WHAT IS eOCEANS AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT
eOceans is a powerful global platform designed to streamline ocean conservation research and citizen science efforts. It connects divers, explorers, scientists, and communities worldwide to log observations—like shark sightings, habitat data, pollution, and human activities—then transforms them into actionable insights in real time. Built by marine scientists, eOceans automates everything from field data collection to analysis and reporting, making collaboration easier and conservation work more effective.
With proven impact across major projects such as eShark, eManta, and the Great Fiji Shark Count, the platform has helped guide the creation of Shark Sanctuaries, CITES protections, and informed policy decisions impacting over 100 shark and ray species.
GLOBAL SHARK CONSERVATION
THROUGH CITIZEN SCIENCE
At Shark Guardian, we’re proud to partner with eOceans — a cutting-edge platform that turns everyday ocean observations into powerful conservation outcomes. Whether you're diving with sharks, spotting rays, or recording signs of pollution, your data helps drive meaningful action worldwide.
On the eOceans Impact page, discover how thousands of contributions have:
-
Informed marine protected areas
-
Guided international shark and ray protection policies
-
Influenced global science and conservation strategies
-
Empowered local communities to take action
From whale sharks in Thailand to manta rays in Fiji, eOceans connects your voice to a growing global movement for the oceans. Visit the page below to see how your involvement makes a real difference:
WHAT eOCEANS HAS ALREADY ACHIEVED
Priorities for shark conservation in Thailand
Data collected from 9,524 dives over a five-year period provided Thailand with its first-ever comprehensive shark population trends, offering critical insights into species presence, abundance, and distribution. This large-scale, community-driven effort has helped guide scientific research, inform marine resource management, and influence policy decisions at both local and national levels. Most importantly, it demonstrates the incredible value of citizen science and community-led initiatives in driving real conservation outcomes and protecting marine biodiversity for the future.
Priorities for shark conservation in Thailand
Across the globe, local ocean experts—divers, fishers, tour operators, and coastal communities—observe marine life and threats firsthand in ways that traditional science often can’t capture. Their unique insights offer an invaluable perspective on what’s happening beneath the surface, from declining shark sightings to illegal fishing activity and ecosystem changes. Recognizing this, we set out to evaluate the effectiveness of global shark sanctuaries by gathering and analyzing these frontline observations. By combining local knowledge with data science, this review highlights emerging threats, gaps in protection, and opportunities to strengthen conservation efforts—through the eyes of those who experience the ocean every day. This people-powered approach is vital to ensuring shark sanctuaries are not just declared, but truly effective.
The Great Fiji shark count
In Fiji, where marine tourism is vital to the economy, the health of the ocean directly impacts local livelihoods. Yet, ocean management often lacks the data needed to act effectively. Through the Great Fiji Shark Count, the dive community stepped up—logging 146,304 shark sightings across 592 dive sites.
Sharks were observed on 45% of dives and at 74% of all sites, providing crucial insight into species presence and distribution. This large-scale citizen science effort now helps guide conservation strategies, fisheries management, and future research. The project is a clear example of how local action and community-led data can support both ocean health and sustainable tourism.