Citizen Science Empowers Public to Revolutionize Shark Conservation and Protect Ocean Ecosystems

The Rise of Citizen Science in Shark Conservation: Tracking the Ocean’s Top Predators

How Public Participation in Research is Transforming Our Understanding of Sharks

San Diego, CA – 7 February, 2025 – Once misunderstood and feared, sharks are now recognized as vital players in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. Yet, many shark species face drastic population declines due to habitat destruction, overfishing, and climate change. Traditional scientific studies on sharks have long been limited by funding, logistics, and access to remote marine environments. However, a groundbreaking movement in citizen science is revolutionizing shark research, allowing divers, snorkelers, and beachgoers to contribute valuable data that aids conservation efforts.

Leading this charge is Ocean Sanctuaries, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering the public to participate in marine research. Through its Sevengill Shark Identification Project and the Sharks of California Initiative, Ocean Sanctuaries has created a global network of citizen scientists who help track and study shark populations like never before.

"With so many shark species under threat, we need all hands on deck," said marine biologist and Ocean Sanctuaries advisor. "By enlisting the help of divers and ocean enthusiasts, we’re gathering unprecedented data on shark movements, population trends, and behaviors—data that would take traditional researchers decades to collect on their own."

Why Shark Conservation Matters

Sharks are often portrayed as dangerous predators, but in reality, they are critical to ocean health. As apex predators, sharks help regulate fish populations, ensuring that no single species dominates and disrupts the marine food web. Their presence:

• Maintains biodiversity by keeping prey populations in check.
• Prevents overgrazing of seagrass beds and coral reefs by herbivorous species.
• Indicates ecosystem health, as a thriving shark population often signals a balanced ocean.

However, many shark species are in decline, with some populations reduced by over 90 percent in the last few decades. The biggest threats include:

1. Overfishing and bycatch – Sharks are caught unintentionally in commercial fisheries or deliberately for their fins.
2. Habitat destruction – Coastal development and pollution are degrading shark breeding and feeding grounds.
3. Climate change – Rising ocean temperatures and acidification are altering shark migration patterns.

Traditional shark research is expensive and time-consuming, requiring funding for tagging, tracking, and deep-sea exploration. This is where citizen science has become a game-changer, bridging the gap between scientific research and conservation action.

How Citizen Scientists Are Helping Track Sharks

1. Photo Identification: A Non-Invasive Way to Study Sharks

One of the most effective ways citizen scientists contribute to shark research is through photo identification. Unlike tagging, which requires capturing and handling sharks, photo ID relies on natural markings to identify individual sharks over time.

Through the Sevengill Shark Identification Project, Ocean Sanctuaries has enlisted scuba divers, snorkelers, and underwater photographers to capture images of broadnose sevengill sharks (Notorynchus cepedianus). These sharks are identified using:

• Freckle patterns – Unique spot formations on the shark’s skin act like fingerprints.
• Fin shapes and scars – Distinctive notches or injuries help differentiate individuals.
• Size and coloration – Changes in size over time help track growth and migration.

Since its launch in 2010, this project has compiled one of the largest databases of sevengill shark encounters in the world, contributing critical insights into their seasonal migrations, population stability, and behavior.

"Before citizen scientists started documenting these sharks, we knew very little about their movement patterns," said Ocean Sanctuaries advisor. "Now, thanks to thousands of photos submitted by volunteers, we have a much clearer picture of where these sharks travel, when they mate, and how they interact with their environment."

2. Data Collection Through Shark Sighting Apps

Ocean Sanctuaries also encourages the use of digital tools like iNaturalist and the Sharks of California FieldScope, allowing beachgoers and divers to log shark sightings in real-time. These tools:

• Map where sharks are being seen and how populations are shifting.
• Help track species abundance over time.
• Allow researchers to compare historical data with new observations.

This method has been particularly useful in tracking Leopard Sharks, Great Whites, and Mako Sharks off the California coast. By compiling sightings over the years, scientists can determine how climate change and human activity impact shark habitats.

3. Shark DNA Analysis: Citizen Science Meets High-Tech Research

In collaboration with marine biologists and research institutions, Ocean Sanctuaries is exploring ways to integrate environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling into citizen science.

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• What is eDNA?

  • When sharks swim, they shed tiny pieces of DNA into the water.
  • By collecting water samples from known shark hotspots, researchers can detect which species have recently been in the area without ever seeing them.

• How Citizen Scientists Can Help:

  • Volunteers can collect water samples from coastal regions for analysis.
  • Data is used to confirm species presence and track rare or elusive sharks.

This cutting-edge approach is helping to expand knowledge on species like hammerheads and thresher sharks, which are rarely seen but often leave behind genetic traces.

Citizen science has already led to several breakthroughs in shark research and conservation, including:

1. Improved Protection Measures – Data collected by divers has helped establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) where sharks are known to gather.
2. Better Understanding of Migration Patterns – Tracking efforts have shown that sevengill sharks return to the same locations each year, proving the importance of habitat protection.
3. Public Awareness and Advocacy – Engaging the public in shark science has dispelled myths about sharks and generated support for conservation policies.

"Citizen science isn't just about gathering data," said Barbara Lloyd. "It’s about inspiring people to protect what they’re studying. When someone sees a shark in the wild and contributes to research, they become a shark advocate for life."

Ocean Sanctuaries invites anyone with a passion for the ocean to help track and protect sharks. Whether you are an experienced diver or a casual beachgoer, you can contribute by:

1. Photographing sharks and submitting images to the Sevengill Shark Identification Project.
2. Logging sightings of sharks using iNaturalist or FieldScope.
3. Participating in shark tagging and tracking events with partner organizations.
4. Collecting water samples for eDNA analysis.
5. Supporting shark conservation efforts through donations or advocacy work.

About Ocean Sanctuaries

Ocean Sanctuaries is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering citizen scientists to protect marine ecosystems. Through education, outreach, and hands-on research projects, the organization fosters a global community of ocean advocates working to preserve the world’s oceans for future generations.

Media Contact:
Ocean Sanctuaries
Barbara Lloyd
Phone: +1.858.633.7305
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.oceansanctuaries.org