​Welcome to Sharks in Scotland, an innovative project dedicated to studying and conserving the diverse shark species inhabiting Scotland’s waters. By employing advanced research techniques and fostering collaboration, Sharks in Scotland aims to enhance our understanding of these remarkable marine predators and contribute significantly to their conservation.

Mission Statement: At Sharks in Scotland, our mission is to:

• Conduct comprehensive research to understand the behaviors, habitats, and population dynamics of Scotland’s shark species.
• Utilize advanced tagging and monitoring technologies to track and identify individual sharks.
• Collaborate with researchers, conservationists, and the public to raise awareness about shark conservation issues and promote the sustainable stewardship of our marine ecosystems.

Project Overview

• Research: We use cutting-edge technology, including satellite tags, underwater drones, and acoustic monitoring, to study shark behavior and habitat use without disturbing their natural activities.
  
  
• Identification: Through photo-identification and tagging, we track individual sharks over time, gaining valuable insights into their migration patterns, social structures, and ecological roles.
  
  
• ​Collaboration: Sharks in Scotland works closely with local communities, research institutions, and conservation organizations to maximize the impact of our research and develop effective conservation strategies.

Why Sharks in Scotland?

Sharks are keystone species in marine ecosystems, playing a critical role in maintaining the balance of oceanic environments. Studying sharks in Scotland is vital for several reasons:

1. Biodiversity: Scotland’s waters host a variety of shark species, including basking sharks, porbeagle sharks, and spiny dogfish. Understanding these species helps protect marine biodiversity.
2. Ecosystem Health: Sharks serve as indicators of ocean health. Studying them helps us monitor the impacts of environmental changes and human activities on marine ecosystems.
3. Conservation Urgency: Many shark species are threatened by overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure their survival.
4. Scientific Discovery: There is still much to learn about the life history, behavior, and ecological roles of sharks in Scottish waters. Each discovery contributes to global shark conservation knowledge.
5. Economic Value: Sharks attract tourists, divers, and nature enthusiasts, supporting local economies through sustainable ecotourism initiatives.

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Shark Species

• Angelshark (Squatina squatina)
• Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus)
• Blackmouth shark (Galeus melastomus)
• Blue shark (Prionace glauca)
• Bluntnose sixgill (Hexanchus griseus)
• Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus)
• Leafscale gulper shark (Centrophorus squamosus)
• Nursehound (Scyliorhinus stellaris)
• Porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus)
• Portuguese dogfish (Centroscymnus coelolepis)
• Small spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula)
• Spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias)
• Starry smoothhound (Mustelus asterias)
• Thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus)
• Tope (Galeorhinus galeus)

There are several deep-water shark species that occasionally visit Scottish waters. These sharks typically inhabit areas beyond the continental shelf and are primarily known through their presence in deep-water fisheries. 

However, little is known about their population numbers or overall abundance:
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• Demon catsharks (Apristurus spp .)
• Black dogfish (Centrophorus fabricii)
• Longnose velvet dogfish (Centroselachus crepidater)
• Frilled shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus)
• Kitefin shark (Dlarias licha)
• Birdbeak dogfish (Deania calcea)
• Great lantern shark (Etmopterus princeps)
• Velvet belly laternshark (Etmopterus spinax)
• Knifetooth dogfish (Scymnoden ringens)

Project on iNaturalist

The "Sharks in Scotland" project on iNaturalist aims to gather valuable data and raise awareness about the diversity, distribution, and conservation status of sharks found in the waters surrounding Scotland. By leveraging the power of citizen science, this project seeks to engage the public in documenting and studying these fascinating apex predators.

The project encourages individuals, whether they are recreational divers, marine enthusiasts, or local residents, to contribute their observations of sharks encountered along the Scottish coastline or within Scottish waters. Participants can upload photographs, videos, and accompanying data, such as date, time, and location, to the iNaturalist platform. These contributions will help create a comprehensive and dynamic database of shark species in Scotland.

The primary objectives of the project are as follows:

1. Species Documentation: The project aims to identify and document the various species of sharks found in Scotland's waters, including well-known species such as the basking shark, porbeagle shark, and spurdog, as well as rarer or less-studied species. By collecting reliable species records, the project will contribute to filling gaps in existing knowledge about shark diversity in Scottish waters.
   
   
2. Distribution Mapping: Gathering data on shark sightings will enable the creation of distribution maps, highlighting areas where specific species are commonly observed or areas where certain species may be less prevalent. These maps will provide valuable insights into the spatial dynamics of shark populations in Scotland and help identify important habitats and potential conservation areas.
   
   
3. Conservation Status Assessment: By collating and analyzing data on shark sightings, the project aims to contribute to the assessment of the conservation status of sharks in Scotland. This information will help conservation organizations and policymakers understand population trends, potential threats, and the effectiveness of existing protection measures. It will provide a basis for developing science-based conservation strategies and policies.
   
   
4. Public Engagement and Education: The project emphasizes public engagement and education, seeking to inspire a sense of stewardship and a greater understanding of the ecological importance of sharks. Through iNaturalist, participants can connect with a community of like-minded individuals, share their experiences, and learn from experts in the field. The project will also organize outreach events, workshops, and awareness campaigns to foster a broader appreciation for sharks and their conservation.
   
   

By bringing together scientific research, public participation, and environmental education, the "Sharks in Scotland" project on iNaturalist aims to enhance our understanding of shark populations, their ecological roles, and the conservation challenges they face in Scottish waters. Through the collective efforts of citizen scientists, researchers, and conservationists, this project will contribute to the long-term sustainability and protection of Scotland's diverse marine ecosystems.​

Submit your observations on iNaturalist

Publications

• Taklis, Chris. (2024). Be a Shark Spotter: Contributing to Scotland’s Marine Research.  EEA Conference 2024 - Thessaloniki