THE GREAT SHARK SNAPSHOT
MAKE EVERY DIVE COUNT 19 - 27th July 2025
Taking part in the Shark Trust's Great Shark Snapshot is easy if you spend time underwater!
All you have to do is follow these simple steps...
STEP 01
GO DIVING OR SNORKELLING...
Wherever you are, whether in, on or by the water, you can help by looking out for species of shark and ray - or even their eggcases. We want to know what you see.
STEP 02
STEP 03
REPORT EVERY SHARK OR RAY THAT YOU SEE
Make a note of each species, how many there were of each and, if you can, grab a photo so we can verify the species.
SUBMIT YOUR SIGHTINGS TO SHARK LOG
You can do this via The Shark Trust app or using our Online Recording Hub.
Please adhere to appropriate Code of Conducts and follow any local guidelines and laws on interacting with and photographing marine life.
THEGREATSHARKSNAPSHOT
Frogfish Photography
UNDERWATER EGGCASES
This year we ’ re also asking divers to report any eggcases that they discover underwater. Whilst we have lots of records of mermaid’s purses washed ashore on beaches. We need underwater sightings from around the UK and the rest of the world to help learn more about egg-laying grounds.
Please do not touch or disturb them, just take a photo if you can, and then record where you saw them using the Shark Trust app or the online recording hub.
The Shark Trust is a UK-based charity working globally to improve the conservation status of sharks & rays, advocating for positive change & generating collective action to support our goals. We achieve this through science, education, influence & action.
Whilst the team, based in Plymouth, is relatively small, its successes have been considerable. This is partly due to the collaborative philosophy of the charity, working with a global network of scientists, policymakers, conservation professionals, businesses, and supporters, to further shark conservation. Established in 1997 to provide a voice for UK sharks, the Shark Trust has an ever-growing number of passionate supporters. Together they're creating positive change for sharks around the world.
www.sharktrust.org
OCEANIC PROGRAMME
A wide-ranging advocacy effort which targets the conservation of oceanic sharks and rays. Oceanic sharks are some of the most iconic and functionally important species in our ocean. They are exceptionally threatened by overfishing and urgent action is required to ensure their long-term sustainability.
MEDITERRANEAN
PROGRAMME
The Mediterranean Sea is a hotspot of extinction risk for sharks and rays. Working through a network of regional partners, our Mediterranean Programme spans policy engagement, species-specific recovery programmes, and community engagement.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME
We believe in the power of collective action and the value of working with communities to encourage best practices around sharks and rays Our Community Engagement Programme brings together our citizen science programmes with ecotourism guidelines and communities of researchers and conservationists driving positive change.
FISHERIES ENGAGEMENT
The primary threat to sharks and rays is, without doubt, the impacts of excessive and inadequately managed fisheries. Our UK and European fisheries work encompasses government consultation, policy engagement, fisheries monitoring, educational materials and direct support for implementation of legislation.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Use Your Money
There are many ways you can donate to us. From regular and one-off general donations, to leaving us a gift in your will. Or, best of all, become a member and join us on our journey
Use Your Time
Get involved in our citizen science projects or fundraising events: Search for eggcases, record a sighting, run a marathon or bake some cakes. All to help sharks and rays.
Use Your Voice
Sign the Big Shark Pledge and help us secure a future for high seas sharks. bigsharkpledge.org
We look forward to seeing what sharks and rays you see during the Great Shark Snapshot!
Thank you for taking part. And remember – you can record the sharks, rays and eggcases that you see throughout the year using the same recording forms.
Please encourage your diving friends, dive clubs and shops to also take part in this years Great Shark Snapshot. Share that you are taking part and what you find on social media! Dont forget to tag us and use the hashtag #GreatSharkSnapshot
EVERY DIVE COUNT Learn more at: www.sharktrust.org/the-great-shark-snapshot
