International Union for the Conservation of Nature

IUCN Red List of Endangered Species

Shark Guardian collaborates with marine biologists, researchers and shark experts to contribute to research and conservation. Through educational presentations and workshops, Shark Guardian introduce these research projects to the general public and diving communities to increase participation and encourage data collection. Shark Guardian educate participants on specific data collection techniques and why they are needed, how to capture shark Identification (ID) photographs and how to process the information online.  

The research projects listed below play a huge role in the preservation and conservation of shark and marine species. Click on the links to each research project further below to learn more about the scientists and shark experts that Shark Guardian collaborate with. Data is shared with the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) and used by local and international government agencies where appropriate. 

What is Citizen Science?

Citizen Science is a method where any individual, whether they are students, divers, snorkelers, paddle boarders or beach goers, can provide valuable information for current research projects headed by organizations and leading scientists. This method is also called crowd sourcing where a bulk of information is provided by the general community. The information collected by individuals is entered online and then assessed by the lead researcher and institute they are associated with. All the Shark Guardian research projects listed below are based on citizen science to gather information about sharks, marine species and marine debris or pollution, for the purpose of conservation. 

eOceans provides a simple way for divers, snorkelers, paddle boarders, beach goers and even fishermen to report the sharks, rays, marine mammals, turtles, jelly fish, sea horses and marine debris they observe for conservation. These observations or lack of observations are used to assess and monitor populations, communities and ecosystems. Most importantly the data is used to assess the need for marine sanctuaries, and monitor marine management initiatives already in place.

The Shark Guardian Whale Shark Project is citizen science based using photograph ID of Whale Sharks collected from divers and snorkelers around the world. By simply photographing a whale shark correctly you can directly contribute to a global effort to better understand and protect these amazing animals. Whale sharks are classified as Endangered to Extinction on the IUCN Red List.

Spot the Leopard Shark Thailand was launched on Koh Phi Phi Island in August 2013. Submitted photos and information will be used to address questions of how many leopard sharks there are in Thailand, which areas they use, how this changes over time, how long they live and more. Every time you take a photo, you are also being a marine biologist and collecting important data! Leopard sharks are classified as Endangered to Extinction on the IUCN Red List.