Global Shark & Ray Census

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Global Shark & Ray Census

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The Global Shark & Ray Census enables divers to record sightings of sharks, rays and skates encountered during recreational dives around the world. Participants submit information about species observed, numbers seen, location and dive conditions through the PADI AWARE platform.

These observations help create a growing global dataset that can be used to track species distribution, identify important habitats and monitor long-term population trends. Because many shark and ray species are highly mobile and difficult for researchers to study consistently, observations collected by recreational divers provide valuable information from locations that might otherwise go unmonitored.

Anyone in and on the water can contribute data to the Global Shark & Ray Census. Divers, snorkelers and even customers sitting on a boat topside can contribute to the census. Customers trained with you can use their new citizen science skills to help save sharks and rays around the world.

unWhether you spot a reef shark, manta ray, eagle ray or no sharks at all, every dive contributes useful information to the dataset.

WHAT

Help create a growing global dataset of sharks, rays and skates

HOW

Record sightings of sharks, rays and skates encountered during recreational dives

WHERE (LAND)

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WHERE (SEA)

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VISIT THE PROJECT WEBSITE

TOPICS:

SPECIES:

EQUIPMENT/TASKS:

GOOD TO KNOW

Reporting dives where no sharks or rays are seen is just as important as reporting sightings, helping researchers understand changes in abundance over time.

RUN BY

PADI Aware

SUITABLE FOR

experienceLevels

PARTICIPANT LOCATION

participantLocations

PROJECT SOCIALS

By monitoring and understanding these species better, we can take targeted actions to ensure their survival and the health of our oceans.

Danna Moore, Director, PADI AWARE Foundation

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