PADI - GLOBAL SHARK & RAY CENSUS
Advancing knowledge to better protect ocean life
Sharks and rays are among the most emblematic species of the marine world, playing a fundamental role in maintaining the balance of ocean ecosystems. Yet today, nearly one third of these species are threatened with extinction, largely due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and unsustainable trade. Protecting them requires not only awareness, but also a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of their populations and habitats.
It is in this context that Blancpain supports the Global Shark & Ray Census, an ambitious global initiative developed in partnership with PADI. As part of the Blancpain Ocean Commitment program, the project reflects the brand’s long-term dedication to advancing ocean knowledge and supporting concrete, science-based conservation efforts.
A global effort to close critical knowledge gaps
One of the key challenges in shark and ray conservation is the lack of large-scale, standardized data. Despite their ecological importance, many species remain insufficiently documented, making it difficult to design and implement effective protection measures.
The Global Shark & Ray Census addresses this challenge through an innovative citizen science approach. By mobilizing the global diving community, the initiative enables the collection of standardized observations across the world’s oceans. These data contribute to a growing scientific dataset that helps:
- Identify key species and critical habitats
- Monitor population trends over time
- Support conservation strategies and the creation of marine protected areas
- Promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices
Developed in collaboration with scientific partners, including James Cook University, the program ensures that the data collected can meaningfully inform research and conservation policies.
Mobilizing a global community for ocean science
A unique strength of the Global Shark & Ray Census lies in its scale. Every day, divers around the world encounter marine life in its natural environment, generating valuable first-hand observations. By providing a structured framework for recording and sharing this information, the initiative transforms everyday diving experiences into meaningful scientific contributions.
Divers worldwide are invited to log shark and ray observations across key marine areas, including Important Shark & Ray Areas (ISRAs) as well as selected sites within the Adopt the Blue™ network — a global initiative supported by Blancpain that aims to strengthen the protection and management of critical marine ecosystems.
By structuring data collection around these ecologically significant locations, the program enhances its ability to generate meaningful insights, helping scientists better understand where sharks and rays are present — and where protection efforts are most urgently needed.
This citizen science approach is further reinforced by dedicated training opportunities developed by PADI, including a specialty course designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and best practices required to collect reliable data and interact responsibly with marine life.
Building on a decade of citizen science
The Global Shark & Ray Census builds on more than a decade of experience in participatory ocean initiatives, drawing in particular on the success of the Adopt the Blue™ program.
Developed with the support of Blancpain, Adopt the Blue has established a global network of dive centers committed to the protection and management of critical marine sites, while fostering local engagement and long-term stewardship.
Building on this foundation, the Global Shark & Ray Census expands the scope of citizen science by introducing a structured, large-scale framework for biodiversity monitoring.
By focusing specifically on sharks and rays, the initiative provides valuable insights into species distribution and ecosystem dynamics — helping scientists detect changes over time and identify priority areas for conservation.
Blancpain’s continued commitment to ocean preservation
Blancpain has been actively engaged in ocean conservation for more than two decades through the Blancpain Ocean Commitment. Supporting the Global Shark & Ray Census is a natural continuation of this effort, reinforcing the brand’s focus on projects that combine scientific research, field action, and public engagement.
By contributing to a better understanding of shark and ray populations, Blancpain supports the development of concrete solutions to protect these essential species and, more broadly, the health of marine ecosystems.