For the first time, researchers are surveying the world's population of sharks and will rely on non-invasive underwater cameras.
According to the Guardian, the new initiative is called the Global FinPrint survey and it will cover all the Earth's most important areas for sharks, rays and skates. The remote-controlled cameras, called "Bruvs," will be one or two GoPro cameras outfitted with bait to attract the marine animals.
Dune Ives, senior director of philanthropy at Vulcan Inc., stated a lack of data - pointed out by a report from the ICUN - for conservation efforts spurred the Global FinPrint initiative.
"A recent IUCN report indicated that we don't have the data we need to accurately assess the current population status for almost half of shark and ray species," Ives said in a press release. "Results from Global FinPrint will provide critical trend analyses and establish baselines in places that have never before been systematically assessed. This information will help inform more effective conservation efforts."
The survey is expected to last three years and is slated to begin this Aug. in 400 locations such as the Indo-Pacific, tropical western Atlantic, southern and eastern Africa, and the islands in the Indian Ocean.
"Global FinPrint will help us better understand one of the ocean's great mysteries: What is happening with fragile marine ecosystems when sharks are removed?" Demian Chapman, of Stony Brook University, said in the release. "Are coral reefs healthier or faster to recover from disturbances like coral bleaching or hurricanes because they have sharks? These are hugely important questions. Many countries rely on healthy coral reefs for food security, tourism and coastal protection."
