Exmouth Whale Sharks, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: Jun 12th, 2006
Your Research Mission: Swim with the world's largest fish to learn how to sustain their dwindled population.
The Whale Shark is in need of great care to ensure its futures survival. Currently listed by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) as vulnerable to extinction prior to the mid-1980s there had been less than 350 confirm confirmed sighting of whale sharks worldwide. However, at Ningaloo Reef the whale sharks return every year, providing tourists with the unique opportunity to swim alongside these gentle giants and making it one of the best places in the world to see and study whale sharks.
Earthwatch engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. They invite people to volunteer and actively participate in their research expeditions. Researchers need volunteers at sites around the world and one of the many projects they have underway is at Ningaloo Marine Park, involving Whale Shark research.
This is an opportunity for Earthwatch volunteers to be actively involved at all levels and be the precursor for similar programs at other whale shark sighting locations around the world.
Groups would normally be divided into two and their focus would either be to spend the day on the whale shark vessel, snorkelling and collecting data on the whale sharks. Volunteers would typically take plankton samples, Search for and snorkel with whale sharks, photograph individual whale sharks, measure whale sharks (where possible), record information on species swimming with whale sharks and much more.
Further Information
8 day Whale Shark Expedition from $3700 a person. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuate. Conditions apply.
Website: www.earthwatch.org/australia
Swim with the whale sharks from $330 a person. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuate. Conditions apply.
Three Islands Marine Charters
Website: www.whalesharkdive.com
Qantas one way to Perth from $265 ex Adelaide, $281 ex Melbourne, $295 ex Sydney, $350 ex Brisbane. Prices available online and include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
Website: www.qantas.com
Connect to Exmouth from $218 one way. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation and availability. Conditions apply.
Skywest
Website: www.skywest.com.au
Half hour scenic flight from $60 a person. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Minimum of three passengers.
Norwest Air Work
Website: www.norwestairwork.com.au
Best Western Sea Breeze Resort in Exmouth has rooms starting from $110 per night.
Website: www.seabreezeresort.com.au
Learn more about whale sharks and help with the conservation of this threatened species.
Website: www.ecocean.org
Prices correct at 12/6/06.
