Join the Count: More Citizen Science with PADI AWARE's NEW Global Shark & Ray Census

Jen Downey May 14, 2026

Dive with Purpose: Introducing the PADI AWARE Global Shark & Ray Census

For decades, catching a glimpse of a shark gliding effortlessly through the blue or watching a manta ray dance in the currents has been the pinnacle of many diving adventures. But today, these magnificent apex predators and marine creatures face unprecedented threats, with roughly one-third of all shark and ray species currently at risk of extinction.

As scuba divers, we aren’t just passive visitors to the underwater world; we are its natural guardians. That is why the PADI AWARE Foundation, in partnership with James Cook University and watchmaker Blancpain, has officially launched the Global Shark & Ray Census, the most ambitious citizen science program of its kind. Here is everything you need to know about how your next dive can actively save a species:

What is the Global Shark & Ray Census?

The Global Shark & Ray Census is a massive, worldwide data-collection effort that empowers recreational divers and ocean lovers to become citizen scientists. By logging everyday encounters or participating in targeted site monitoring, the diving community is helping to build a comprehensive, real-time map of shark and ray populations across the globe.

By knowing exactly where these animals are—and where they are not—scientists and policymakers can target critical conservation efforts right where they matter most.

Turning Data Into Real-World Policy

If you’ve ever participated in PADI’s flagship Dive Against Debris program, you already know how powerful diver-led data can be. Debris data has directly influenced national laws and shaped international plastic treaties. The Global Shark & Ray Census aims to do the same thing for marine wildlife by producing standardized, scientifically rigorous data to:

Identify Critical Habitats: Track populations within Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) and Adopt the Blue sites.
Track Population Trends: Catch shifting populations or dwindling numbers before it is too late.
Establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Provide the undeniable baseline data required to convince governments to protect vulnerable waters.
Combat Exploitation: To keep these animals safe, raw location data remains confidential to protect vulnerable species from poaching, while aggregated insights are showcased on a global public impact map.

How You Can Get Involved

You don’t need a PhD in marine biology to make a massive impact. Getting involved is simple, seamless, and integrates right into your normal dive routine.

Take the New AWARE Shark & Ray Conservation Specialty Course: Pairing perfectly with the census is PADI’s newly revised specialty course. This program bridges classroom education with real-world participation. You’ll learn about the unique threats facing these species, how to accurately identify different sharks and rays, and how to safely navigate encounters while collecting valuable data.
Log Your Sightings on the Go: Whenever you spot a shark or ray, you can log the encounter via the PADI Conservation Action Portal inside the PADI AWARE App. The app will prompt you to enter details like:
- Dive profile and environmental conditions
- Species identification and quantity
- Observed behaviors
- Media uploads (photos or videos) to verify the sighting
Support a Sustainable Dive Industry: By participating, you help shift the global dive industry toward responsible wildlife tourism. Dive centers that prioritize these surveys are helping prove to global governments that sharks and rays are worth significantly more alive, driving ecotourism and local economies, than they are to commercial fisheries.

Adventure Meets Action

Citizen science becomes truly transformational when it is a natural part of your everyday diving experience. The next time you gear up, don't just dive to explore...dive to protect.

Head over to the PADI AWARE Shark & Ray Program page to learn more, download the app, and sign up for your next PADI AWARE specialty course. The ocean is giving us a window to save its most iconic species, let's take it!