Gulf Coast Research Lab asking the public to report whale shark sightings

Mississippi Sound, Miss. (WXXV)- The Southern Miss Coast Research Lab is asking for the public’s help in a project.

They are asking for the public to report whale shark sightings.

Whale sharks are currently listed as endangered, reported sightings declining significantly since 2010.

The Gulf Coast Research Lab relies on public reports so the lab can find the animals and collect data on populations, animal size and sex, spot pattern, and more.

The lab saying they are unsure what is causing the change in the gulf, thinking a decline in population or redistribution of population plays a factor.

They say this causes a concern either way.

The link to report a sighting can be found HERE.