Overview
Great White Shark Conservation Program in South Africa

Situated on the world famous Garden Route, Mossel Bay attracts researchers from all over the world to gain insight into one of the most charismatic marine species, the Great White Shark. Volunteers will gain first hand experience on some of the most exciting White Shark research projects, obtaining not only theoretical but also practical training. Volunteers will assist staff run the research vessels and tasks include; tagging and genetic sampling of white sharks, manual acoustic tracking of white sharks, recording and entering behavioural data, photo identification, surveys of wounded and entangled seals on Seal Island and shore and boat based observations of seal/shark interactions.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, stories from the field, video diaries and more at the programs media centre

My time on this project affirmed my lifelong desire to be a shark scientist. It's tremendously exciting to be a part of such cutting-edge research and learn useful field skills such as acoustic tracking. Everyone works hard but is rewarded tenfold when they encounter the oceans' greatest predator.

Amy Blessington, UK

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Mossel Bay is one of the few White Shark aggregation sites in the world. Oceans Research projects started in 2001. University professors, PhD and master students, governmental scientists have been busy in Mossel Bay trying to uncover many aspects of the most misunderstood top marine predator. The project's research is driven by the intense passion that the white shark engenders in the human population. Sound scientific information, as opposed to emotion based arguments, is required to successfully manage and conserve this species. Project Great white shark aims at addressing critical questions required for the successful management and conservation of this apex predator.

Highlights

Being part of a world class top research group. Working on a daily basis with awesome top predators such as white sharks, Cape fur seals, and various species of dolphins and whales. Learning how to do research, from planning the next day to capturing data. Have the opportunity to be involved with the several divisions of OCEANS (magazine, ecotourism, aquarium, education, multimedia). Experiencing the amazing wildlife of South Africa. Watching a great white shark breaching at night surrounded by bioluminescence. Watching a white shark within its environment safe from inside a cage. Bonding with fellow volunteers from all around the world. Visiting the multi-ethnic Cape Town and diving into South Africa’s controversial past.

Location

Located in the beautiful Garden Route in South Africa, Mossel Bay is a coastal town located approximately 400 kilometres from Cape Town and 60 km from the George national airport. The southern coast of Africa is a warm temperate marine biome that attracts numerous temperate water fish species. At the top of the food chain is the Great white shark that frequents the bay to hunt for resident Cape fur seals and the numerous species of pelagic fish. Other megafauna that frequently utilise the bay include bottlenose, humpback and common dolphins, as well as the humpback and Southern right whales.

Field Conditions

Volunteers will stay in a townhouse close to the ocean. Between 4 and 6 volunteers will share single gender dorm rooms. A living area allows volunteers to gather and enjoy their free time: complete with pool table, darts, tv, dvd, braai (South Africa’s unique version of a barbeque - not to be missed). Wireless internet is available at a small extra cost (volunteers who don’t have a laptop may use the house computer).