Location: UK; Ireland
Topics include: Sharks; Skates and Rays
Anglers are uniquely placed to record a wide range of information on sharks, skates and rays, improving our understanding of their movements and population trends. In time, this could feed into more effective management of commercial fisheries and protection of those species under greatest threat.
Location: Global
Topics include: Sharks
Take part in our community science project and help us gather vital information about global shark distribution. During the Great Shark Snapshot we want buddy pairs, dive centres, clubs and boats to join us and record as many shark, ray and skate sightings around the world as possible. We will come together, go diving, and record all the sharks that we see in a global Great Shark Snapshot event. Over time, each Snapshot will build a clearer picture for shark scientists and conservationists. A picture of species distribution around the world and population changes. 1/3 of sharks and rays are threatened from destructive fishing, climate change and habitat destruction. The data collected will help scientists put effective conservation plans in place to help species.
Location: Australia
Topics include: Diving/Snorkeling; Sharks
Spot A Shark is a citizen-science program that engages anyone who spends time with Grey Nurse Sharks in the water and can assist our research along East Australian coast. Divers, snorkelers, and others are asked to photograph encounters with Grey Nurse sharks and post their images to the Spot A Shark website. Scientists then use unique spot patterns visible along the sides of the photographed sharks to identify individual animals. Identifying individual Grey Nurse sharks helps track shark movement, monitor overall health of the population, and help monitor behaviour and changes at local aggregation sites over time. This information is used by Spot A Shark researchers, as well as international partners, to facilitate management decisions aimed towards conserving our Critically Endangered population of Grey Nurse sharks. By supporting this project, you are helping researchers gather valuable data, which may help provide long-term protection for the Grey Nurse sharks and their habitats.
Location: Spain
Topics include: Sharks; Skates and Rays
Sharks and rays are a very diverse group and constitute a key element in the regulation of coastal and oceanic marine ecosystems. At present, it is one of the groups most threatened with extinction in the world, so the protection of these species should be considered a priority. The main causes that have led to the decline in populations of sharks and rays around the world are overfishing and the degradation of habitats. The main objective of the project is to determinate the areas where inhabit the different sharks and rays species, especially those that are threatened with extinction. Sharks and rays are not very abundant, but you can see them from a boat, from the beach or underwater. If you see any, you can take photographs or videos that serve as evidence of their presence. You can also report their abundance, location and other aspects that seem relevant to you.
