Whale Shark Conservation in Kenya, East Africa

Help conduct cutting edge research and conservation initiatives, raising local and global awareness to protect the whale shark.

In Kiswahili the whale shark is called "papa shillingi", translating as "shark covered in shillings". There is a local legend that God was so pleased when he created this beautiful fish, that he gave his angels handfuls of gold and silver coins to throw down from heaven onto its back.

So it goes that whale sharks have their magical markings and swim near the surface, catching the sun on their backs, as a way of saying thank you to their maker.

Whale sharks have called Kenyan waters home for many years. Recently, there has been a significant increasewhich is perhaps related to the post El Nino mantis shrimp invasion.

The increase in whale sharks along the Kenyan coast has meant that they have become more of a target. Under international law, whale sharks are only given a secondary type of protection. They are listed under CITES Appendix II meaning that trade in whale sharks is allowed but must be monitored.

Although relatively little is known about the biggest fish in the ocean, most specialists will agree that this level of protection is not enough.

The overall aim of the East African Whale Shark Trust (EAWST) is to raise awareness so that the level of protection afforded to whale shark is increased. The more we know about whale sharks the easier it will be to review the level of protection.

The EAWST aims to provide a research centre for collecting and analyzing data on the local whale shark population, its habits and movements. The Trust works closely with other regional organizations because whale sharks are migratory.

Highlights

All our volunteer programmes include accomodation, training, studying whale shark behaviour, phsiology and movement, whale shark safaris, education workshops and more!

Activities

What will you do? You will help with the education programme in schools and hotels, assist with fundraising, assist with data collection and analysis, assist the guides on whale shark safaris, help in the Fibre-Glass Turtle workshop.

Location

The EAWST accommodation centre is located in the middle of Diani beach, 2 mins walk from shops, internet cafes and restaurants. The double rooms are simple and comfortable with a communal washroom facility and kitchen. Bedding is provided. The centre is on the beach and a short drive to our research base at Aqualand Watersports Centre. Diani beach also has a Post Office and 2 good hospitals.

You will need a connection to Moi International Airport Mombasa, usually from Nairobi but there are now more direct flights to Mombasa. At the airport you will be met by a Trust representative and driven to Diani beach, approximately a 2 hour drive.

Qualifications

It will be helpful but not essential if you have a marine science background, have a diving licence, have a driving licence and are happy in the water!

How to Apply?

For more information about availability, dates and prices, please fill in our volunteer enquiry form. Your enquiry will be passed directly to the local team who will contact you shortly.

Dates & Costs

1 – 3 month programmes at a cost of $750 per month. Weekly costs are also available. Whale shark season runs from Oct – March, peak being Feb – March. In the off season, focus is on research, education and community projects. Activities such as safaris and mountain climbing are available and encouraged during days off.