Shark Trust Announces the Great Shark Snapshot
March 15, 2022
As part of their 25th anniversary celebrations, the Shark Trust is launching a new community science initiative aimed at divers and snorkelers. Divers worldwide are invited to record all of the shark, ray and skate species that they see during the last week of July. It is the perfect way for divers to get together, go diving, and have some fun whilst helping shark conservation. Read on to find out more and register to take part.
What is the Great Shark Snapshot?
The Great Shark Snapshot is a worldwide community science project that you can join to help the Shark Trust gather vital information about global shark distribution.
This information will be added to the Shark Trust’s Shark Log. Over time, this will allow shark scientists to build a picture of global species distribution and any changes that occur.
Sharks are threatened by destructive fishing, climate change and habitat loss. The data collected during the Great Shark Snapshot will help scientists put effective conservation plans in place.
When is the Great Shark Snapshot taking place?
The Great Shark Snapshot is taking place from 24th to 31st July 2022 and you can participate from anywhere in the world.
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How to get involved.
From 24th to 31st July 2022 (inclusive), the Shark Trust wants you to go diving and record as many shark, ray and skate sightings as possible.
As well as gathering vital data, the event will provide a chance to celebrate the incredible shark and ray species that live close to you. If you need an excuse to go diving, this is it!
- Dive clubs, centers, and boats can sign up to show their support for this exciting new event and advertise their planned dives on the Great Shark Snapshot registration page.
- Divers looking to join an event will be able to use the event map to find Great Shark Snapshot dives taking place near them.
- Non-divers can get involved too! Shore-based events can be organized so groups can explore their local beaches and record the eggcases they find for the Shark Trust’s Great Eggcase Hunt.
It is easy to join in. Just go diving or join a shore-based event between 24th and 31st July (inclusive) and record every shark, ray and skate (or eggcases) that your group sees.
If possible, take photos and some video footage as well.
Register your dive center for the Great Shark Snapshot.
If you would like to take part in this global event, please register your dive center, so you show up on the event map and divers know how to join in.
The Shark Trust will provide all the information and promotional material you need to help make your event a success.
All dive centers need to do is:
- Register by filling in the Great Shark Snapshot Registration form.
- Add your logo, email, website and some detail telling divers what you plan to do (a single dive, multiple dives, any social events around the event etc.)
- Once approved, your dive center’s event will show up on the Great Shark Snapshot event map.
- The Shark Trust will send you instructions and promotional material.
Find out more on the Shark Trust website.
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How to submit your sightings.
The Shark Trust really wants to see what species you encounter on your dives. Make sure you record your sightings on the Shark Trust’s Shark Log or on the new app (which is coming soon).
If you need help identifying a species of shark or eggcase, head over to the Shark Trust website where you will find shark ID guides and skate and ray ID guides to help you.
Get social and share your sightings with divers worldwide.
Make sure you share your sightings with other divers and shark fans by using the hashtag #GreatSharkSnapshot in your social posts. The Shark Trust will share sightings over the week, so keep an eye out to see if yours are featured.
It will be incredible to see what divers around the world find during their Great Shark Snapshot dives.
What is the Shark Trust?
The Shark Trust is a UK-based charity that works tirelessly to safeguard the future of sharks, and their close cousins, the skates and rays, around the world. Their vision is:
A future where sharks thrive within a globally healthy marine ecosystem.
Together, we can save sharks around the world!
REGISTER FOR THE GREAT SHARK SNAPSHOT TODAY.