Our Impact

Science for conservation

Northwest Madagascar is a biodiverse haven for marine megafauna

Since the project’s inception, our goal has always been to thrive for shark protection at the national level. Thanks to our data collection efforts, that span over nearly a decade, we have recorded the presence of a number of marine megafauna species in northwest Madagascar and published peer-reviewed scientific papers, such as the first publication on mobulid rays in the country. When required, this data is shared with governmental agencies and partners to support protection initiatives and spatial planning projects. Through these collaborations, we have addressed important gaps in shark and ray research, achieving incredible milestones for shark protection in Madagascar.

In parallel, we continually train young Malagasy scientists to become accomplished marine scientists and stand for sharks, as well as local ambassadors and tourism operators.

How our data supports national protection efforts

A major hotspot for whale sharks

To date, 539 juvenile whale sharks have been photo-identified since 2015

Protecting whale shark habitat

Our data is supporting the creation and implementation of new Marine Protected Area corridor Tandavandriva

An Important Shark and Ray Area

Our data enabled the delineation of two new Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs), one in Nosy Be and one in Analalava.

A new Key Biodiversity Area

Our data triggered the identification and creation of a new Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) in northwest Madagascar

A protected species

Our data on whale sharks and other marine megafauna supported the review of the list of protected marine species in Madagascar (ongoing).

Sustainable tourism

Our efforts have led to the update of the inter-ministerial decree regulation interactions with marine megafauna in the tourism sector

Training Malagasy scientists

Every year, we welcome a master student. So far we have trained four students in whale shark research.

Contributing to global whale shark research

Thanks to our collaborative work with other researchers, we have published 15 peer-reviewed publications

Initiating local initiatives

We have spear-headed Nosy Be’s first environmental education program, as well as an operator collective.

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