Take Part in the Global Shark Census
			Are you interested in shark conservation but are unsure how to participate? Now dive professionals like you can take just a few minutes to contribute to a global shark census using information you’ve already logged or memorized from past diving experiences. The information from you will help protect threatened shark species worldwide. The few minutes you spend will greatly increase scientific knowledge of shark populations around the world. To date, most of the information on global shark populations is gained from fishermen and tracking of individual sharks. Scuba divers are a vital, untapped resource and key to filling information gaps. The data you contribute will be used in a PhD study taking place at the Ransom Myers Lab at Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada, to determine the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and no-take zones in protecting sharks. Who can help? As long as you have more than 100 dives or snorkels in a particular area (recently or in previous years) you can help. Fill out the online survey. Information is needed from your dives – whether you did or did not encounter sharks.   Fill out a new entry for each area where you have more than 100 dives (e.g. Jamaica, Florida Keys, North Great Barrier Reef, South Italy, etc. The more areas submitted the better).   If you have been diving in one area for more than 10 years, please fill out a new survey for each decade (e.g. Florida Keys: 1980 – 1989 and 1990 – 1999, etc.)   Forward this request to as many fellow dive professionals as possible. The more information collected during the census, the more we will know about where sharks can be found and where the populations are disappearing. Don’t delay! Information is being collected now to help complete data analysis by 2008. Thank you for your efforts to help protect sharks. Sincerely, Jenny Miller Garmendia Director, Project AWARE Foundation Whale Shark Certification Card With a donation of US $5.00 or more to Project AWARE you and your student divers can receive the Project AWARE version of the PADI certification card. Show your love of sharks with a whale shark certification card of your own and encourage student divers to do the same. Donations help support shark conservation and research efforts worldwide. For more information visit www.projectaware.org.
Project AWARE Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. Project AWARE offices located in the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Japan combine efforts to protect aquatic resources worldwide. To join, renew or tell a friend about Project AWARE visit www.projectaware.org. To unsubscribe or change your email information, click here to send an email and include your name and address. Send all comments and suggestions to: information@projectaware.org Project AWARE Foundation 30151 Tomas Street, Suite 200 Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 USA © Project AWARE Foundation 2007. All Rights Reserved.