The Shark Research Unit is on a mission to ensure the long-term health of the shark populations in South Africa. We achieve our goals through conducting novel research, education, and conservation projects within our priority regions.
The Shark Research Unit is on a mission to ensure the long-term health of the shark populations in South Africa. We achieve our goals through conducting novel research, education, and conservation projects within our priority regions.
A character trait of our priority regions is that they host populations of sizeable coastal shark species that are either endangered or vulnerable to extinction. We chose these sites as they offer significant hope spots for the sustainable future of the resident species.
Mossel Bay hosts one of South Africa’s last remaining aggregations of great white sharks. The sharks utilise this distinct ecosystem due to its high abundance of prey resources, including marine mammals, other sharks species and populated reefs.
Situated inside an established marine protected area (MPA) is the Aliwal Shoal. The shoal is one of South Africa’s success stories, showcasing the establishment of a highly sustainable coral reef community. As a result, a diverse and abundant array of tropical and temperate water shark species reside within the MPA.
State witness and scientific expert in the first prosecution of a fisherman illegally catching a white shark in RSA
Researchers have authored over 30 peer-reviewed academic publications in local & international journals.
We maintain a scientifically valid population assessment of 4 shark species on Aliwal Shoal
We co-led a successful campaign to have shark nets removed from Rocky Bay within the Aliwal Shoal MPA
We used collaborative satellite tracking research to motivate the listing of white sharks on CITES Appendix 2
Chief scientist on OCEARCH project – Most collaborative shark project with $5 million funding and 40 researchers
Our scientists have appeared on over 50 international documentaries advocating for sharks
Collaborated in tracking the famous great white shark Nicole, from South Africa to Australia and back
The Shark Research Unit seeks enthusiastic participants to join our dedicated shark science training and internship programs. Experience the world’s most charismatic sharks, gain world-class training, and support the units’ research and conservation efforts.
Experiential training program conducting research on the oceans apex predator, the great white shark in Mossel Bay, South Africa
Develop your career and employment opportunities as a shark specialist. Master shark diving, media collection, citizen science, ecotourism operations and much more.
Join the broadcast team producing the live streaming productions of great white shark cage diving expeditions out of Mossel Bay, South Africa.
Support the research and conservation projects of the Shark Research Unit, whilst enjoying naming and following the adventures of a unique shark that you proudly adopted.
Share in our shark world. Read and enjoy our latest articles featuring our work and news from the shark world.
In light of the recent shark attack in Jeffreys Bay, we thought we’d create a conversation about why this happens [...]
International travel to and from South Africa is allowed, subject to health and safety protocols. We’ve put together some must-know information to help prepare you for your trip. South Africa is currently under Level 1 lockdown, where a curfew of 12pm – 4am has been instated. This curfew may affect your flight schedule, so please check with the airline you are flying with.
2020 Sharkfest on National Geographic starting 4 July has month-long shark documentaries including the South African filmed Shark vs Whale, a groundbreaking film hosted by the Shark Research Unit’s Ryan Johnson
Working with sharks every day sounds like a marine biologist’s dream job. And of course, it’s the truth! But in order to pursue this exciting career full-time, you need some next-level research experience in the field. Shark research requires in-depth knowledge of scientific methods and field experience.
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 CENTRE
Let us know where we can send fundraising opportunities. In the meantime download our eBook featuring 18 scholarship awards for study-abroad adventures 
Let us know where we can send fundraising opportunities. In the meantime download 40 great fundraising ideas eBook right here 
Let us know where we can send you more fundraising insights to help jump start your career as a marine scientist