Unleash Your Shark Passion this Shark Week : Project SIARC:
Sharks are the stars of Discovery Channel’s Shark Week , which commenced on July 23rd.
These fascinating creatures are not only captivating to watch but also play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our ocean ecosystems.
Unfortunately, over 500 species of sharks face endangerment due to escalating human threats. However, there are ways we can contribute to shark science and conservation efforts.
By actively participating in these projects, you can make a meaningful difference in shark conservation.
Project SIARC: Sharks Inspiring Action and Research with Communities:
Project SIARC is a groundbreaking initiative that focuses on catalyzing links between fishers, researchers, communities, and the government to collaborate and safeguard elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays) while supporting a green recovery in Wales.
The coastal waters of Wales are rich in marine diversity, harboring 27 species of elasmobranchs. Despite their significance, little is known about their biology and ecology.
Project SIARC aims to change that by delivering a comprehensive fisher-integrated research program.
The Marine Environment in Wales:
Wales’ marine environment is teeming with life, and beneath its often-murky waters, many little-understood species of elasmobranchs hold conservation importance.
Project SIARC operates throughout Wales, specifically focusing on two Special Areas of Conservation (SAC): ‘Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau’ SAC and ‘Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries’ SAC.
This multidisciplinary project, led by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW), collaborates with five delivery partners and seven collaborative partners.
Focus Species: Angelshark, Common Stingray, Spurdog, Tope:
Project SIARC gathers data about specific elasmobranch species, including the Angelshark, Common Stingray, Spurdog, and Tope.
By focusing on these species, researchers can gain valuable insights into their behavior and distribution, ultimately aiding in their conservation.
Research Program and Collaboration Partners:
Project SIARC engages coastal communities, including commercial and recreational fishers, citizen scientist volunteers, primary schools, and researchers.
Bangor University plays a crucial role in conducting hydrodynamic modeling to help interpret results from environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys.
NWWT leads several citizen science initiatives, including archival research groups and Shark Trust’s Great Eggcase Hunt.
Swansea University takes charge of school engagement, introducing 3D printing in schools to raise awareness about focal species.
Involvement Opportunities
If you’re interested in contributing to shark conservation through Project SIARC, there are several ways to get involved.
Whether you’re an angler willing to share information about elasmobranchs or an ocean enthusiast eager to participate in citizen science initiatives, Project SIARC offers various opportunities for engagement.
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