Divers counting sharks because every shark counts!

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Are you a recreational scuba diver?
Do you see sharks occasionally or regularly?

SharksCount engages divers as ‘citizen scientists’ for sharks. We empower divers to count and identify the sharks that they see on their recreational dives. SharksCount provides the tools to log and share shark sightings with us for conservation purposes.

Why participate in SharksCount?

Shark Savers works to improve protections for sharks. Increasing protections for sharks requires data about local populations.

However, even basic information is often absent or missing. Divers, see sharks the most frequently and regularly, are often familiar with local trends, but rarely have the training or tools to accurately and consistently record these valuable sightings in a way that can be useful to shark conservation advocacy.

SharksCount seeks to close an important data gap by enabling divers to act as “citizen scientists for sharks”. Over time, these sightings will provide essential information about local shark population trends with the potential of improving protections for sharks. 

What is ‘citizen science’?

A network of volunteers, many of whom may have no specific scientific training, performing research-related tasks such as recording species observations accumulated over time to reveal local trends.

What happens to the data?

Once you’ve filled a data sheet, simply scan and email it to us.. Soon, you will be able to enter your information online. We maintain a comprehensive database that aggregates all of the information. We then make it available to our partner scientists for conservation planning and education. To protect the sharks and proprietary dive sites, specific locations are never made public.

What YOU can do? 

Photo: Jim Abernethy

Recruit more divers – Ask your dive club or dive shop to include SharksCount in their activities; we’ll provide all survey materials and training, upon request.

Join us! We’re making the oceans safe for sharks, one dive at a time.