Join the Great Shark Snapshot & Help Save Sharks

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There is something unforgettable about the moment a shark glides past you underwater. Maybe it is the quiet confidence in their movement. Perhaps it is knowing you are witnessing one of the ocean’s top predators in its natural habitat - raw, graceful, and completely breathtaking. For many divers, these encounters define a lifetime of ocean memories. And now, thanks to a powerful partnership between SSI and the Shark Trust, every one of those encounters can mean something more.

This July, you are invited to take part in a global effort to protect these incredible animals. The Great Shark Snapshot, taking place from July 19 to 27, is a citizen science initiative that calls on divers and snorkelers from around the world to record sightings of sharks, rays, skates, and eggcases.

It is the fourth year of this impactful project, and this year, SSI is on board to help make it bigger than ever, but we will need your help!

Whether you are diving in a tropical hotspot, cruising on a liveaboard, or exploring your favorite local reef, this is your chance to turn each dive into something meaningful. As an added bonus, your sightings can also count toward SSI’s annual Dive Log Challenge, kicking off July 1st, where logging dives can earn you prizes, recognition, and community connection.

Let us take a deeper look at what the Great Shark Snapshot is all about - and how you can get involved.

What is the Great Shark Snapshot?

The Shark Trust, a UK-based conservation charity with a global reach, launched the Great Shark Snapshot to answer an important question: Where are the sharks? The initiative encourages divers to contribute valuable data to the Shark Log, a worldwide database used by scientists to monitor species distribution, identify changes in shark and ray populations, and highlight areas of concern or potential protection.

It is not a formal research expedition, and you do not need to be a marine biologist to take part. It is simply about making every dive count - no matter where in the world you are.

Here is how it works:

• Go diving between July 19–27, 2025.
• Record every shark, ray, skate, or eggcase you see.
• Upload your observations to the Shark Log, or use the Shark Trust App.
• If possible, take photos or videos to help with species identification.

It does not matter if you spot a reef shark in the Caribbean or a stingray in your local bay - every sighting contributes to conservation science.

Love sharks? Check out our 10 Best Places to Go Scuba Diving with Sharks 

SSI + Shark Trust: A Natural Partnership for the Ocean

This year, SSI has joined forces with the Shark Trust to help amplify this global effort. It is a natural partnership rooted in shared values: sustainability, education, and community-driven action.

Through its Blue Oceans initiative, SSI empowers divers to become responsible stewards of the sea. The Blue Oceans program promotes reef-safe behavior, encourages plastic reduction, and supports initiatives that directly contribute to ocean health.

By participating in the Great Shark Snapshot, divers can actively embody the Blue Oceans mission - not just as spectators but as citizen scientists.

The collaboration underscores something SSI has long believed: The more we know about the ocean, the better we can protect it.

Why the Great Shark Snapshot Matters

Sharks and rays are vital to the health of our oceans, yet many species are in decline due to overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change. The data collected during the Great Shark Snapshot provides critical insights that can shape future shark conservation initiatives.

But this endeavor is not just about gathering information. It is also about bringing people together to celebrate the beauty, mystery, and importance of these captivating animals.

By logging your sightings, you are directly supporting research, helping create safer policies for marine wildlife, and adding your voice to a growing global network of divers who care deeply about the ocean’s future.

Double Your Impact: SSI’s 2025 Dive Log Challenge

Participating in the Great Shark Snapshot also gives you a head start on SSI’s annual Dive Log Challenge, which runs from July 1 to September 30, 2025.

Here is how it works:

• Log every dive in your MySSI app
• Get your dive verified by an SSI Pro or Training Center
• Make sure you log at least two wildlife sightings in your log book - which should be easy when you are looking for sharks and rays!
• The more dives you log, the more entries you have to win gear, dive travel, and other great prizes.
• Dives logged as part of the Great Shark Snapshot are eligible - just follow the steps above!

The Dive Log Challenge is a fun way to build your diving community and gain more experience in the water. By combining your Great Shark Snapshot dives with the Dive Log Challenge, you are turning your dives into a challenge for a cause—with rewards that benefit both you and the ocean.

JOIN TODAY: Learn more about the Dive Log Challenge here 

How to Prepare for Your Snapshot Dives

To make the most of your dives as a citizen scientist, consider the following tips:

1. Plan Your Dives

Coordinate with your local SSI Training Center, instructor, or dive buddies to create group Snapshot dives - a great opportunity to connect and contribute as a team.

2. Brush Up on ID Skills

Familiarize yourself with common shark and ray species in your area. SSI’s Shark Ecology and Manta & Ray Ecology specialties are a great place to start. In these two programs, you will learn more about sharks and rays than you ever thought possible. Plus, identifying them for the Great Shark Snapshot will become a breeze!

3. Use the Right Tools

Download the Shark Trust App before your dives so you can easily upload sightings. Bring an underwater slate and camera to record your sightings, if possible.

4. Be Ethical

Remember to always avoid chasing or touching marine life. Maintain a neutrally buoyant position in the water at all times and observe from a respectful distance.

Blue Oceans: The Bigger Picture

Participating in this initiative is just one way to support SSI’s broader Blue Oceans program. This global movement is designed to turn divers into advocates, not just adventurers. Through environmental education, responsible diving practices, and active engagement in conservation efforts, Blue Oceans is shaping the future of our underwater world.

The ocean gives us so much - adventure, connection, joy, and beauty. The least we can do is give something back. And it all starts with small, intentional actions like joining the Great Shark Snapshot.

Ready to Dive In?

Whether you are a new Open Water Diver or an experienced SSI Diving Instructor, there is a role for you in this global event. It is about community, conservation, and celebrating the ocean that connects us all.

Wherever you are diving this July, make it count! Be part of the Great Shark Snapshot and help turn every underwater moment into meaningful action.

Learn More & Get Involved:

• Join the Great Shark Snapshot    
• Explore the Dive Log Challenge
• Discover SSI’s Blue Oceans Program