Meet the dedicated and passionate team of sharkaholics from the Shark Research Unit.
Meet the dedicated and passionate team of sharkaholics from the Shark Research Unit.
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Director of Research
Nico is a young aspiring shark biologist, head marine biologist and course instructor for the Shark Research Unit developing his master’s research on the sharks of Mossel Bay. Nico represents a leader in a new generation of marine scientists and conservationists and is actively involved with organisations such as Justice4Jaws and Youth4MPA’s. Nico also manages the unit’s special projects at our Mossel Bay facility. His roles include hosting our great white shark research students, orientating postgraduate students and managing data sets.
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Director of Communication
Sophumelela represents a leader in a new generation of marine scientists and conservationists. Following graduation from Nelson Mandela University, she founded the Sea-the-Change program aimed at providing marine employment skills to youth of Mossel Bay. Her subsequent work as a shark research / education coordinator won accolades and saw her selected as South Africa’s spokesperson at the African Protected Areas Congress and as an ambassador for youth for Marine Protected Areas.
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Partner Liaison
Samantha, affectionately known as Sam, is a key member of our team at the Shark Research Unit, serving as one of our dedicated point people for building and nurturing partner and client relationships.
With her outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, Sam plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining positive relationships with our valued partners and clients. Her warm and approachable demeanor, coupled with her deep knowledge of marine conservation and research, make her an asset to our team and a valued resource for all who work with us.
Thanks to Sam’s tireless efforts, our center is able to forge meaningful partnerships and collaborations that allow us to advance our important mission of protecting and studying the sharks of Mossel Bay.
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Media Partner
Jeff Scott, an exceptional individual and owner of the renowned DeepSea Channel, is truly an outstanding content creator and media partner. With his ventures “Made Under Pressure” and the widely-followed “DeepSea Locker,” Jeff has proven himself to be deeply committed to his craft. Beyond his impressive media achievements, his collaboration with the Shark Research Unit has been invaluable.
Jeff’s unwavering dedication to spreading our research and conservation efforts across various global platforms has been nothing short of remarkable. His expertise in the field and profound passion for conservation make him an indispensable asset to our team. Through his work, he has effectively amplified our mission, bringing critical awareness to the importance of marine life preservation.
Moreover, Jeff’s ability to connect with audiences and engage them in the significance of our cause has been nothing short of exceptional. His captivating storytelling and visual prowess have captured the hearts and minds of countless viewers, inspiring them to take an active role in safeguarding our oceans and the magnificent creatures that inhabit them.
The impact of Jeff’s work extends far beyond conventional boundaries, as he consistently seeks innovative ways to further our cause. His collaborative efforts have fostered meaningful partnerships, drawing attention to marine conservation on a global scale.
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Chef
Abigail is an integral member of the Shark Research Unit team, serving as our dedicated chef. After studying hospitality at the Mossel Bay campus of the South Cape TVET College, she joined our team to apply her skills to the important task of feeding and hosting the students, visiting scientists, and partners who stay at our Mossel Bay facility.
Abigail’s expertise in hospitality is a vital component of our operation, as she ensures that all visitors to our center are well-fed and well-cared for. She works closely with our team to develop menus that are both delicious and nutritious, taking into account the unique dietary needs and preferences of our diverse group of guests.
Thanks to Abigail’s tireless efforts, our visitors are able to focus on their important work studying and protecting the sharks of Mossel Bay, without having to worry about their next meal. We are grateful for her contributions to our team and our mission, and we could not do what we do without her.
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Domestic Support
Petra is an indispensable member of the Shark Research Unit team, serving as our house mom and keeping our busy facility clean, tidy, and organized. With her unwavering dedication to her work, Petra ensures that the center runs smoothly, despite the often-hectic pace of our research projects.
In addition to her essential housekeeping duties, Petra is also a talented entrepreneur, offering visitors the opportunity to purchase a wide range of beautiful beaded wildlife and shark merchandise. Her creations are a testament to her creativity and passion for marine conservation, and her dedication to her craft is evident in every piece she creates.
Thanks to Petra’s tireless efforts, our center is always a welcoming and vibrant place, where visitors can learn about and appreciate the incredible marine life of Mossel Bay.
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Hostess
Jeannine, affectionately known as the “campus mom,” is a warm and friendly hostess who goes above and beyond to welcome students, academics, and visitors to the Shark Research Unit. Having transitioned seamlessly from her previous role as a guesthouse manager to managing the Mossel Bay center, Jeannine is highly skilled in maintaining order amidst the bustle of a busy research environment. Her ability to balance multiple tasks and prioritize effectively ensures that the center operates smoothly, even amidst the chaos of ongoing research projects. Her contributions are essential to the success of the Shark Research Unit, and her dedication to her role is highly valued by all who work with her.
