The MWSRP team explore other potential whale shark aggregation sites
20th June 2010:
A MWSRP team including Richard, Ayesha and two volunteers; Caroline and Simon. Have returned from an expedition or 'reccy' to South and North Nihandhe atoll in the South West of the Maldivian archipelago. The aim of the expedition was to assess the feasibility of carrying out whale shark research in these atolls.
The team had heard a number of anecdotal reports from fisherman and liveaboard vessels that whale sharks could be encountered regularly in these areas. This was backed up by the clear geographical similarities bewteen the south west facing outer reefs on both North and South Nilhandhe atolls when compared with the South Ari atoll outer reef.
The team spent the best part of 10hrs on the dhoni travelling down to Kudahuvadhoo Island on South Nihandhe and were met there by Anise. Anise is a transport manager on holiday there from his day job on Conrad Rangali.
Anise went to great lengths to help the team providing first class accomodation, amzing home cooked food, world cup football and the team were even invited to a local wedding!
The next day the team spent steaming up and down the outer reef on the look out for whale sharks. Although taken aback by the incredible diveristy of life on the reef and being escorted by risso, bottlenose and spinner dolphins there were no whale sharks to be seen.
After holding a series of informal interviews with fisherman the team were able to work out when the best possible time would be to return and try again. Arrangements were made for a return visit that will also involve a school visit and field trip.
On the way back to South Ari the team stopped twice at two different locations in North Nilhandhe atoll. Despite spending many hours of searching the team were not to see a whale shark until they passed through South Ari outer reef at dusk.
Despite the lack of whale shark encounters there is no doubt from the reports of fisherman that they whale sharks do frequent the Nilhandhe atolls and the team are planning return trips to spend a longer period at each of the locations during the periods suggested.
In terms of exploring the logistical feasibility of the areas for research the trip was a real success. There is a also a pressing need for studies to be carried out in this area as two resorts are being developed close to the reef and therefore whale shark tourism may well be an important industry in this area.
The MWSRP team would like to extend a massive thank you for the generous support and enthusiasm of Anise and the Islanders of Kudahuvadhoo. We can't wait to return!
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