With a third of all species faced with extinction, sharks and rays are one of the most threatened groups of animals on the planet.
Governments and scientists often lack the resources to monitor shark and ray populations at the scale needed and instead often need to rely on fisheries reporting on regionalized scientific research that usually focuses only on one species or issue.
To combat this ocean emergency, PADI AWARE, in partnership with Blancpain, is proud to introduce the Global Shark & Ray Census, a global citizen science program that aims to monitor shark and ray populations and to ensure they are protected from extinction.
This will be the world’s largest diver-led data collection program for sharks and rays and is set to launch in 2026.
How Will the Global Shark & Ray Census Work?
The program invites everyone in or on the water (divers and non-divers) to contribute data by logging sightings of any shark and ray species they encounter or monitoring specific sites to track population trends.
The sightings will be logged through the Conservation Action Portal — a new online hub where ocean enthusiasts can share data and take part in citizen science projects. Just like the successful Dive Against Debris® program, which has built the world’s largest underwater marine debris database and advanced global marine debris research, the Census will mobilize the global dive community to fill long-standing data gaps.
Following collection, the data will undergo rigorous scientific analysis and be used to advocate for the adequate protection of vulnerable shark and ray species, thus promoting healthy populations.
The Global Shark & Ray Census data will:
- Identify priority species and areas for our ongoing conservation efforts.
- Show trends of shark and ray populations and advance critical research.
- Help governments monitor and meet their shark and ray protection commitments.
- Expand critical shark and ray habitat protection measures and contribute towards the development of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
- Advance sustainable and responsible shark and ray tourism, helping to protect livelihoods and contribute towards local and national economies.
As Ian Campbell, Associate Director of Policy & Partnerships at PADI AWARE Foundation, explains, “Unlike resource-constrained researchers, scuba divers are in the water every day and night around the world, with the potential to capture in-water information in real time. The Global Shark & Ray Census has the potential to really contribute to both conservation and scientific research, showing us in real-time where sharks and rays are – and just as importantly, where they are missing.”
How Does the New Program Support the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action?
The Global Shark & Ray Census directly supports the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action by aligning with its goals and strategies for protecting endangered species and the habitats they rely on. As we get a clearer understanding of population trends, PADI AWARE will be able to work with partners to ensure the right conservation measures are put in place to reduce the extinction risk.
Who Can Participate in the Global Shark & Ray Census?
Anyone in and on the water can contribute data for the Global Shark & Ray Census. Specifically, divers and Ocean Torchbearers are uniquely suited to taking action to identify, support and protect sharks and rays all around the world. Whether you are a regular ocean adventurer or enjoy an occasional day on or in the water, you can get ready to take local action for global impact.
PADI AWARE
Protecting sharks and rays is the heart and soul of the PADI AWARE® Foundation’s history and community. For 30 years, PADI AWARE has actively engaged in shark conservation. In that time, they have helped advance efforts to protect vulnerable shark species, securing measures such as fishing limits and trade restrictions for over 100 vulnerable species.
Despite these successes, much more needs to be done to ensure we don’t allow the extinction of species that have been in our oceans for hundreds of millions of years.
The Foundation has a strong track record in citizen science. PADI AWARE’s Dive Against Debris program is the largest underwater citizen science database on the planet for marine debris, with more than 194,000 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.
PADI AWARE will continue conservation efforts by protecting species, preserving habitats and advancing research. The brand new, updated AWARE Shark & Ray Conservation Specialty course provides information to stimulate a new wave of active participation from the dive community. Undeniably, collaboration and innovation, working with others to drive collective action and advocating for policies safeguarding sharks and their ecosystems, will be key.
What Will Happen to the AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty Course?
The AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty course has been updated to the AWARE Shark & Ray Conservation Specialty to strengthen understanding of sharks and rays while expanding opportunities for meaningful participation in citizen science.
The course focuses on building foundational knowledge and encouraging active conservation involvement. Participants explore shark and ray biology, examine current conservation challenges and learn how responsible diving practices can support healthier populations. A key component of the course is guidance on contributing data to the AWARE Global Shark & Ray Census, helping divers collect and report observations in ways that are useful for scientists and policy change.
The specialty includes a training dive focused on accurately recording and reporting data, reinforcing the role divers play in long-term monitoring efforts. Importantly, documenting the absence of sharks and rays is just as valuable as reporting sightings, contributing to a more complete understanding of population trends and supporting informed conservation decisions.
Donate Today, Protect Sharks Tomorrow
Sharks and rays can’t wait. Your donation directly supports the world’s largest diver-led conservation program, helping to protect critical habitats, strengthen protections and secure a future where these species can thrive. Join us in supporting ocean wildlife.
Blancpain: Founding Partner of the Global Shark & Ray Census
PADI is proud to work alongside Swiss prestige watchmaker, Blancpain, on the preservation of the underwater world. Thanks to Blancpain’s support of the Vulnerable Species Program, divers will be able to participate in the AWARE Global Shark & Ray Census, the largest underwater citizen science program designed to protect sharks and rays from extinction. PADI and Blancpain are collaborating on a long-term partnership aimed at increasing the number of marine protected areas (MPAs) around the globe. As a founding partner of PADI’s Blueprint for Ocean Action, Blancpain accelerated the creation of PADI’s MPA Program and its flagship citizen science program Adopt the Blue™.
