Become a Citizen Scientist
Why Citizen Science Matters
By sharing your photos or videos of whale sharks and other marine species, you help scientists identify individual animals through their unique markings. This non-invasive method allows us to track movements, estimate population sizes, and even discover long-distance migrations across oceans. Your contributions support vital research on global connectivity and conservation—helping protect these species for future generations. Every sighting counts!
What to Include in Your Report
To make your submission as valuable as possible, please include:
✔︎ Location (GPS coordinates if available)
✔︎ Date and time of the sighting
✔︎ Your name and email so we can follow up if needed
You can report your sightings by emailing us at science@galapagoswhaleshark.org or through Sharkbook (see below).
Whale Shark Ambassador
Identify YOUR whale shark & help shark scientists around the world to protect these gentle giants of the oceans!
©Galapagos Whale Shark Project
01
Take photos (or screenshot of a video) of the LEFT SIDE of the Whale Shark (see highlighted area).
Take the photograph horizontally & as level as possible.
There should be no fish in front of & area clear visible.
If possible, take photo of the right side too (see area).
02
Take photos of any other additional markings, scars or injuries that can be used to identify this shark clearly from other individuals.
03
Take note of the date & location of your Whale Shark sighting.
Try to identify the shark as either male or female.
Take photos of the whole animal.
Set your camera on local time.
Keep your distance of min 3 meters / 10 feet to the animal
04
Submit your photos & observations to the international database www.sharkbook.ai or by scanning the QR code.
Stay informed: Get an email whenever YOUR whale shark is relighted!