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Grounds Manager
Nestled on 11 acres of idyllic rolling countryside, the Shark Research Unit boasts a picturesque setting that is truly second to none. Our lush gardens, teeming with vibrant flora and fauna, provide a peaceful and inspiring backdrop for our research and conservation efforts.
At the heart of our thriving ecosystem is Derrick, our dedicated caretaker who lovingly tends to our diverse menagerie of animals, including herds of goats, awasi sheep, horses, donkeys, chickens, rabbits, and more. With his deep knowledge of animal husbandry and his unwavering commitment to their welfare, Derrick ensures that our animals are happy, healthy, and thriving.
Thanks to Derrick’s tireless efforts, our center is a vibrant and welcoming place, where visitors can experience the beauty and wonder of nature firsthand. Whether it’s watching our animals roam and graze in the fields, or strolling through our immaculate gardens, there’s always something to marvel at and enjoy.
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Logistics Manager
The Shark Research Unit is home to an array of vehicles, vessels, and scientific equipment, all of which are essential to our mission of studying and protecting the sharks of Mossel Bay. From high-tech research vessels to specialized diving equipment, our centre relies on a wide range of logistical equipment to support our work.
At the heart of this operation is Luis, our skilled and experienced logistics specialist. With his extensive knowledge of equipment maintenance and repair, Luis is responsible for keeping our fleet of vehicles, vessels, and scientific gear in top condition, ensuring that we have the tools we need to conduct our research safely and effectively.
Thanks to Luis’s expertise, our team is able to focus on what we do best: studying and protecting the incredible marine life of Mossel Bay. Whether it’s providing routine maintenance for our vehicles and vessels, troubleshooting complex issues with our scientific equipment, or implementing new logistical systems to improve efficiency and safety, Luis is always on the job, ensuring that our operations run smoothly.
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Research Associate
Gibbs is a shark biologist with over six years of experience conducting ground-breaking research on shark genetics and behaviour in Mossel Bay. His work has led to a deeper understanding of the genetic population structure of hammerhead sharks, and his insights have been instrumental in shaping our understanding of these fascinating creatures.
As an official research associate and principal investigator at the Shark Research Unit, Gibbs has played a crucial role in shaping the unit’s research agenda and driving forward our understanding of sharks and their habitats.
Currently located in the Maldives for his doctoral research, Gibbs continues to push the boundaries of our understanding of sharks and their habitats. His work has been published in numerous scientific journals, and he is a sought-after speaker and expert on shark biology and conservation.
Despite his many accomplishments, Gibbs remains humble and dedicated to his work as a shark biologist. He is passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists and conservationists and is actively involved in mentoring young researchers and students. We are proud to have Gibbs as a valued member of our team at the Shark Research Unit, and we look forward to his continued contributions to the field of shark biology.
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Research Associate
Ryan is a true pioneer in the field of shark biology, with over 15 years of experience studying the behavior and habitat of great white sharks in their natural environment. Through his tireless research and exploration, Ryan has gained a deep understanding of these magnificent creatures and their crucial role in our marine ecosystems.
Ryan’s expertise and passion for sharks have made him a sought-after figure in the media world, and he has produced and hosted over 30 shark documentaries for National Geographic Channel and other international broadcasters. His work has helped to educate millions of people around the world about the importance of shark conservation and the critical role that these animals play in our oceans.
Beyond his media work, Ryan is also a respected researcher and academic, and he has published numerous scientific papers on his findings. Ryan remains committed to his work as a shark biologist and continues to push the boundaries of our understanding of these incredible creatures. His passion, dedication, and expertise have made him a true leader in the field of shark biology, and we are proud to have him as a valued member of our team at the Shark Research Unit.
The Shark Research Unit’s team are professional members of, and partner with, many of South Africa’s most established marine projects, institutes and authorities.
The Shark Research Unit is a shark and marine research and conservation institute driven by a passionate team of shark experts. We are located in South Africa and work in two regions of priority – Aliwal Shoal and Mossel Bay.
Our core purpose is to conduct and support original shark research, conservation and education programs through strategic partnerships with marine scientists, postgraduate students, ecotourism operators and academic institutes.
Our focus extends to nurturing a new generation (of all ages) of shark scientists, professionals and enthusiasts. We achieve this through our great white shark research internship, learner outreach programs and expert guided shark edu-tours
MOSSEL BAY CENTER
ALIWAL SHOAL CENTER
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