AT TENGGOL ISLAND MARINE PARK
This whale shark conservation project focuses on Tenggol Island Marine Park, an important seasonal aggregation site for whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Whale sharks are now listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), reflecting the highest level of international protection for the species. Despite this protection status, information on whale shark occurrence, movement patterns, and habitat use in Malaysian waters remains limited. This project aims to address these knowledge gaps by documenting whale shark presence, behavior, and interactions with humans at Tenggol Island.
A key component of the initiative is the active engagement of recreational divers and local dive operators, forming a citizen science–based conservation framework that enables systematic data collection through standardized sighting reports and photographic identification. By fostering collaboration between scientists, tourism stakeholders, and the local community, this approach enhances conservation awareness, promotes responsible marine tourism, and demonstrates the Ocean Hope Project’s strong commitment to whale shark conservation in Malaysia, contributing to long-term species protection and sustainable ocean stewardship.
