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Need to report a recaptured tagged shark?

The Fisheries Resources Division's shark research focuses on Pacific Ocean sharks, with special emphasis on the highly migratory pelagic species: shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus), blue shark (Prionace glauca), and thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus). These large, powerful sharks inhabit the mid-to-surface layers of the ocean, migrating long distances, and entering catches of various fisheries throughout their vast ranges including fisheries within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. Researchers are studying Pacific sharks to learn more about their biology, distribution, movements, stock structure and status, and potential vulnerability to fishing pressure. This information is provided to international, national and regional fisheries conservation and management bodies charged with ensuring that shark populations remain at sustainable levels.
Watch SWFSC shark research in action:
Click here to view a 20 minute, high quality video on how we capture, process, and release sharks for abundance studies.
Click on the videos to watch NOAA researchers studying mako, basking, and thresher sharks: 
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Citizen Science- How you can help!
Donate your thresher shark carcasses

Report basking shark sightings
If you see a basking shark while you are on the water and can call from your vessel, please call:
John Hyde at (760) 408-7726 or Heidi Dewar at (858) 546-7023.
If you wish to report a sighting after you have returned to land please provide the date, time and location of the sighting, as well as any
comments to (858) 334-2884 or send an email to Heidi.Dewar@noaa.gov. Any photos or video would also be appreciated and can be sent to:
Southwest Fisheries Science Center
8901 La Jolla Shores Drive
La Jolla, CA 92037
Report a recaptured tagged shark
