USM Whale Shark Research

05/29/2026

Thank you for the write up The Boca Beacon!

05/29/2026

Our research is featured on NOAA’s website🌊🦈

One year ago today, researchers deployed a satellite tag on a whale shark off the coast of Tampa Bay, Florida. They never could have anticipated the epic journey that would ensue.

05/28/2026

When it comes to studying the largest fish in the sea, taking accurate length measurements is challenging! To estimate the size of the whale sharks we encounter, our team relies on photography. Since these massive animals are constantly on the move, our scientists snorkel with the sharks and take photos using specialized SeaGIS stereo cameras with lenses at a fixed distance apart.

Once we return to the lab, we process these images using EventMeasure SeaGIS software. The stereo images allow for length measurements that can then be extrapolated to obtain the full body length. Knowing a whale shark’s length can help us estimate population demographics and maturity.



NOAA Fisheries Service
Blue World Research Institute

05/19/2026

Introducing Larry and Larry—both science rockstars! 🤩

Larry the whale shark owes his name to Dr. Larry Spetka, a generous vessel owner who welcomed our researchers aboard his private boat to track whale sharks in May 2025.

During an expedition off Tampa Bay, Florida, the team encountered a 26-foot male whale shark. The team decided to tag him, unaware of the incredible journey that was about to unfold. 🌊

Larry’s satellite tag has transmitted his location for 327 out of 355 days (nearly a full year) since being deployed—resulting in more than 6,000 data points. Larry continues to "ping" almost every day, offering a wealth of information on movement and behavior.

His travels have been extensive:
• He first headed south to the Dry Tortugas near the Florida Keys
• In June, he returned to Tampa Bay, where our researchers saw him again!
• By September, he traveled to Cuba and Honduras, then ventured over to the western Gulf for the winter
• He then followed the edge of the Loop Current (visible by the orange warm water in this sea surface temperature map) around the Gulf, likely feeding on plankton
• Currently, Larry is offshore of Charlotte Harbor, Florida and the team hopes to encounter him again this year.

While satellite tags can last up to 500 days, Larry is already pushing the boundaries of data collection. The team is eager to uncover more from his trek.

Reflecting on the mission, Dr. Spetka noted: "Nothing humbles a physician quite like standing beside real scientists on a whale shark tagging expedition—suddenly your white coat feels a lot less impressive next to people who can find, track, and understand a forty-foot fish in the open ocean."

If you spot Larry or any other whale sharks, please help support our research by reporting the sighting at: bit-ly/whale-shark-report 👈

NOAA Fisheries Service
Blue World Research Institute

05/18/2026

Thank you FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute for sharing info on our Whale Shark Sighting Survey!

05/12/2026

Sightings in the eastern Gulf are starting to heat up with surveys coming in! 👀🔥

If you see a shark, share a photo with us or please report your sighting here: bit.ly/whale-shark-report

Remember to have a safe encounter for both you and the shark!

🗣️Help us spread the word by sharing this post.

Blue World Research Institute
Carlton Ward Jr.

04/29/2026

Behind the scenes of a tagging mission. 🎥

Once we spot a whale shark, the clock starts. We shift the boat's motor into neutral and prep our gear—but we don’t chase. We wait.

Our goal is total respect for the animal’s space. We wait for them to approach us, allowing our scientists to slip into the water and attach specialized tags to the dorsal fin.

Our current research utilizes a sophisticated multi-tag approach:

🛰️ Satellite tags provide data on large-scale horizontal movements and habitat use

🔊 Acoustic tags focus on site fidelity and regional presence

📉 IMU tag analyze the biomechanics and fine-scale behavior of the shark

Through global collaboration, we’ve developed attachment systems that are non-invasive and completely removable to minimize impacts to these magnificent creatures. 🐋✨



NOAA Fisheries Service
Blue World Research Institute

04/22/2026

This Earth Day, let's shine a light on whale sharks, the gentle giants that call the Gulf of Mexico home during summer months. These magnificent creatures—the largest fish in the sea—frequent the continental shelf edge, creating a rare and spectacular natural phenomenon.

🔬 Spotlight: Jim Franks and Marine Conservation

Understanding these elusive creatures is no small feat. A huge "thank you" is due to researchers like James "Jim" S. Franks of the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dk452mtQD/)

Jim was instrumental in establishing the whale shark research done here at USM. Through his love of the ocean and his commitment to conservation, his impact on pelagic species research is world renowned. It was his interest, connections, and passion that helped us launch this work in 2003. With his leadership we have gleaned insight into the lives of whale sharks in the Gulf.

On this Earth Day we are proud to celebrate and honor the two gentle giants (whale sharks and Jim) who we feel privileged to have worked alongside.

🌎 How You Can Help

Whale sharks are a vital part of our marine ecosystem. You can support the health of the Gulf of Mexico by:

▫️Learn About Local Research: Following the Whale Shark Research page.

▫️Be "Shark Aware": If you are out on the water this summer, keep a respectful distance if you are lucky enough to spot one.

▫️Support Whale Shark Conservation Efforts: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1149/foundation/index.aspx?sid=1149&gid=1&pgid=830&cid=1718&dids=629.1210&bledit=1

Happy Earth Day! Let's continue to advocate for the research and stewardship that keeps our oceans thriving.



NOAA Fisheries Service
Blue World Research Institute

04/08/2026

Ever wondered what to do if you come face-to-face with a giant?

Last week, we talked about how we plan our whale shark research—but the real secret weapon is YOU. Your sightings help us track and protect these gentle giants.

If you’re lucky enough to spot one, here’s how to be a "Whale Shark Hero":
🚤 Engine Off: Silence your motor immediately.
🤿 Small Squads: Keep groups under 3 people and always have a boat spotter.
🖐️Space, Please: Maintain at least a 5-foot "bubble" around the shark.
🚫 No Touching: Respect their space; even giants can be unpredictable!
📸 Snap a Pic for Science: A photo isn't just for the 'gram—it's a data point.

Pro-Tip for Photo IDs: Like a human fingerprint, every whale shark has a unique spot pattern. To help us identify them, try to get a clear shot of the left side, directly behind the left gill slits.

👀 Report your sightings at bit.ly/whale-shark-report

NOAA Fisheries Service
Blue World Research Institute

04/01/2026

Our research efforts rely on YOU to help us find and track whale sharks in the Gulf.

When our scientists plan research expeditions, we look at current and historic sightings reports in the area. We then send one of our researchers to survey the area by plane. If whale sharks are found, the researcher will document the location and radio coordinates to our scientists on the water.

The next steps are to photograph, assess, and in some cases, tag the shark to monitor its movements and behavior.

Whale sharks may be the largest fish in the ocean, but they can be like a needle in a haystack to find!

Help us by reporting whale shark sightings to bit.ly/whale-shark-report

NOAA Fisheries Service
Blue World Research Institute