Occurrence and distribution of elasmobranchs with offshore energy infrastructure in Scotland's North Sea and west of Shetland: a multi-source data collation from 1993-2025

This dataset presents collated observations of elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays) associated with offshore energy infrastructure in Scotland's central and northern North Sea and west of Shetland, spanning 1993 to 2025. Data were compiled from five broad 'data streams': systematic literature search and trade publications, Environmental Impact Assessments and industry reports, industry-academic project collaborations, industry-held survey data, and citizen science and social media. Data collation was conducted between July 2025 and April 2026. Observations were extracted from a range of sources within each 'data stream' including Remotely Operated Vehicle footage, multibeam SONAR detections, surface observations, aerial surveys, and Baited Remote Underwater Video. The dataset was compiled to address a critical knowledge gap in elasmobranch occurrence, distribution, and interactions with offshore energy infrastructure in this region, forming a component of the SharkScape Project - a research initiative aimed at filling key knowledge gaps in elasmobranch biology, ecology, and distribution in Scotland's North Sea. Records were standardised to common parameters including species, number of observations, sex, coordinates, depth, date, behaviour, habitat type, and data collection method.