Help save sharks with a new all-inclusive adventure expedition

A new Whale Shark tagging expedition by the nonprofit ocean conservation organization Iemanya Oceanica is the first shark tagging trip to be open to the public.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, Iemanya Oceanica is dedicated to shark and marine conservation – working to protect marine life, especially sharks and rays, and improving the quality of life for those who depend on sustainable marine resources.. On October 15, 2009, you can join the research team as they travel to the beautiful and remote village of Bahia de Los Angeles on the Sea of Cortez in Baja California, Mexico.

“We hope to tag two whale sharks on this trip, which should take about three days,” says Laleh Mohajerani, Iemanya’s Executive Director. “Tagging is one of the first and most important steps towards conservation. Through tagging, we can learn about these majestic creatures and influence sustainable management policies.”

Whale sharks are the largest living fish species on the planet. They are slow moving filter feeders and can grow to up to 40 feet long (12.2 M) and weigh up to 15 tons. Whale sharks are believed to have originated around 60 million years ago, and are found in tropical and warm oceans. They can live for up to 70 years, and although they have very large mouths, they are harmless, feeding solely on plankton, which are microscopic marine plants and animals. “The purpose of the whale shark expedition is to create more awareness about the ocean and to encourage support for research and education about the ocean,” says Ms. Mohajerani.

The all-inclusive trip, from October 15-19 2009, will feature luxury motor coach transportation to and from Los Angeles to Bahia de Los Angeles; a welcome beachfront cocktail reception; all local transportation; hotel accommodations; all you can eat gourmet meals prepared fresh; drinks; access to the area research station; presentations by the researchers and local museum director; tour of the history museum; a visit to the turtle hatchery; optional fishing trip; excursions to off-shore islands for bird watching and ancient cave paintings; and free time for snorkeling and the beach.

The Whale Shark Tagging Expedition is $1,599.00 per person. Space is extremely limited, so apply now by contacting Laleh Mohajerani at 818-224-4250.

For more information about shark and ocean conservation or Iemanya Oceanica’s Whale Shark Tagging Expedition, please visit www.iemanya.org.