Jennifershark
Registered
Biologists at the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) in Ocean Springs, Mississippi NEED YOUR HELP now more than ever.
The BP/Deepwater Horizon oil spill is already in northern Gulf of Mexico ESSENTIAL whale shark habitat, and the PEAK season of occurrence in this region is at hand. Based on their filter feeding behavior and the amount of time they spend at the surface of the water, these sharks are highly susceptible to impacts from the oil.
You Can Help
It is vital to document all sightings of whale sharks in the northern Gulf of Mexico at this time. If you encounter a whale shark, please report your sighting online at Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
Please share this online survey with others to ensure all observations are reported.
To Report a Sighting:
Please complete the survey at Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
Information to include:
Date, time and duration of sighting
Location (GPS coordinates)
Approximate size and number of sharks
Observed behavior
Observed interactions with the oil
Species observed in association with the whale sharks
Photos and video if possible (Note: focus on the region behind the gill slits on the left side of the animalthis is useful for identification of individuals)
Any other distinguishing features (i.e. numbered marker tags located behind the dorsal finplease notate number if possible)
Your participation and information is greatly appreciated and critical for us to gain a better understanding of the effects of the oil spill on whale sharks in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Thank you.
Report may also be submitted by e-mail, mail, phone or fax:
DR. ERIC HOFFMAYER
Eric.hoffmayer@usm.edu
703 East Beach Drive
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Phone: (228) 872-4257
Fax: (228) 872-4202
Visit us on Facebook: Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Whale Shark Sighting Survey | Facebook
The BP/Deepwater Horizon oil spill is already in northern Gulf of Mexico ESSENTIAL whale shark habitat, and the PEAK season of occurrence in this region is at hand. Based on their filter feeding behavior and the amount of time they spend at the surface of the water, these sharks are highly susceptible to impacts from the oil.
You Can Help
It is vital to document all sightings of whale sharks in the northern Gulf of Mexico at this time. If you encounter a whale shark, please report your sighting online at Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
Please share this online survey with others to ensure all observations are reported.
To Report a Sighting:
Please complete the survey at Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
Information to include:
Date, time and duration of sighting
Location (GPS coordinates)
Approximate size and number of sharks
Observed behavior
Observed interactions with the oil
Species observed in association with the whale sharks
Photos and video if possible (Note: focus on the region behind the gill slits on the left side of the animalthis is useful for identification of individuals)
Any other distinguishing features (i.e. numbered marker tags located behind the dorsal finplease notate number if possible)
Your participation and information is greatly appreciated and critical for us to gain a better understanding of the effects of the oil spill on whale sharks in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Thank you.
Report may also be submitted by e-mail, mail, phone or fax:
DR. ERIC HOFFMAYER
Eric.hoffmayer@usm.edu
703 East Beach Drive
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Phone: (228) 872-4257
Fax: (228) 872-4202
Visit us on Facebook: Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Whale Shark Sighting Survey | Facebook
