March, 2020 – Halifax, Canada

eOceans Collaborates with Shark Guardian and Dive Shops in Thailand to Publish Groundbreaking Study on Shark Populations

[Nova Scotia, Canada] — Ocean research company [eOceans] is proud to announce the publication of a transformative study titled "Using eOceans Diver Data to Describe Contemporary Patterns of Marine Animal Populations: A Case Study of Sharks in Thailand." The study, a collaborative effort between eOceans, Shark Guardian, and divers across Thailand, sheds light on contemporary patterns of shark populations.

Globally, sharks face numerous threats due to human activities, and monitoring their abundance and distribution is crucial for effective conservation efforts. The study showcases how citizen science programs, such as eOceans, play a pivotal role in gathering essential observations from ocean explorers worldwide, helping to address the data gap for marine animal populations.

The study began in 2012 as a dedicated Thailand-wide census of sharks. Collaborating with dive tourism industry partners, eOceans scientists gathered data from 9,524 dives (equating to 9,357 hours underwater) logged by 169 divers across 153 dive sites in Thailand. The extensive dataset allowed for a comprehensive analysis of the spatial and temporal patterns of sharks along the Thai coast.

"We are excited to share the results of this collaborative effort, which provide valuable insights into shark populations in coastal Thailand," said Dr. Christine Ward-Paige, CEO at eOceans and lead author. "The study's findings offer crucial information for shark scientists, ecologists, fisheries scientists, and policymakers to guide conservation strategies and better understand the dynamics of these marine species."

The study identified 12 shark species encountered during the research, with blacktip reef and leopard sharks being the most frequently encountered species. The data also revealed seasonal and yearly variations in encounter rates and highlighted the potential for collaborative citizen science projects in supporting marine science, management, and conservation efforts worldwide.

"We believe in the power of collaboration to drive impactful research and conservation efforts," added Ward-Paige. "This study underscores the value of bringing together diverse stakeholders and leveraging participatory science to advance marine science and conservation."

The publication of this study marks a significant milestone in understanding and protecting shark populations, which have shown great declines in numbers, and showcasing the potential of collaborative initiatives in furthering marine science and conservation.

For media inquiries or further information about the paper, please contact:

Dr. Christine Ward-Paige, CEO
eOceans
www.eOceans.co
chris@eOceans.co