SHARK DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TO REOPEN JUNE 2021

Over the next four months we will be working tirelessly to prepare ourselves for our first group of students. For all our students preparing to travel, or those considering joining us, please read the latest travel requirements to South Africa on the below blog. We will update this post should these requirements be modified at any time.

We will continue to run our flexi-booking option with the discounted spots available till March 2021 or until allocated spots are full.

Learn more - Shark Development Program

Travelling to South Africa during Covid-19

OCEANS OF SHARKS

Sharks have played a vital role in the worlds marine ecosystems for over 400 million years. As apex predators, they bring and maintain, stability and health to the ocean. In excess of 70 million sharks are killed annually. This is a commercial harvesting rate that far exceeds the reproductive potential of most shark species. Biological extinction is the future for sharks… unless we change.

Mission

The Shark 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.

Shark fisherman prosecution

State witness and scientific expert in the first prosecution of a fisherman illegally catching a white shark in RSA

30 academic publications

Researchers have authored over 30 peer reviewed academic publications in local & international journals

Aliwal Shoal shark population status

We maintain a scientifically valid population assessment of 4 shark species on Aliwal Shoal

Rocky bay shark net removals

Led successful campaign to have shark nets removed from Rocky Bay within the Aliwal Shoal MPA

Great white sharks on CITES

Collaborative satellite tracking research used to motivate listing of white sharks on CITES App. 2

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

Longest shark migration recorded

Collaborated in tracking Nicole, the great white shark, from South Africa to Australia and back

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

What you need to know when travelling to South Africa during Covid

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

The Shark Research Unit rocks it on National Geographics – Sharkfest 2020

Swimming with sharks – Top 3 sharks we can swim with

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.

7 Interesting research methods that scientists use to study sharks

sponsors – supporters – partners

Join our mission

Is your dream to work with sharks?

Our shark development program can help achieve this dream.

SHARKS LIVE

Meet the worlds greatest ocean predator live. Daily live streaming productions of great white shark cage diving expeditions.

Join Expedition

ABOUT US

The Shark Research Unit is a subsidiary of Blue Wilderness. Our core purpose is to conduct original shark research, conservation and education programs at Aliwal Shoal, South Africa. We achieve these goals through collaborating with affiliated scientists and postgraduate students.

CONNECT

ADDRESS

34 Egerton Road
Freeland Park
Scottburgh 4180
South Africa

EMAIL

support@shark-research.com

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