About Us

Elasmobranch Project Indonesia

Resilient conservation efforts that bridge science into action to protect elasmobranchs, with empowered youth and communities, to deliver locally tailored solutions

Background

The importance of elasmobranch conservation in Indonesia

Indonesia has one of the highest biodiversities of elasmobranchs in the world. Elasmobranchs are a group of cartilaginous fish (meaning they don’t have real bones), consisting of sharks, rays, skates, and chimaera. Out of more than 1,250 elasmobranch species in the world, 118 species of sharks, 101 species of rays and skates, and 6 species of chimaeras can be found in Indonesian waters. 

Despite having all these species documented and recorded in identification guides and books, assessment for species-specific data of these animals is still difficult to achieve in Indonesia. 
This challenge occurs due to the wide-ranging archipelago area of Indonesia, the complexity of the sharks and rays trading chains and markets, as well as the lack of up-to-date information on the occurrence and landing of elasmobranchs, both in cities and remote areas in Indonesia.

The importance of elasmobranch conservation in Indonesia

Objective

Our vision

Vision

Resilient conservation efforts that bridge science into action to protect elasmobranchs, with empowered youth and communities, to deliver locally tailored solutions


Contributing to elasmobranch conservation through citizen science

Elasmobranch Project Indonesia (EPI) was initially established as a web-based citizen science project under Yayasan Hiu Pari Lestari.

Citizen science is the practice of public participation and collaboration in scientific research. Adopting this concept, EPI encouraged the public to take part in mapping the diversity and occurrence of elasmobranchs in Indonesia, including sharks, rays, skate, and chimaera.

EPI has collected data since 2019 and has provided valuable data for various purposes. 

Our vision

6

Years in action

3

Program sites

How we Work

Our mission

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Conservation

Integrate local knowledge and wisdom in the formulation and implementation of adaptive and effective elasmobranch conservation efforts

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Advocacy

Mobilize support from youth and communities in the process of advocacy and communication of long-lasting elasmobranch conservation efforts

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Public Involvement

Increase public involvement and awareness in elasmobranch conservation through the use of citizen science

Program

Our recent programs

Look closely at what we do

EPI works to create impacts through various initiatives. We work closely with the local coastal community, experts, scientists, students, and the public to further maximize the success rate of our programs.

Citizen Science

How our citizen science network works

Observation

Observation

Anyone can spot elasmobranchs (sharks, rays and skates, or chimaeras) while doing their activities

Documentation

Documentation

Encounter with the elasmobranch species should be documented through a clear photograph and location details

Submission

Submission

Everyone is welcome to submit their encounter report to our website, where the data will be sorted and verified

Publication

Publication

Verified data will be published on our website, available for research and other purposes

Whale shark conservation

Join our mission

You can take part in our mission to help maintain the balance of our ecosystems. By sharing your observation report, you are supporting our research and conservation programs!