Whale Shark Conservation-Utila,Honduras

Thought we would introduce you to the Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center on Utila today:

The Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center (WSORC) operates one of the few, year-round whale shark monitoring and research centers in the world. Our devoted staff of scientists and volunteers works tirelessly at maintaining and restoring the aquatic environment of Honduras, while continuing the standards of ethical research which have made WSORC the authority on Utila’s whale shark population and coral reef ecosystem for the past 10 years.

At the same time, WSORC is sworn to preserve Utila’s aquatic natural resources through education by increasing the public’s awareness of a marine ecosystem that is one of Central America’s natural wonders.

Our mission is to facilitate the scientific community’s research within Honduran waters while educating the eco-tourist and locals alike in an effort to benefit both the environment and humanity for years to come.

Big Fish Utila-New Whale Shark Film

Utila (U-Tilla), Honduras is home to dollar beers and one of the coolest bars set in a tree in the entire region. It is also home to Whale Sharks and a nascent shark diving industry.

Now, a new film has come out that tackles the many issues of commercial shark diving head on. If the films trailer is any indication-this should be a landmark documentary:

Big Fish Utila does more than impress the audience with breath taking pictures and fantastic music. It is a look at a shark and an island, and how the two are intrinsically linked and inter-dependant. It is not an advert for the whale shark tour industry or for Utila. The filmmakers strived to create an honest account of a habitat that is being damaged by a population that is growing too fast. It looks at both the fishing and tourist industries with a view of making them more accountable for their actions, whilst trying to understand their point of view. It also gives space to in-depth information about the shark and on emerging technologies that are helping to give us more vital information.