Ocean First Institute Citizen Science Project
We are collecting shark and ray ID and length data with the help of divers all over the world. Our citizen science project goals are to engage divers in the process of scientific data collection and to report their findings in a free and open access database. Diver participation is key and will help us determine which species are present on reefs and in what numbers. We partner with dive operators in the Bahamas, and Florida to collect data using our underwater laser measuring devices. If you are looking for a place to go to measure sharks and rays with lasers, you can work with our partner ConnectOcean in Costa Rica! They take divers on trips specifically to measure sharks and rays and add the findings to the online database. Contact us for more information on how to participate or to purchase you own laser measuring device, which you can use on every single dive you make!
A Caribbean reef shark is being measured in the Bahamas using our laser measuring device.
The laser measuring device with green lasers set parallel and 50 cm apart allow us to measure animals underwater with accuracy.
Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza measures Great White sharks in Guadalupe, Mexico using the laser device.
Contact us for more information about the laser device and how to purchase one.
Our goal is to collect baseline species ID, abundance and seasonality data to evaluate areas that need special protection.