Also, participants need not be SCUBA certified, but should be able to swim independently and be comfortable swimming in open water.
Participants are not required to have previous experience with field studies. The Sharkbook for Whale Sharks project aims to combine innovative technology that applies spot pattern recognition algorithms used by astronomers to recognize celestial patterns in the night sky to identify individual whale sharks via these unique, behind-the-gill spots. The distinctive spot patterns of these marine giants are unique to each individual-just like fingerprints are to humans-and can be used to identify and track the sharks we encounter. You will become a trained community-science researcher, photographing whale sharks and uploading data that is shared collaboratively with researchers all over the world. No prior research experience is necessary on this trip. You can donate to our scholarship fund here or reach out to us to learn more or if you are interested in applying. We never want money to be the barrier to making a trip, so we have created a scholarship fund to bring the Baja experience to people who would otherwise be unable to visit. Reservation and payment details can be found below.Įquitable access to nature is a core value of VSI. Reservations are first-come, first-serve and are NOT finalized until the reservation form is complete and payment is received. Here at VSI, we strive to create meaningful connections between the marine wildlife, the community, and you – our participants – in order to build a sustainable future for both. In Bahía de los Ángeles, Mexico, the home of the Vermilion Sea Field Station, whale sharks visit the water en masse throughout the summer and fall months bringing many visitors to this region and serving as an important economic driver for the community. Our Stars to Sea community science program brings together individuals from a variety of backgrounds to help the scientific community uncover the mysteries of this threatened species and aid in world-wide conservation efforts!ĭue to their docile and approachable nature, whale sharks have become ambassadors of the oceans and a targeted species for the ever-growing ecotourism industry.
Fortunately, The Vermilion Sea Field Station has been lucky enough to welcome these huge fish, along with an abundance of other marine life each year in Bahía de los Ángeles. Lack of knowledge about habitat and migration patterns makes experiencing these amazing creatures a challenge. Gentle giants of the sea, whale sharks ( Rhincodon typus ) are the largest fish on Earth with a maximum length of around 40 feet in length. Our Stars to Sea program combines a vacation full of adventure, wildlife and nature with the unique opportunity to participate in real community science on one of the world’s most elusive and fascinating creatures!
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