SHARK CITIZEN SCIENCE
AND RESERCH PROJECTS
EXPLORE. DISCOVER. PROTECT.
Shark Guardian is proud to lead and support vital shark research and citizen science projects across the globe. From tracking whale sharks and zebra sharks to studying ragged-tooth sharks (raggies) and working alongside leading scientists and universities, our mission is to collect critical data to protect sharks and their habitats. Through partnerships with platforms like eOceans, and by empowering the diving and coastal communities, we’re turning everyday encounters into powerful conservation action.
UNDERSTANDING SHARK RESERACH
AND CITIZEN SCIENCE
What is shark research:
Shark research is the scientific study of shark species, focusing on their behavior, biology, habitats, and movements throughout the ocean. It aims to understand how sharks live, feed, reproduce, and interact with their environment, providing crucial insights into both shark populations and the broader health of marine ecosystems. Researchers use a variety of methods, including tagging and satellite tracking to monitor shark migrations, genetic studies to explore species diversity, and population surveys to assess abundance and health.
Ultimately, shark research provides the evidence needed to guide conservation efforts, influence policy, and ensure that sharks—and the oceans they help regulate—are protected for future generations.
Why is shark research important for conservation:
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Over one-third of shark species are threatened with extinction, making research essential.
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Research identifies which species are most at risk and why populations are declining.
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It helps locate critical habitats like nurseries and feeding grounds.
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Tracks human impacts such as overfishing, habitat destruction, and the shark fin trade.
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Provides evidence for conservation action, including marine protected areas and policy changes.
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Guides sustainable fishing practices based on science, not guesswork.
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Transforms awareness into action, giving us the tools to protect sharks and marine ecosystems.
What is citizen science and how does it benefit conservation:
Data from research is used to:
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Advocate for marine protected areas
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Inform national and international shark fishing regulations
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Support endangered species listings (IUCN, CITES)
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Educate policymakers and the public
Shark Guardian uses research results to back conservation campaigns with facts and science.
How can you get involved in citizen science with Shark Guardian:
There are many exciting ways to take part:
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Log your shark sightings through eOceans and Shark Guardian forms
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Join our whale shark and zebra shark research expeditions
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Support our raggie shark surveys with partnered dive operators
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Help identify sharks through photo ID projects
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Promote and host citizen science workshops at your dive center or school
Whether you’re a diver, student, or ocean lover—you can be part of protecting sharks through science.
SUPPORTING LOCAL RESEARCH
AND UNIVERSITY PROJECTS
Study of sharks and microplastics
Kristian Parton, a Master's by Research student at the University of Exeter, is delving into the compelling topic of marine debris entanglement in elasmobranchs—a subject that continues to grow in relevance within marine conservation. His research paper, "Global review of shark and ray entanglement in anthropogenic marine debris," stands out not only for its important focus but also for its innovative approach to data collection.
In particular, Kristian’s use of social media platforms like Twitter to identify and track entanglement cases is breaking new ground in scientific research. While social media remains an underexplored tool in marine science, his work demonstrates its vast, untapped potential as a rich source of observational data.
Ocean Advocates: The Women Advancing Shark Research Worldwide
Shark Guardian’s Women in Science series shines a spotlight on inspiring women making exceptional contributions to shark research and conservation. Featured scientists include Mareike Dornhege, a PhD-holding shark ecologist based in Japan; Amani Webber‑Schultz, who's investigating shark morphology and biomechanics in her doctoral work; Jaida Elcock, studying shark movement patterns while pursuing her PhD through MIT–WHOI; Carlee Jackson, who helped launch the #BlackInNature movement and conducts field studies on nurse sharks; and Jasmin Graham, co‑founder and CEO of Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS), an award-winning scientist studying shark and ray ecology and advocating for diversity and engagement in marine science.
Together, these researchers showcase diverse, cutting-edge shark science—from biomechanics and movement tracking to behavioral ecology and community-driven programs. Their work often converges with citizen science: empowering divers, snorkelers, and communities to contribute observations, photos, and sightings to global databases like eShark and Sharkbook.ai for Sharks, thus amplifying the reach and impact of conservation research.
Each profile underscores not only pioneering individual research but also the collective power of women-led citizen science initiatives in driving forward shark conservation, data collection, and public engagement at international and grassroots levels.