Guest participation
Photo-identification submissions
Guests submit identification photographs. Photo-ID data collected on GSD expeditions goes into Sharkbook.ai, the global whale shark photo-identification database.
Shark Conservation Expedition
On Shark Conservation Expedition departures, one GWSP shark scientist is aboard. Guests can take part in citizen science through photo identification and standardized SharkCount observations.
Participation, not a promised result
How an observation moves toward research.
1
An opportunity is available
The expedition offers a supported activity; attendance alone is not participation.
2
You take part
A guest may photograph identification markings or join a standardized SharkCount observation.
3
A submission is made
Suitable images may be submitted for review through the established research workflow.
4
A contribution is accepted
Only review can establish whether a submission becomes a useful research record.
What you do and what you do not do
You do
Dive normally. If you want to, take photos of animals for identification — for example, the whale shark gill area, manta bellies or turtle faces. Spend a few minutes of your time; it costs nothing extra. Learn from the shark scientist on board, ask questions and attend short presentations.
You do not
You do not tag, handle or touch animals, or take samples. These activities are not part of the trips and are not allowed.
Sightings are never guaranteed.
The work aboard
Guest activities and scientist-led work.
The distinction matters to the integrity of the research.
Guest participation
SharkCount observation protocol
Standardised observation and count protocols that guests take part in during dives (GSD refers to this as "SharkCount").
About 80% of our company profits go to the Galapagos Whale Shark Project and the Gills Club.
A guest is never promised a match, a research result or scientific credit. The Research Passport records each stage separately.