Photo credit: The Shark Trust
BSAC divers and snorkellers are being asked to record the sharks and rays that they see during the last week of July and report their findings for the 2025 The Great Shark Snapshot.
Now in its fourth year, the Shark Trust’s citizen science initiative this year will take place between the 19th and 27th July.
The event is is happening in 'Shark Month' (July) to coincide with a series of events that celebrate all things shark and ray, including TV's Shark Week and the 50th anniversary of Jaws.
Divers, clubs, centres, charter boats and liveaboards are all encouraged to show their support by organising dives and events throughout the week. As well as gathering vital data, the event will provide a chance to celebrate the incredible shark and ray species that live in our ocean.
Information about the species and numbers of sharks and rays the participants find over the week will be added to the Shark Trust’s Shark Log. This global shark census will, over time, allow shark scientists to build a picture of species distribution and any changes that occur.
Caroline Robertson-Brown, Marketing Manager at the Shark Trust said:
It is great to see this popular citizen science event back for its 4th year. We are asking divers to make every dive count this year. To identify, count and record every shark, ray and eggcase they see during the week-long event. To organise dives especially to take part. Whether you are diving your local dive site, or on a trip of a lifetime, we want divers to join in on the Great Shark Snapshot in July.
It is easy to join in. Just go diving between 19th and 27th July and record every shark, ray, skate or eggcase that you and your dive group sees. If possible, take photos and some video footage too. Then make sure that you record your sightings on the Shark Trust Shark Log recordings website or by using the Shark Trust app.
This year we have created a digital guide that puts all the information you need in one handy online guide. Which can be downloaded from the website.
The Great Shark Snapshot is a way for divers to get together, go diving, and do something to help shark conservation. Why not dive in?
You can find out more on the Shark Trust website.
