Avila Beach Shark Citizen Science Project

A local shark observation initiative to observe, document and learn about sharks along California’s Central Coast.

Curiosity Instead of Fear.

The Avila Beach Shark Citizen Science Project is the first of its kind. Created by Captain Vincent Shay, owner of Avila Beach Ocean Safaris. The project’s purpose is simple: to responsibly located, observe, photograph, and document sharks found in the waters surrounding Avila Beach, Port San Luis Harbor, Pismo Beach, and other nearby coastlines.

This is not about creating fear or sensationalizing sharks. It is about replacing fear with curiosity, education, and a better understanding of the sharks that we share our local ocean waters with.

Sharks are an important part of a healthy marine ecosystem. Every responsible observation can help us learn more about which species are present, where they are encountered, what they are doing and what ocean conditions exist when they are observed.

Why Was This Project Created?

For more than ten years, I have photographed and documented humpback whales, sea otters, and others marine wildlife on the Central Coast. That same curiosity and commitment to wildlife observation inspired the creation of this shark Citizen Science Project.

There is still so much to learn about the sharks traveling through our local waters and now with drone technology sightings of especially Great White Sharks are becoming much more widespread. Some of the goals of the project is to:

  • Document shark sightings in and around Avila Beach & San Luis Bay

  • Identify shark species when possible

  • Record locations and environmental conditions associated with sightings

  • Observe natural behavior

  • Create a photographic and video record of local shark activity

  • Help people to better understand the role sharks play in the marine ecosystem

  • Encourage responsible, fact based conversations about sharks

  • Share meaningful observations with appropriate researchers, organizations and public data bases

This is a long term learning project. Each observation adds another small piece to our understanding of sharks along the Central Coast.

How Are Located & Observed?

Most observations are conducted from our vessel we use for tours. Aerial observation via drone provides a unique perspective that may allow sharks to be seen without approaching them closely with the boat. When conditions permit, the drone can be used to document the shark’s approximate size, movement, behavior, location and surrounding habitat.

Sharks are observed from a respectful distance. The project does not involve catching, touching, feeding, baiting, tagging or intentionally changing the natural behavior of the animal.

Not every outing produces a shark sighting. Visibility, water clarity, fog, sunlight, wind, swell, currents and animal movement all affect our ability to located and document sharks. The unpredictability is part of real field observation.

Citizen Science Outings.

Since discontinuing the commercial shark tours and transitioning to a focused ‘Citizen Science’ model, I have gotten a lot of interested individuals who are very passionate about science and being involved. I will have my core group that will assist me on a regular bases but from time to time I may invite or or two interested shark enthusiasts, photographers, or community participants to join a citizen science outing at no charge.

These outings are occasional and not regular schedules and limited to a very small number of participants. It’s not a conventional sightseeing or shark watching tours.

Participants may help watch the water, record environmental conditions, organize observation notes or assist with other non-technical parts of the project.