eShark was launched in 2008, following the completion of Ransom Myers' "Global Shark Assessment" project, where this work began. eShark was created in consultation with biologists, statisticians and citizen science experts to gather observations of divers' around the world to fill data gaps and describe spatial patterns in shark and ray populations. The questionnaire was designed to complement the data gathered by REEF.org, which is a more exhaustive checklist of all fish species and is invaluable for comparing with the data gathered by eShark.

As of January 2016, eShark has received >33,000 records from Field Teams around the world - including fishers, boaters, surfers, paddlers and beach walkers.

Despite the name, eShark takes an ecosystem-based approach and collects the presence and absence information on other charismatic species, such as rays and sawfish, jellyfish, turtles, seahorses, seals, whales, and dolphins, as well as garbage.  

The goal of the survey is to provide both broad and regional descriptions of marine ecosystems through peer-reviewed scientific publications and summaries, while inviting global marine experts - such as dive instructors and fishing guides - to contribute their observations.

 

eShark could not succeed without its Outreach and Field Teams.

Through collaboration with our Outreach Teams eShark is able to collect higher-resolution censuses that allow us to conduct local and regional analysis.

Shark Guardian and Field Teams in Thailand, have now submitted >13,000 records. 

Great Fiji Shark Count and Field Teams in Fiji, have now submitted >19,000 records. 

In January 2016, these datasets are now being cleaned, analyzed, mapped and compared to other data sources to help identify conservation needs in both regions.  Stay tuned for results. 

Please consider leading your regions census by joining our Outreach Team.

 

Contribute your observations here: eShark