The Shark Trust is calling on divers and snorkellers around the world to record sightings of sharks, rays, skates and eggcases for this year’s Great Shark Snapshot.
The citizen science project returns for its fifth year from 18 to 26 July, with participants asked to log every shark and ray sighting made during dives or snorkelling trips.
Divers, clubs, dive centres, charter boats and liveaboards are being encouraged to organise dives during the week and submit their sightings to the Shark Trust’s Shark Log, either through the recording website or the Shark Trust app.
In 2025, more than 450 divers took part, in 13 different countries, with more than 1000 sharks and rays recorded. The Trust is hoping 2026 will be even bigger.
The data will contribute to a global shark census intended to help build a picture of species distribution and changes over time.
‘It is great to see so many divers, clubs and organisations taking part this year,’ said Caroline Robertson-Brown, marketing manager at the Shark Trust. ‘We want to make 2026 our biggest Great Shark Snapshot year yet. Making Every Dive Count.
‘I cannot wait to see the species divers and snorkelers find and the locations where people are diving with these incredible animals. Anyone can take part, anywhere in the world.
It is easy to join in and feel part of something big. I’ll be diving in Porthkerris in Cornwall!’
How to get involved
All you need to do to get involved is go diving or snorkelling between 18 and 26 July and record every shark, ray, skate or eggcase that you and your dive group see – with photos or video footage if possible.
Sightings can be recorded on the Shark Trust Shark Log or by using the Shark Trust app, and the Shark Trust digital guide, which has all the information required for the Snapshot, can be downloaded from the trust’s website.
For more information on The Great Shark Snapshot and shark conservation in general, head to www.sharktrust.org/snapshot
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