Today was a very productive day of learning about general shark knowledge. Most of the day was spent on lectures about whale shark (Rhincodon typus) biology, conservation status, and threats. We learned how to use lasers attached to a camera rig to estimate the size of the shark, as well as the code of conduct that one must follow when swimming with these gentle giants. A lot of their general behaviour still remains unknown, however, with the help of photo ID and general identification such as scars, amputations, and lacerations, one can identify specific individuals in a population. Following the lectures, we had a good time identifying the different types of jaws that ‘El Museo de la Ballena’ (The Whale Museum) has in storage in order to build a more concrete catalogue for them to work with. The Shark Odyssey has many partners here in the sea of Cortez, and the whale museum is one of them. They do very exciting work with Sea Shepard, and we’ve been learning a lot. Tomorrow will be our first day doing fieldwork and I’m excited to experience swimming with these incredible creatures.
