Sharklab Malta

Sharklab-Malta – Giving Sharks a Second Chance
Sharklab-Malta is a volunteer-run nonprofit organisation dedicated to researching and protecting sharks, skates and rays in Mediterranean waters. Founded in 2008, it brings together conservation, scientific research and education to improve understanding of these animals and encourage people to take part in their protection.

A New Beginning from Recovered Eggs
Even after a female shark has died, the eggs she carries may still contain living embryos. Sharklab-Malta recovers these eggs from sharks brought to Malta’s wholesale fish market, giving young animals a chance they would otherwise lose. With support from the Malta National Aquarium, the eggs are kept in carefully managed conditions until they hatch. The young sharks are reared until they are ready to be released into the sea. This programme combines practical conservation with an opportunity for people to learn about shark development and the threats facing marine wildlife.

Understanding Sharks and Rays
Effective conservation begins with knowing which species are present, where they live and how they use their habitats. Sharklab-Malta conducts research on the distribution and diversity of sharks and rays around the Maltese islands. Its work includes studying the rearing and release of young sharks and investigating what happens after they return to the wild. Through its Nursehound Tagging Programme, the organisation seeks to better understand their movements and survival after release.

Flying with Bull Rays
Bull rays are among the remarkable animals found in Malta’s coastal waters. Through its involvement in the Fly with Bull Rays project, Sharklab-Malta documents sightings and uses photographs of natural markings to recognise individual animals. Repeated observations help researchers understand how these rays use local habitats and identify areas that may be important for their early development. This information supports efforts to strengthen protection for a species about which much remains to be learned.

Changing Perceptions through Education
Sharks are often feared before they are understood. Sharklab-Malta works with schools and the wider public to replace misconceptions with knowledge about their biology, ecological importance and conservation needs. School visits, community events and opportunities to meet volunteers bring marine conservation closer to everyday life. By making science accessible, the organisation encourages curiosity and helps people see sharks and rays as wildlife worth protecting.

A Community Working for Marine Life
Volunteers and interns are at the heart of Sharklab-Malta. Their work connects research, animal care and public engagement, while giving participants opportunities to contribute directly to marine conservation. From a recovered egg to a young shark swimming free, Sharklab-Malta shows how dedicated local action can give Mediterranean wildlife a second chance.

Photo Credits by: ©SharklabMalta
https://www.sharklab-malta.org/