Whale Shark Exploration in the Andaman Sea

Golden Buddha Beach Resort in collaboration with Ecocean invites all divers with an interest in adventure, conservation, and nature to participate in our Whale Shark Exploration Programme this March and April. The objective is to search, identify, and track whale sharks in Thailand 's Andaman Sea. This is accomplished using state of the art technology developed by Australian marine scientist and Rolex Laureate Brad Norman. The technology is based on an algorithm pioneered by NASA scientists working with the Hubble space telescope to record and identify constellations. The breakthrough for marine biology and conservation came when Brad Norman adapted and applied this formula to identifying individual whale sharks by their unique pattern.

Unlike older tracking and monitoring methods that involve invasive radio tagging our programme uses underwater digital cameras as the primary tool. Divers simply photograph the whale sharks' spot patterns (then the digital image is processed using Brad Norman 's system). Divers are also instructed on keeping the proper distance from the sharks and making minimal impact on the surrounding environment “I think it is really the way ecotourism should be- leaving no footprints” said Brad Norman. Guests of Golden Buddha and divers who participate in our programme are the type of individuals drawn to adventure but at the same time realize that without conservation and protection such experiences would not be possible.

After the encounter divers then submit the photographs to Ecocean's database and online library. One of the most personally rewarding aspects of this research is that the technology allows individual sharks to be identified and recorded. So for example a whale shark spotted at Richelieu Rock by one of our divers can be identified the next day as the same whale shark spotted 1000 miles away feeding in the Red Sea. Brad Norman explains “When whale shark photos are logged in our online library each shark is assigned its own number and when someone photographs the same creature again, both photographers are informed by email. In this way you can track of the progress of 'your' shark as others spot it."

In 2005 Brad Norman first tested the concept in Australia and a year later he received the Rolex Award for Enterprise in recognition of his innovation in marine biology. This sponsorship has allowed Brad to take his system worldwide to more than 20 countries where whale sharks are often sited. Last February we were honoured to host Brad Norman. Golden Buddha Beach Resort will be the data collection point for Thailand and help to engage other dive operators in the program. "We've identified 1000 individual whale sharks worldwide since we started" said Brad Norman. Whale Sharks are often spotted in Thailand 's Andaman Sea especially near Richelieu Rock and we hope to increase the number of new sightings with the launch of our programme this March.

Golden Buddha Beach Resort is the first resort outside Australia to give visitors the opportunity to participate in what will be a global tracking program, comprising institutions and individuals all over the world. Participants in our whale shark exploration program will search for whale sharks at some of the best dive sites in Thailand, including Richelieu Rock and the Surin islands, also famous for Manta Rays. We will also spend some time searching with local fisherman on long-tail boats in sites that are suitable for snorkeling (tides permitting). This year there have been numerous sightings of whale sharks, but it should be remembered that these are rare fish and there is no guarantee of seeing one. We partner with a prestigious local dive operator called Wicked diving ( http://www.wickeddiving.com/ ) that has a reputation for environmentally responsible dive programs, and a high regard for safety. For individuals who want to dive every day this should be possible (our program includes three days of diving).  

Just visiting Thailand is an adventure in and of itself, but actually diving here to explore whale sharks will be amazing. This is an opportunity for divers to give something back. Brad sums things up nicely by stating “The whale shark project proves that ordinary people can play an important part in helping to conserve wildlife and protect the oceans” Although everyone is encouraged to participate in this groundbreaking project we have a set of requirements to ensure the safety of our divers.

Requirements:

1. All participants should be a minimum of PADI open water qualified or equivalent.
2. Participants should feel confident in their diving skills. The dive sites occasionally experience strong currents and are located in a remote part of Thailand.
3. All equipment can be hired from the local dive operator. Golden Buddha Beach Resort will provide the camera equipment.
4. The first program will run from 24 -30 March with additional dates in April. A minimum number of participants is required
5. All participants should have adequate insurance
6. Itinerary's might change depending on sea and weather conditions.

Detailed itinerary and prices	Read about Brad's visit to Golden Buddha in the Bangkok Post