Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center jobs and careers

About Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center

WSORC have been gathering data on the whale shark population since 1997, and have a comprehensive sightings database. We have been granted the only research permit to study whale sharks in the country by the Honduran Environmental Department. Our team established whale shark encounter guidelines to promote responsible whale shark encounters, and in 2008 these guidelines were passed through the Honduran parliament to protect whale sharks by law. Utila is one of the few places in the world that experiences whale shark sightings year-round, and is commonly known as a ‘hotspot’ for whale shark tourism. Although many stakeholders benefit from the presence of whale sharks on the island, little is known about the life cycle of this species, or the reasons why they frequent Utila in such numbers. In addition, whale sharks on Utila are threatened by the combined impacts of pollution, boat collisions and irresponsible whale shark tourism, which might affect their long term population dynamics. Alongside our whale shark research, we are deeply committed to the conservation and restoration of Utila’s coral reef ecosystems. Utila forms part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef—the second largest barrier reef system in the world—making it an area of exceptional ecological importance and biodiversity. However, coral reefs in the region have faced significant decline due to climate change, disease, and local environmental pressures. In response, we have established and actively maintain a coral nursery site, where we propagate key reef-building species. Once the corals reach optimal size and standards, they are carefully out-planted onto the reef around Utila, contributing to the recovery of these vital habitats. Through this integrated approach, our work aims not only to better understand and protect whale sharks, but also to restore the broader marine environment on which they depend.