Here's images from AQUA-FIRMA's Whale Shark Research, Coral Reef & Photo trips currently running off the coast of Tanzania's Mafia Island. These trips have been hosted by two researchers who have dedicated their lives to the research and protection of these magnificent animals: MMF's Dr Chris Rohner & Dr Clare Prebble; alongside Aqua-Firma photographer & director, Ralph Pannell.

Whilst MMF research helps to develop a clearer picture about whale shark biology and movements around our Oceans, it also reveals the existential threat whale sharks face. With data gathered by Chris, Clare and other shark scientists Aqua-Firma sponsor, whale sharks have just been given the highest level of protection by CITES: the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. 

Our most idyllic sightings are where whale sharks swim in turquoise water over shallow sand banks - sea stars scattered beneath them on the white sand.

December is a peak month for studying whale sharks at Mafia Island, with seasonal winds bringing food to the surface. The best food areas are currently closer to shore amongst high levels of plankton; unusual bottom feeding seems to be accompanying this, as well as trapping tiny shrimp against the surface - whale sharks capturing them as they break the surface with mouths wide open - something like a whale would do with fish.

A particularly delightful feature of observing whale sharks in Tanzania is the schools of golden trevally fish, which cluster around their mouths - scattered, or close together forming what looks like a yellow moustache.

Primary research aims this season have been to identify different individuals, using software to check their individual spot patterns against a huge database of sharks. Several new individuals have been found. With each ID, the researchers check the gender; try to measure them; and with some, take a skin sample for analysis of their DNA and fatty acids. DNA enables us to compare the relationship of Tanzanian whale sharks with others around the world. Fatty acids can help indicate what they have been feeding on and where.

Dr Clare Prebble taking a spot pattern ID photo - as standard, from the left side of a shark

Amongst the new sharks identified, here's a left-side ID photo which added the area's 297^th shark ever found in these waters; appropriately now named as TZ-297 (photo: Ralph Pannell taken on 16^th December, 2025).

In addition to whale sharks, Mafia Island is home to some of East Africa's healthiest coral reefs. Here's a snorkeller's view:

.... and here's a view whilst scuba diving:

... and here coming up for air at a coral rock where herons nest out of reach of predators:

We will be back in Tanzania for another Whale Shark Research, Coral Reef & Photo trip 2^nd - 9^th Dec, 2026 - both snorkellers and divers welcome. If you have the time and inclination, you can also join a North Tanzania Great Migration Safari 9^th - 15^th Dec, 2026 hosted by Aqua-Firma's Ralph Pannell, in search of thousands of migrating wildebeest, gazelles and zebras, pursued by lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas and more.