Sharkatag takes place around mid-summer from marks around the Solway and SW Scotland with the focus on collecting data on tope, smoothound, thornback and other shark or ray species.

Sharkatag is not a competition – its main aims are to tag as many fish as possible from the shore and boat; to highlight the urgent need for shark and ray conservation in Scottish waters, and to raise the public awareness of sea angling.

Key ::

Launchsite gradings

Easy, moderate, difficult.

Just ‘click’ on the icons on the map for a brief description of each.

Collection and Drop Off points

Collection Points for “welcome packs”, tagging equipment, enquiries etc. will be open

• Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening 7.30pm till 9pm
• Friday and Saturday morning 7.30am to 9.00am
• Sunday evening 5pm to 6pm for handing in record cards.

If you are participating in the event and can’t make the above collection please advise us through the ‘note’ section in the entry form below. We will make alternative arrangements for collection via email.

Tagging Records: You will be asked to fill in details of all your tagged fish at the event and also record all other shark species including dogfish and those fish to small to tag. The details are in the welcome pack

Training: All new taggers will be required to complete a training course before being issued with tags. The courses will be provided at the Collection points, please indicate on the entry form below which centre you would like to attend.

Resources ::

Codes of best practice:

• Handling tope may be found here
• For the smaller sharks here
• Tagging size and use of plastic dart tag guidelines.

Accommodation lists for

• The Mull of Galloway and
• The Isle of Whitorn areas.

Registration ::

You may register for Sharkatag at any time by filling in the form at the end of this page.

Note 1. We do make a small charge of £10 per person for taking part in the programme to help cover the cost of the tags, canulas and other materials, however, for that money you will also receive Associate Membership of SSACN.

Note:: if you are paying for more than one person, just change the quantity field on the form to the number you require and click on the ‘Update Totals’ button on the Paypal page.

Note 2. Tagging data will be closely guarded and only available in its ‘raw and total’ format to a limited number of ‘approved’ scientists / analysts working with the SSTP. Individual anglers will naturally be able to receive their own data on request.

Note 3. Because of the nature of the event, SSACN cannot ensure the safety of all concerned, therefore all those who take part in the Sharkatag must accept that they are participating at their own risk and on a voluntary basis. Do not fill in the registration form unless you agree and accept that condition.