an online global iden-
tifcation database at
whaleshark.org. After
photos are submitted,
spot-recognition soft-
ware identifes the
whale sharks, allow-
ing scientists to follow
their travels and ana-
lyze shark-sighting data
to discover more about
these mammoth fsh.
3ADOPT
Support WSRP’s eforts
by adopting your very
own whale shark. Your
shark won’t be com-
ing home with you —
instead it will remain
wild and free while you
receive updates on its
journey through the
ocean. After choosing
either an annual adop-
tion basis or a lifetime
option, adopters are of-
fered a life history of the
shark along with a pro-
fessional photograph
of the newly adopted
family member.
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C U R R E N T S
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