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OCEANS OF SHARKS
Mission
The Blue Wilderness Research Unit is on a mission to ensure the long-term health of Southern African shark populations. We can achieve our goal through research, education, and sustainable conservation solutions that we share with the appropriate decision makers.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Shark fisherman prosecution
State witness and scientific expert in the first prosecution of a fisherman illegally catching a white shark in RSA
Great white sharks on CITES
Collaborative satellite tracking research used to motivate listing of white sharks on CITES App. 2
Longest shark migration recorded
Collaborated in tracking Nicole, the great white shark, from South Africa to Australia and back
Rocky bay shark net removals
Led successful campaign to have shark nets removed from Rocky Bay within the Aliwal Shoal MPA
30 academic publications
Researchers have authored over 30 peer reviewed academic publications in local & international journals
Largest shark research project ever
Chief scientist on OCEARCH project – Largest shark project with $5 million funding and 40 researchers
Scientific experts on 50+ documentaries
Our scientists have appeared on over 50 international documentaries advocating for sharks
Aliwal Shoal shark population status
We maintain a scientifically valid population assessment of 4 shark species on Aliwal Shoal
A MISSION WORTH TALKING ABOUT
Our scientists have made great strides by using groundbreaking research to generate knowledge; educate local and global communities and inspire lasting conservation solutions. We appear on over 50 documentaries advocating for sharks and their conservation
Recent news
CITES 2013 Offers Protection for Shark and Manta Species
From Sunday 14 September, international trade in specimens of five shark species and all manta ray species, including their meat, gills and fins, will need to be accompanied by permits and certificates confirming that they have been harvested sustainably and legally. New controls adopted by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild [...]
20 New Marine Protected Areas Proclaimed in South Africa
A Marine Protected Area (MPA) is an area of coastline or ocean that is specially protected for the benefit of people and nature. MARINE PROTECTED AREAS MPAs help manage part of the marine environment to promote fisheries sustainability, keep marine ecosystems working properly, and protect the range of species living there, helping people to benefit [...]
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