SNAPSHOT INITIATIVE

About the Projectq

Bridging the gap between artisanal fishing communities and global conservation science to protect Indonesia's most vulnerable elasmobranch species.

Legacy of Research

Transitioning to the Digital Deep

Elasmo Project Indonesia began in 2014 as a niche academic collective focused on manta ray migratory patterns. As the biodiversity crisis accelerated, we realized scientific silos weren't enough.

We evolved into "The Oceanic Curator" a platform where expert data meets citizen observation. Our "Digital Deep" methodology democratizes research while maintaining clinical rigor.

Underwater research divers

1,552

Encounters Reported

32

Provinces of Indonesia

20

Know Species

71 %

Ocean Coverage

Objective

Conservation Mission

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Establishing MPAs

Providing the critical population density data required by government bodies to designate new Marine Protected Areas across the archipelago.

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Data Integrity

Leveraging AI-assisted computer vision to ensure every citizen-submitted photo is taxonomically accurate and geographically verified.

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Community Empowerment

Training local coastal communities in scientific documentation, turning fishers into guardians of their natural heritage.

Program

Our Programs

IECSN

Indonesian Elasmobranch Citizen Science Network

A nationwide platform empowering local communities and divers to contribute vital sighting data. By bridging the gap between recreational diving and scientific research, we create a comprehensive database of shark and ray distributions across Indonesia.

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Rhinorays Project

Conserving Giant Guitarfish & Wedgefish

Focusing on the world's most threatened marine fishes, this project conducts specialized field surveys to identify critical habitats for Rhynchobatids. Our mission is to establish protected zones and sustainable management practices for these elusive "rhino rays."

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Kalabia Project

Raja Ampat Epaulette Shark Conservation

Dedicated to the unique walking shark of Raja Ampat. We combine genetic studies with local education to improve conservation efforts for this endemic species, ensuring the preservation of the region's biological heritage for future generations.

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Ready to Dive Deeper into the Data?

Access our complete research repository and annual impact assessments

Citizen Science

Empowering Local Impact

Observe

Observe

Spot a shark or ray while diving or snorkeling.

Document

Document

Take a clear photo, noting depth, location, and behavior.

Submit

Submit

Log your encounter through our simple reporting portal.

Verify

Verify

Scientists verify the species and add it to the national database.

Whale shark conservation

Join the Mission: Every Sighting Counts

Your encounters provide the critical data needed to map migrations and protect endangered shark and ray species across the Indonesian archipelago.