Shark & Skate Citizen Science Scotland

Shark and Skate Citizen Science Scotland is a group set-up by my friend and colleague Chris Rickard and I with the aim of obtaining important data about the various elasmobranchs found in Scottish waters.

We record species sightings of individuals (both alive and deceased), eggcases and behavioural observations. Citizen science such as this can be fundamental in furthering our understanding about their biology, behaviour and habitats which is integral to the development of more effective conservation and management. To find out more and to submit sightings please get in touch via our facebook group https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/sharkandskatecitizensciencescotland/ or feel free to contact me directly: lauren.saltwaterlifeuk@gmail.com

Volunteer with the Shark & Marine Research Institute, South Africa

Do you want to get hands on with sharks in South Africa?

I am delighted to be collaborating with the Shark & Marine Research Institute to offer an experience with a reputable conservation focused non-profit organisation offering an excellent ethical experience:

• Be trained as a marine research assistant, interact with sharks and gain essential research skills for your future career!

•  Contribute towards meaningful research projects working towards protecting sharks in South Africa;

• Whether you are a Student, Post-Graduate, Passionate Conservationist or All-round Shark Enthusiast you are all encouraged to apply!

You will be involved in the following projects:

•  A study to understand more about great white shark behaviour;

• A dorsal fin identification project to monitor the diminishing great white shark population;

• Collection of baseline data on abundance, diversity and habitat use of other shark and ray species.

You will learn how to:

• Record white shark monitoring data;

• Take dorsal fin identification photos and how to analyse those photos;

• Ethical handling and angling of sharks, including measurement, tagging and taking genetic samples.

Daily activities include trips on the cage diving tourist boat, trips on the research vessel, snorkelling, shore surveys, lectures, data analysis, video editing, photo editing, beach clean ups, lessons with the local school, excursions and more.

Volunteers will gain a considerable amount of sea experience as well as some valuable skills in the field, both on the cage diving boat and the dedicated research vessel.

To register your interest please drop me an email at: lauren.saltwaterlifeuk@gmail.com

Take part in a Beach Clean

I have been a regional representative for the charity Surfers Against Sewage since 2012, one of my main responsibilities in this role is to organize and partake in beach cleans, the fantastic thing about beach cleans is that it allows you to make a direct difference whilst raising awareness about the bigger issue. Whilst waste management action plans are being addressed, marine litter is still entering our Oceans, and will continue to do so for some time no matter how quickly new waste systems are introduced.

Going out and removing that litter from the beach particularly those items which pose a direct threat to wildlife via entanglement, is a direct approach that will benefit your local area immediately. It is also an effective way of conducting hands on education and outreach to the wider public. If you would like to take part in a beach clean check out organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage, Marine Conservation Society and Sea Shepherd. All of these run beach cleans periodically throughout the year and will be delighted to welcome new volunteers!

If you would like to organize and run a beach (or river) clean in your local area then check out the following step by step guide on the SAS website: https://www.sas.org.uk/our-work/beach-cleans/organise-beach-clean/