Welcome to Utila, one of the beautiful Bay Islands of Honduras!

An aerial view of Utila.

The Utila Whale Shark Research Project is an initial five-year study of the population dynamics and ethology of the whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) that visit Utila. These amazing creatures can be seen year-round, however, they are most prevalent during the months of February through April. Using cutting-edge technology for photo-identification, the project is generating data that can be used for local population estimation as well as for broader studies throughout the Caribbean and the rest of the world. As a "threatened species", we seek to understand our local whale shark population in order to better protect it. This requires solid science and a commitment to local conservation.

Who is running this project?

A whale shark comes up behind our dive boat. Great care must be taken to protect these creatures during data collection.

The Utila Whale Shark Research Project is managed locally by the staff of Deep Blue Utila, and data is collected from visiting divers and snorkellers and from local fishermen. Data from the project is entered into the ECOCEAN Whale Shark Photo-identification Library where it can be accessed by researchers all over the world. Using the ECOCEAN Library ensures that collected data is available locally and globally, and the open and visible nature of the database and its built-in email system ensure that contributors are informed of how their data is being used. Deep Blue Utila is committed to utilizing the best technologies and methodologies available while maintaining complete transparency and maximum safety, both for researchers and for the whale sharks, in data collection. Our objective is to make our project's results available for local conservation efforts and to ensure their validity through peer review and publication.

You can help!

Whale Shark Research FAQs What type of photographs can be used? How do I report an encounter? How is reported data analyzed? How can I sign up for a trip?

Because we use safe, non-invasive photo-identification, the Utila Whale Shark Research Project allows anyone visiting Utila or another Caribbean dive site to collect whale shark data. It's as simple as taking a photograph of the animal's natural spot patterning behind the gills on the left side (primary patterning) and right side (secondary patterning). From the photographs, these spots are mapped into a database and pattern-recognition software scans for matches to previously identified animals. This data can be collected from a safe distance and without any harm to the shark. More importantly, photo-identification data is valuable far beyond the very limited timeframe of conventional plastic tagging. The data you collect will help build "life histories" for each animal, and with an estimated life span of 60+ years, your data will have a long-term impact on global whale shark research and conservation.

Interested? Join our research efforts in beautiful Utila! Contact Deep Blue Utila!