Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

Center for Fisheries Research & Development

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Northern Gulf of Mexico Whale Shark Sighting Survey

Scientists at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, Miss., are developing a database of whale shark sightings in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Your information is vital to a greater understanding of whale sharks in the region and is greatly appreciated. Please complete the form below.

Date of encounter (dd/mm/yyyy)

Time of encounter

Number observed

Latitude

Longitude

Water temperature

Estimated length of shark(s) (ft.)

Duration of encounter

Describe behavior of shark(s)

How was your sighting made? (Check all that apply)

Boat
Plane
Helicopter
Diving
Petroleum Platform

If at petroleum platform, which one? (Name and number)

Were any other fish associated with the whale shark(s)?

Yes
No

If yes, which species?

Approximate number of fish?

Please provide your contact information.

Name

Street Address, City, State, Zip

Email

Phone: (area code) + number

Were any photographs or video taken? If so, please provide contact information if different from above.

Name

Email

Phone: (area code) + number

Contacts:

Dr. Eric Hoffmayer
Research Scientist
eric.hoffmayer@usm.edu
(228) 872-4257

Jim Franks
Research Scientist
jim.franks@usm.edu
(228) 872-4202

Jennifer McKinney
Graduate Student
Jennifer.mckinney@usm.edu
(228) 872-4257

Address:
Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
703 East Beach Drive
Ocean Springs, MS 39564

Fax:
(228) 872-4214