SPECIAL THANKS TO
OUR PARTNERS
MEET THE TEAM
THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT POSSIBLE
DAISY EHRLER
PROGRAM MANAGER & MSc IN CONSERVATION & RESTORATION
Daisy grew up in the capital of Honduras, surrounded by nature, but it was the ocean that always called to her the most. From a young age, she felt a deep connection to the sea, which led her to study Environmental Engineering and later pursue a Master’s degree in Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration, driven by the desire to contribute more directly to marine conservation and restoration. Her journey with WSORC began as a JEOS Scholarship Intern, an experience that strengthened her commitment to marine research. After completing her studies, she was thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Utila as WSORC’s Program Manager. In this role, she is excited to support conservation projects, mentor interns, and share her passion for protecting marine ecosystems. When she’s not coordinating projects, she loves exploring the reef, swimming with eagle rays, and showing every intern why the ocean is so incredible and worth protecting.
ANNIE GILBERT
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR & MARINE BIOLOGIST
Annie began her journey into the marine world back in 2015 when she became a certified scuba diver due to her love of the ocean and marine life. This drove her to apply to study marine biology at university and pursue a career underwater. After graduating from university in the UK with a degree in Marine Biology, Annie came to us as an intern looking to gain more hands-on experience in the field and to explore what the Caribbean’s reefs had to offer. She loved it so much that she never left and is now working with us here at WSORC as our Community Outreach & Engagement Coordiantor. She’s eager to dive into conservation-related activities and show new interns the wonders of the reefs in Utila.
SENYACEN RAMIREZ
RESEARCH & SCHOOL PROGRAMS COORDINATOR & BIOLOGIST
Senyacen is a Honduran biologist who studied at the National Autonomous University of Honduras and has a strong passion for marine biology, especially coral reef ecosystems. Throughout her career, she has participated in coral reef monitoring and coral larval recruitment studies, while also working in environmental education to help communities better understand and value marine ecosystems. Senyacen enjoys connecting people with the ocean through education and conservation initiatives. She loves scuba diving, which gives her the opportunity to appreciate marine life and the beauty of coral reefs up close. Senyacen feels a deep respect, admiration, and pride for Honduras’ marine resources and hopes to inspire more people to learn about them, appreciate their importance, and join the mission to protect them.
OUR STORY
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, THIS IS WHO WE ARE.
WSORC have been gathering data on the whale shark population since 1997, and have a comprehensive sightings database. We have been granted the only research permit to study whale sharks in the country by the Honduran Environmental Department. Our team established whale shark encounter guidelines to promote responsible whale shark encounters, and in 2008 these guidelines were passed through the Honduran parliament to protect whale sharks by law.
BACKGROUND
Utila is one of the few places in the world that experiences whale shark sightings year-round, and is commonly known as a ‘hotspot’ for whale shark tourism. Although many stakeholders benefit from the presence of whale sharks on the island, little is known about the life cycle of this species, or the reasons why they frequent Utila in such numbers. In addition, whale sharks on Utila are threatened by the combined impacts of pollution, boat collisions and irresponsible whale shark tourism, which might affect their long term population dynamics.
Alongside our whale shark research, we are deeply committed to the conservation and restoration of Utila’s coral reef ecosystems. Utila forms part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef—the second largest barrier reef system in the world—making it an area of exceptional ecological importance and biodiversity. However, coral reefs in the region have faced significant decline due to climate change, disease, and local environmental pressures. In response, we have established and actively maintain a coral nursery site, where we propagate key reef-building species. Once the corals reach optimal size and standards, they are carefully out-planted onto the reef around Utila, contributing to the recovery of these vital habitats. Through this integrated approach, our work aims not only to better understand and protect whale sharks, but also to restore the broader marine environment on which they depend.
OUR MISSION
WSORC was established to increase the presence and availability of researchers in Honduras to work with whale sharks. Our aim is to gather data on whale sharks and their environmental conditions to answer some of the fundamental questions about this species such as:
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What attracts whale sharks to Utila and when are they most abundant?
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Is the number of whale sharks visiting Utila increasing or decreasing?
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How can our community reduce its impacts on whale sharks while continuing to benefit from their presence?
OUR PROGRAMS
RESEARCH
Collecting data on whale shark individuals, oceanic conditions and the surrounding coral reefs to better understand their dynamics
OUTREACH
Promoting responsible whale shark tourism, raising of awareness of conservation issues, and educating local school children about the sea
Training volunteers with the skills necessary to pursue marine conservation careers in the Caribbean
Expeditions that educate participants about the marine environment while actively contributing to conservation efforts on Utila.
HOW TO HELP
BE PART OF THE GLOBAL SOLUTION
WSORC is an NGO – registered Honduran Non Profit Organization.
We have the knowledge, the location and the desire to make a real difference for the oceans, the people of Utila, and the world… Please help us achieve our and your goals. Would you like to help sponsor whale shark research and/or education on Utila? WSORC welcomes all contributions/donations towards our programs. Sponsors will be included in the next WSORC newsletter and their names/photos will be placed on our website.
It is simple and easy to make a contribution through PayPal. The contribution will be processed through the Bay Islands Dive Centre paypal account, our sister organisation, which will then be transferred to WSORC.
DONATE
Make a donation to the Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Centre using the box below or send an email to info@wsorc.org. Donations are processed through the Pay Pal account of our sister organisation, the Bay Islands College of Diving. Proceeds of all donations are directed towards our research and community outreach efforts on Utila.
