As a research organisation, much of our scientific work focuses on the anthropogenic impact, which includes disturbances to whale sharks’ natural behaviour. Over years of field observations, particularly in our main study site of South Ari, we have noticed what a huge role that the correct snorkeler and vessel code of conduct plays when encountering these elusive, gentle giants.

South Ari is a unique aggregation site where – we theorise – juvenile, highly resident individuals aggregate specifically to engage in resting and thermoregulation. Disturbance to this vital time can impact the whale shark’s overall health, which is alarming when one considers the overcrowding and vessel speeding in the area, which has been prolific over these last years. These factors also correlate with an increase in whale shark injuries and a decrease in abundance.

While it is important to quantify and understand what role anthropogenic disturbance plays, as an organisation that upholds community engagement as a core value, MWSRP also works to actively spread awareness on the subject in the form of in-situ workshops and also among our online community. In 2021 MWSRP began the process of creating a visual briefing pack resource for guides to use during their guest briefing and further streamline the briefing process and enrich the guest experience. This resource is now available in eight languages and is used by many operators across the resort, guesthouse and liveaboard space in Maldives. This work of MWSRP’s has since been further bolstered by the Be Gentle to Giants Campaign and the stakeholder perception surveys towards whale shark tourism in South Ari Atoll.

Guidelines for whale shark code of conduct (in-water and vessel code of conduct) within SAMPA have been in place since 2009. However, it is the enforcement of these guidelines which is desperately needed and many local operators are concerned for the whale shark’s welfare and future. The process of regulation and management will begin in 2025.