Madagascar Whale Shark Project

The whale shark, the world's largest fish, is a listed endangered species, threatened by industrial fishing, plastic pollution and boat collisions, which is disappearing at an alarming rate. Initially a pilot project, the Madagascar Whale Shark Project Foundation has been working to protect whale sharks in Madagascar since 2016, and relies on scientific information through a research programme to raise awareness among local communities, tourism stakeholders and the general public. Through our work, we are collaborating in the institution of regulations for the protection of the species at a national level.

Mission / Focus

The Foundation has chosen to focus its energy on three strategic areas of action:

1. The collection and analysis of scientific data, in order to develop our knowledge of this endangered species and share it with the scientific community
2. Studying local practices and the influence of tourism in order to identify the threats to which whale sharks are exposed and measure the economic impact of their presence
3. Raising awareness among operators and local communities about the importance of biodiversity

We are convinced that it is by combining these three objectives that we will be able to contribute to the implementation of regulations at the national level and thus participate in a sustainable conversation about the area.