The Falkland Islands Project focuses on improving the management of fisheries and reporting for sharks, skates, and rays in the waters off the Falkland Islands. This region, home to many species, has significant fishing activity, especially for skates. The project aims to enhance species-specific reporting, which is important for tracking marine life populations and ensuring…
Fisheries advisories are important guidelines that help the commercial fishing industry understand current laws regarding sharks, skates, and rays in UK and EU waters. Each year, new advisories are created to reflect changes in legislation and ensure they are easy to access on mobile devices. They also provide best practice guides for handling these species….
The Resources and Toolkit section provides a variety of helpful materials aimed at anyone interested in sharks and marine conservation. This includes toolkits for educators, magazines like Shark Focus, fact files for different shark species, animated videos, and informative posters and leaflets. These resources are designed to educate and support individuals, whether they are teachers,…
The Flat Shark Showcase highlights the critical conservation work being done to protect flat sharks in the Mediterranean. Flat sharks, like sawfish and angel sharks, are among the most endangered species and need urgent action for survival. Three species of angel sharks are Critically Endangered, and various rays also face threats. Collaboration among countries and…
Guitarfish, especially the Giant Guitarfish, are among the most threatened marine species, primarily due to overfishing and the high demand for their fins in the global shark fin trade. The Mediterranean is home to both the Critically Endangered Giant Guitarfish and the Endangered Common Guitarfish, which face significant threats from poorly regulated coastal fisheries. Conservation…
The Big Shark Pledge aims to protect oceanic sharks and rays threatened by overfishing. Research shows that 75% of these species are at risk of extinction, with populations declining by 71% over the past 50 years. Donations to this initiative will support efforts to pressure governments and fisheries for better practices. The program focuses on…
A new species of bone-eating worm named Osedax craigmcclaini has been discovered, named after deep-sea biologist Dr. Craig McClain. These worms thrive on the fatty lipids found in bones, particularly from deceased marine animals like whales and alligators. The females extend roots into bones and do not have a gut or mouth. The discovery involved…
DEMA and major scuba training groups like NAUI, PADI, SDI, and SEI have written to Congress asking for support of the DIVE BOAT Act. They aim to change a part of the Small Passenger Vessel Act, which has raised insurance costs for dive businesses unnecessarily. The DIVE BOAT Act seeks to establish fair liability standards,…
DEMA conducted its 2024 Retailer Advertising Survey to gather important information on advertising and marketing practices in the dive industry. Over 280 dive centers worldwide participated, providing data that will help improve advertising effectiveness among retailers. This survey focuses on understanding how dive stores reach potential customers using new technology and social media. This research…
The Great Eggcase Hunt encourages scuba divers and beachgoers to help with shark and ray conservation. Participants can find and record eggcases that wash up on beaches. This activity is fun for all ages and supports citizen science projects aimed at monitoring shark populations. By engaging with this project, individuals contribute to vital conservation efforts.