The Global Shark & Ray Census is a new citizen science program introduced by PADI AWARE to monitor and protect shark and ray populations from the threat of extinction. With one-third of all species threatened with extinction, sharks and rays are one of the most threatened groups of animals on the planet.
What is the Global Shark & Ray Census?
Both divers and non-divers will be asked to collect sightings data on any shark and ray species they encounter, or to take part in monitoring specific sites to track population trends and submit their findings to our database. The data will undergo rigorous scientific analysis and will be used to ensure vulnerable species of sharks and rays have adequate protection to ensure healthy populations, directly supporting the dive industry. Globally, shark watching generates USD $314 million per year. By 2033, this is expected to double to more than USD $780 million per year.
The data will:
Show trends of shark and ray populations, so you can use scientific proof to advertise shark and ray-heavy dive sites.
Help governments monitor and meet their shark protection commitments, which can increase tourism.
A 2022 Reef-World survey revealed that divers are willing to pay more for dive adventures that give back to the ocean and operate sustainably.
Advance sustainable and responsible shark and ray tourism, helping to protect livelihoods and contribute towards local and national economies.
Expand critical shark and ray habitat protection measures and contribute to the development of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to improve dive sites around the world.
Who Can Participate in the Global Shark & Ray Census?
Anyone in and on the water can contribute data for the Global Shark & Ray Census. Divers, snorkelers, and even customers sitting on a boat topside can contribute to the census. Customers trained with you can take their new citizen science skill and help save sharks and rays around the world.
How Can PADI Professionals Get Involved?
The Global Shark & Ray Census is an opportunity to involve new and old divers in shark-related citizen science. Following the template of Dive Against Debris, anyone you take on and in the water can get involved in protecting sharks. The Global Shark & Ray Census, with its course component and citizen science component, offers many new opportunities for dive centers.
Get involved with the Global Shark & Ray Census to:
Host exciting dive events
Expand your customer base, both to divers and non-divers who want to take action
Give your existing customer base new opportunities in conservation
Identify priority species and areas for ongoing conservation efforts
Advance critical research on local shark populations
Help local governments meet their shark protection commitments
The census isn’t limited to saltwater divers; those in a freshwater environment can get excited about finding vulnerable species locally, and even plan trips to see specific sharks and rays as well.
The Revised AWARE Shark & Ray Conservation Specialty
Looking ahead, PADI AWARE is updating and revising the AWARE Shark & Ray Conservation Specialty Course into a digital course. The most recent and up-to-date information on shark conservation will be incorporated, and the course will also include dedicated sections on sustainable shark tourism, the new citizen science program and details of how you can get involved in saving some of the most iconic species on the planet.
The revised AWARE Shark & Ray Conservation Specialty will take the action of the Global Shark & Ray Census and bring it to life. Following a similar structure to other PADI AWARE specialty courses, this two-dive specialty will take you deeper into understanding the threats sharks and rays face, as well as highlight tangible actions you can take with your students and community to protect them.
The course will help change the narrative of misunderstood species, help document their presence in your local waters, and then change the tide for sharks and rays. Together, and with the Global Shark & Ray Census, we can create tangible local action to reduce vulnerable shark and ray species threatened from extinction by 25%.
“By monitoring and understanding these species better, we can take targeted actions to ensure their survival and the health of our oceans.” – PADI AWARE Director, Danna Moore
PADI AWARE Will Continue Conservation Efforts by Protecting Species, Preserving Habitats, and Advancing Research.
The AWARE Foundation has a strong track record in citizen science. Their Dive Against Debris program is the largest underwater citizen science database on the planet for marine debris with more that 175,000 participants taking action, and the data generated is used for ground-breaking research. With an estimated emergent market of almost a million existing shark and ray tourists, the Global Shark & Ray Census will provide everyone with the skills and tools to contribute directly to shark conservation efforts around the world.
In addition to the Global Shark & Ray Census, PADI AWARE promotes sustainable shark tourism practices, ensuring ethical interactions and minimizing negative impacts.
Sharks Need Your Help. Take Action Now.
You can take action now. The PADI AWARE Global Shark & Ray Census is currently offering a Stainless Steel Shark Tumbler in return for a $40 USD / €35 EUR / £35 GBP / $45 AUD donation to support shark conservation efforts. By purchasing the tumbler, you can support the conservation program while also receiving a reusable, environmentally friendly product. All proceeds from tumbler sales go directly to supporting the PADI AWARE Global Shark & Ray Census and its mission to reverse shark and ray extinction.
The post Introducing The Global Shark & Ray Census: PADI AWARE’s Newest Citizen Science Program appeared first on PADI Pros.
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