Start contributing to the mapping of elasmobranchs

Photographs may be collected opportunistically or in a research-prepared manner, through individual or group voluntary action. 

Sighting Report

Photograph positions from sightings of a species will have to differ between shark, ray, skate, and chimaera.

• Shark and chimaera photographs need to be taken from a lateral point of view/side, covering from the snout to the caudal fin (tail)
• Ray and skate photographs could be taken from above or slightly from the side, covering their entire dorsal side (upper side) from the snout to the caudal fin (tail)
• An exception for the manta ray species (Mobula alfredi and Mobula birostris), in which their photograph could also be taken from below, covering their entire ventral side (underside) from the snout to the caudal fin (tail)

The photograph of the sighting should be as parallel as possible to the camera (lateral, from above or below the species) to make species identification more accurate. In case a photograph is not possible to be parallel or cover the necessary body parts of the species, but you deem that the photograph captures enough of the body parts of the species to be visually identified, the photograph may be taken.   

Photographs may also be taken out of a video from a diving or snorkeling activity or from BRUVs (Baited Remote Underwater Video), by screen shooting or cropping part of the video where the shark, ray, skate, or chimaera appears. However, the resulting image should be aligned with the criteria for photographs above.

Landing Report

Photograph position from a landing or on board a vessel will also have to differ between shark, ray, skate, and chimaera.

• Shark and chimaera photographs need to be taken from a lateral point of view/side, covering from the snout to the caudal fin (tail)
• Ray and skate photographs could be taken from above or slightly from the side, covering their entire dorsal side (upper side) from the snout to the caudal fin (tail)

If a species is brought on board a vessel, either from a research or fishing trip, and is planned to be released alive, a photograph does not necessarily need to follow the criteria above. Thus, the photograph can be taken as quickly as possible to prevent killing the fish. However, please ensure the photographs capture enough features of the species to be visually identified. 

All landing or on-board photographs are encouraged to have a ruler or any object of similar size to the species for size comparison.

Why is it important to consider how we take photographs of the species?

These photographic positions will help verify the species identification, as every species has its own specific characteristics

After taking the photograph, complete the encounter data with the following information: 

Species Data Guide

* Optional

A presumed identification of the species is highly encouraged to be done in the field. Don’t worry if not, EPI team will help identify the species based on the photo you submit.

You can use a digital or physical notebook to record the data. You can also download our standard form as a guide for data collection.

Male elasmobranchs have a visible external reproductive organ called a clasper, while females do not. To be more specific, please use the references below to ensure the correct length measurement and identification of the species' sex. 

Measuring species length

TL refers to Total Length, a measurement used for sharks, sawfish, guitarfish, and wedgefish, which measures the length of an elasmobranch from the snout parallel to the tip of the caudal fin. DW refers to Disc Width, a measurement for rays and skates (except sawfish, guitarfish, and wedgefish), which measures the length of the body width from one pectoral fin to the other. 

Identifying elasmobranch species

Every elasmobranch species has different body characteristics (morphology). To differentiate each species, you can use our recommended identification books and guides here, or any other references based on your preferences. 

If you are unsure about the species you have identified, the EPI team will help the species identification based on the photo you submit.

All photographs and data collected from the field, both from sightings or landings, can then be submitted through our website. Before submitting your data, you are required to read and agree to our Terms and Agreements.

If you encounter several individuals of the same species at the same time and location, only one photo and data needs to be submitted.

If you encounter two or more species at the same time and document them in one photo where both species are clearly shown in the photo, send photos and data for each species you encounter. One photo and data count for one species. 

Our team will assess the submitted reports. Once verified, they will be published on our Explore Page and can be accessed and used by the public. 

If you have more questions about the submission and publication process, check our FAQs or email us. 

There are 2 types of data that you can collect:

1. Sighting Data: encounters with living elasmobranchs in their natural habitat

1. Landing Data: encounters with elasmobranchs that have been caught and/or landed (for example: fish market, harbor, ports, etc.).

Each type of data has its own guidelines for taking photographs and a list of information that needs to be collected.