Ceviche Tours Announces “Citizen Scientists” To Swim With Whale Sharks

ISLA MUJERES, Mexico - April 12, 2013 - PRLog -- Whale shark season is officially upon us in the beautiful island of Isla Mujeres, Mexico.  Championing the need to preserve a fragile marine ecosystem, ecotourism travel agency, Ceviche Tours proudly announces that it is now booking tours to swim with large groups of up to 40-foot long Whale Sharks beginning May 15, 2013 until September 17, 2013.

During whale shark season, Ceviche Tours offers visitors to the island, right off the coast of Cancun, a chance to participate in an ecotourism adventure, by swimming along side the largest fish in the ocean and endangered species, the whale shark.  Don’t worry, these magnificent whale sharks are filter feeders, like whales they feed on plankton, algae and krill.  And, all swimmers will get to swim with a fully licensed, expert diver/guides.

“There is nothing like this in the world,” said John Vater, co-founder, Ceviche Tours. “These docile creatures are approximately the size of a school bus.  When you are surrounded by hundreds of them, it is truly an experience that you will never forget.”

In an effort to raise awareness for the need to preserve the area’s marine ecosystem, Ceviche Tours is asking guests to become “citizen scientists” and “adopt a whale shark.” Guests can swim with whale sharks and join in an effort to protect and preserve these graceful creatures by adding their underwater photos of their whale shark to the nonprofit, Ecocean global database.

The Ecocean library is maintained and used by marine biologists to collect and analyze whale shark encounters and to help learn more about these amazing creatures. The library utilizes photographs of the skin pattern behind the gills of each shark and any scars to distinguish between each animal. Cutting edge software supports rapid identification using pattern recognition and photo management tool.

Citizen scientists can help by submitting photos and sighting information.  The information submitted will be used in mark-recapture studies to help with the global conservation of the species.  To date, more that 43,000 photos have been collected and there have been over 20,000 sighting reports.

“By taking a photo and submitting it, guests are adopting their very own whale sharks. The Ecocean library continually sends updates on your shark, such as where it was last sighted, so you always know the location of this unique ‘pet’,” continued Vater.  “It allows adults and kids alike to turn their vacation into something bigger.  An experience that never ends.”

Travel arrangements and bookings for Whale Shark season can be made through Ceviche Tours http://www.cevichetours.com.  More information on becoming a citizen scientist can be found at http://www.whaleshark.org.

For updates on Whale Shark season, follow us at http://www.facebook.com/cevichetours and http://www.twitter.com/cevichetours.


About Ceviche Tours
Ceviche Tours provides sustainable ecotourism and travel services to the Yucatan and Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Founded by John and Adriana Vater of Spa Adriana in Huntington Village, NY, with longtime friend and Isla Mujeres native Luis “Cuco” Refugio and his family, Ceviche Tours works with the indigenous islanders of Isla Mujeres to help preserve their culture and maintain the integrity and beauty of the surrounding marine environment. Through education and photo identification efforts, Ceviche Tours joins the worldwide effort to protect and preserve whale sharks. As participants on our whale shark tours, guests are invited to be part of those identification and tracking efforts. For more information, please contact http://www.cevichetours.com.