The Lanta Elasmobranch Project (LEP) is a Koh Lanta community project that allows divers to submit photographs and sighting information of sharks and rays. The project will then pass this information on to a number of conservation organisations. This data will be used to track migration patterns and help establish population numbers. The organisations that we will pass this data on to are:
Wildbo
ok for Sharks - www.whaleshark.org
The Shark Trust - www.sharktrust.org
The Manta Trust - www.mantatrust.org
Manta Matcher - www.mantamatcher.org
We need divers to submit their photographs, together with their name, dive company if applicable, dive site, depth, date and time of sighting. All entries will be submitted with the personal details of each photographer. If you are lucky enough to encounter one of these magnificent creatures on your dive and you have a camera with you, you can help to contribute to the conservation and identification of these creatures. Each manta has a unique set of spots on their ventral side (under belly), which are the equivalent of a human fingerprint. We are looking for a shot that shows the whole ventral surface of the manta. Also, distinguishing scars and bites are of importance, as well as the sex of the manta. Whilst photographing mantas please keep at least 5 metres away from them, try not to use flashes and above all do not touch, harass or swim after mantas. Stay behind your guide and maintain buddy contact at all times. If you manage to photograph and submit a picture of a manta that has not been spotted before, you can even name your manta! The colour and spots on whale sharks are unique to each individual. You should try to photograph the side of each shark and focus on the spots. The patterns of whale sharks can differ on each side of the body, so a photo of both sides is preferable. If you can only get a photo of one side, please state which side you have caught. Any scarring that is visible will also help the identification process. The guidelines for photographing whale sharks are similar to manta rays. Stay a distance of at least 5 metres away, avoid flash photography and do not touch, tease or harass the shark. Swimming or diving with manta rays and whale sharks is a truly memorable experience. This is a great place to share those memories and contribute to their conservation. For further info on how to take a whale shark photo for ID purposes - http://www.whaleshark.org/photographing.jsp
For further info on taking manta ID photos - http://www.mantamatcher.org/photographing.jsp