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    • Whale shark
    research &
    conservation

    Nosy Be, Madagascar
    What we do

    The Madagascar Whale Shark Project (MWSP) is a collaborative research and conservation project dedicated to whale sharks based in Nosy Be.

    Our Mission

    Scientific Research

    Our main scientific objective is to establish the occurrence, residency and population structure of whale sharks off Nosy Be through photo-identification. We also investigate whale shark movements and feeding ecology, collaborating with partners across the world.
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    Environmental Education

    Community engagement is a key tenet of our work, and we initiated an education programme in 2018. We also promote access to the ocean for local communities, and empower local operators to act responsibly.
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    Conservation

    We have implemented a code of conduct since 2017 that is now officially an inter-ministerial decree. We also actively support the development of effective legal protection for whale sharks, as well as local management initiatives.
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    2096

    photo-IDs taken

    15

    publications

    7

    field seasons

    539

    whale sharks identified

    Latest news

    17 December 2025

    Madagascar’s northwest coast recognized as a KBA

    Conservation scientists and international biodiversity organizations have confirmed the Tandavandriva – Nosy Be – Baie de Tsimipaika Complex as a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) of global significance, underscoring its vital role in safeguarding threatened marine species—including the endangered whale shark […]
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    Results from our 7th season
    26 March 2025

    Results from our 7th season

    2024 was a hard one! This year marked our seventh field season. We were finally able to work directly from...
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    Press release: Nosy Be is a hotspot for endangered ray species
    05 February 2025

    Press release: Nosy Be is a hotspot for endangered ray species

    First dedicated research effort on mobulid rays in Madagascar confirms Nosy Be is an important habitat and reef mantas may...
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    Introducting Ad Astra, our research boat
    13 November 2024

    Introducting Ad Astra, our research boat

    We are so happy to finally introduce you to our new boat, AD ASTRA, a 9.8 motorboat fully equipped for...
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    Join us at sea

    Benefit from our expertise and witness science in action

    Science Day

    Science Day

    Join us for a day at sea, and discover how a scientific program works on a daily basis.
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    Science Week

    Science Week

    We provide unique expertise and insights into our daily work. Join us for a week of dedicated research trips with our team.
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    Freedive X Science

    Freedive X Science

    Designed for nature lovers who wish their freediving skills (depth and exploration) while diving into the daily life of a scientific program dedicated to whale sharks.
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    We need you

    The Madagascar Whale Shark Project (MWSP) needs you to protect whale sharks and other marine megafauna in northwest Madagascar.

    How you can help

    Make a donation

    Donate with Paypal or by bank transfer to support our work
    Donate

    Adopt a whale shark

    We need your help to name the whale sharks we identify
    Adopt

    Join us at sea

    Swim with whale sharks, benefit from our expertise and witness science in action
    Participate

    Get updates form our team

    Donate

    to support our project
    Donate Adopt a whaleshark