DiveTheGalapagos
Contributor
I assume everyone knows that in January 2022, the Galapagos Marine Reserve was officially expanded by 23,166 square miles to provide a migratory swimway between Galapagos and Cocos Island. That happened thanks to the work of Migramar, a supergroup of scientists and organizations who were able to provide enough data to merit the expansion. It would not have happened without their 10 year dedication to making it happen.
It's high season in Galapagos, the time when whale sharks migrate through Darwin and Wolf. If you are heading there, please consider helping scientists help pelagic species. Here are 2 very important ways you can help:
1) Download the free app Shark Count before you leave home, set up your account and use it in Galapagos. It is designed so you can use it without internet and then it will upload your data once you have internet again. It helps you log shark sightings which in turn will help scientists with the data they need to protect sharks and other pelagic species. It began as an app only for Galapagos, but now include Mexico, Cocos and the Ecuadorian coast. You can find it on the App Store for iPhones or Google Play for Androids.
2) Use the photos you get of whale sharks to help identify individuals. This is really important. In May, an individual previously identified from photos in Galapagos was identified in Socorro! Scientists can't tag all individuals, but divers who are willing to help can expand the opportunity to identify individuals enormously. And that's data they can use to campaign on behalf of whale sharks.
You can learn how to take a photo that will identify an individual and can upload your identifying photos at the same site: Sharkbook: Wildbook for Sharks
It doesn't take a lot of effort from you to make a difference in conservation. Please take the initiative in these 2 ways to make a difference. Please. Pretty please.
It's high season in Galapagos, the time when whale sharks migrate through Darwin and Wolf. If you are heading there, please consider helping scientists help pelagic species. Here are 2 very important ways you can help:
1) Download the free app Shark Count before you leave home, set up your account and use it in Galapagos. It is designed so you can use it without internet and then it will upload your data once you have internet again. It helps you log shark sightings which in turn will help scientists with the data they need to protect sharks and other pelagic species. It began as an app only for Galapagos, but now include Mexico, Cocos and the Ecuadorian coast. You can find it on the App Store for iPhones or Google Play for Androids.
2) Use the photos you get of whale sharks to help identify individuals. This is really important. In May, an individual previously identified from photos in Galapagos was identified in Socorro! Scientists can't tag all individuals, but divers who are willing to help can expand the opportunity to identify individuals enormously. And that's data they can use to campaign on behalf of whale sharks.
You can learn how to take a photo that will identify an individual and can upload your identifying photos at the same site: Sharkbook: Wildbook for Sharks
It doesn't take a lot of effort from you to make a difference in conservation. Please take the initiative in these 2 ways to make a difference. Please. Pretty please.
