Our Goals at The East African Whale Shark Trust...
 

 

 
 
1.

To establish a permanent database for collecting and analyzing the environmental and ecological parameters of the whale shark population size, movements and habits in the region, thus providing data to substantiate the decision making process vis-à-vis eco-tourism, fisheries, conservation and protection both locally and regionally. It is hoped that this will increase international pressure for the CITES to be reviewed in order that the whale shark be classified as an endangered species. Currently the whale shark is on Appendix II requiring only that trade be monitored.

2.
To set up a center in order to conduct detailed research on the whale shark through a system of satellite tagging and tracking, collecting blood specimens for genetic tracing and close observation/filming in order to add to the world-wide knowledge base on whale sharks.
3.
To create an awareness among local fisherman by educating them as to the value of the whale shark alive both to the marine life ecosystem and to the tourist industry including how they can benefit personally as guides, whale shark carvings etc with money being directed back into these local communities.
4.
To educate young Kenyans by offering local schools a fun and informative programme including showing them a whale shark documentary illustrating whale shark behaviour, feeding patterns, ages, sexual maturity etc with the aim of promoting local interest and pride in these magnificent fish that visit our waters.
5.
To draft a whale shark monitoring/sighting report form and to distribute this form to all local dive schools and fishing boat operators; eventually working closely with other whale shark organizations in order to get a better understanding of whale shark migration patterns, distribution, feeding habits etc.
6.
To provide an accredited education programme for visitors incorporating whale shark safaris affording the opportunity to swim, snorkel and dive with whale shark following approved guidelines.
7.
To arrange sponsorships and funding from different environmental groups through sales of the trust’s whale shark DVD and “adopt a whale shark” projects.
8.
To handle the collection of funding/sponsorship in the correct way, investing the revenue back into the trust.

 
 
 
 
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