Whale shark gatherings in Gulf shed light on world’s largest fish
Connecting Landscapes
Gulf of Mexico Corridors
Spanning from Tampa to Tallahassee, Florida’s “Wilderness Coast” along the Gulf includes 200 miles of protected shoreline, as well as one of the largest contiguous seagrass meadows in the United States and nearly a million acres of uplands threatened by development. Beyond the crowded beaches and oil rigs lies a hidden world brimming with more than 15,000 species, including fish, endangered sea turtles, manatees, whale sharks, coastal and sea birds and the critically endangered Rice’s whale. Preserving the richness of the Gulf’s marine life, safeguarding its migratory corridors and ramping up protection of land throughout the watershed is crucial for ensuring the survival of these unique and connected ecosystems.
About the Project
By advancing science and elevating the stories of wide-ranging species and the habitats they connect, we are working to inspire the expansion of marine protected areas and migratory corridors in the Gulf.
To help map animal movements and identify priority areas for conservation, Wildpath supports scientific research by funding satellite tags for migratory species, including Florida State University’s sea turtle research and NOAA’s whale shark studies. We are also promoting the establishment of the Nature Coast National Estuarine Research Reserve on Florida’s Gulf Coast and building toward broader state and federal protections of seagrasses.
To build support from lawmakers and the public for the expansion of protection for marine habitats from Texas to Florida, we are creating a series of short films focusing on vital ecosystems, including Florida’s Wilderness Coast and deep reefs along the continental shelf, and the migratory pathways of species including whale sharks, manatees, sea turtles, sperm whales and devil rays. Wildpath is also working on a new feature film, Lasting Hope featuring the conservation vision and legacy of marine conservation icon Dr. Sylvia Earle, who first fell in love with the ocean on Florida’s Gulf Coast. This film is planned to be released in 2028 for National Geographic and Disney+.
These films will be paired with stunning photography to create impact campaigns seeking to engage communities, decision-makers, and national audiences through storytelling that highlights Gulf wildlife, culture, and the urgent need for conservation. With these efforts combined, we hope to elevate a vision of the Gulf as a place of resilience, wonder and lasting hope, and build momentum for expanding protection of these irreplaceable natural treasures.
Project Goals
Our work aims to elevate the importance of marine migratory corridors, safeguard critical habitats, and inspire large-scale protection of the Gulf’s biodiversity and the communities sustained by it.
