Great White Shark and Marine Conservation

Our volunteer program offers a unique opportunity to get involved with meaningful research studying Great White Sharks and other shark species in the Great White Shark capital of the world, as well as contribute towards white shark and marine conservation in South Africa.

Since the Great White Shark population in South Africa is at potential risk of extinction with numbers believed to be around 300-500, our White Shark research focuses primarily on monitoring the numbers of these apex predators in our waters, with the aim of obtaining another population estimate within the next two to three years. We are using dorsal fin identification to identify and closely monitor the different individuals we are observing each day, and building a comprehensive database of fins photographed.

With other shark species also threatened or vulnerable due to over exploitation, we are also conducting studies to learn about these species in particular the endemic shark species we have in South Africa. We currently know little about these species; hence the aims of our research are to obtain baseline data on sharks in our area, including their diversity, abundance, movement patterns, habitat use and growth rates. Secondly, in the long-term we will be assessing the health of their populations and determining whether local fishermen play a role in shark population decline.

Participants in the program will assist with data collection and data management for the projects outlined above. Volunteers will gain a considerable amount of sea experience and valuable research skills, both on our cage diving boat and dedicated research vessel.

Daily activities include cage-diving trips, shark tagging trips (from our research boat and from the shoreline), snorkeling for sharks in the kelp forests, beach clean ups, equipment maintenance, video analysis, data entry and dorsal fin ID analysis. Volunteers will get to interact daily with our scientists and learn all about Great White Sharks and other marine wildlife in our area. Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with the local community by supporting our shark conservation, education and outreach projects.

We generally judge the time off by the weather. When the weather is bad, you will have time off and the opportunity to do other activities and explore. Should you be lucky enough to have good weather for the whole time you are here, we will give you days off each week and we are very happy for you to take a day or two off if there is something specific you want to do or go to see.

Excursions

Please note excursions are for your free time and not sea days, and whilst transport will be provided, the excursions are the volunteers choice and any entry fees, extra accommodation, equipment rented etc. will be at the volunteers own expense. Furthermore, any trips up the garden route or further afield will be at the volunteers own cost, but please don’t hesitate to let us know if we can assist you with planning and arrangements.

A trip to Cape Agulhas – the southernmost point of Africa.

A visit to Betty’s Bay to see the Stony Point penguin colony

A visit to the local heritage site Klipgat Cave

Hikes in the local area

Horse riding trips in the local area

Shopping excursions and wine tasting in Hermanus or Cape Town

River boat cruises along Stanford River

Surfing or SCUBA diving

Visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Waterfront in Cape Town

Offshore dive past Cape Point to see blue and mako sharks can be arranged

Dive to see sevengill sharks in Cape Town can also be arranged

A trip up the East Coast to do the highest bungee jump in the world