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This programme will open your mind and your eyes to marine conservation, as you take part in great white shark research in Southern Africa

Great White Shark populations are increasingly threatened and there is still much needed research to fully interpret shark behaviour.

This shark volunteer programme is particularly suited to those of you who are willing to take up a challenge and play a vital role in observing and promotong these majestic creatures, whilst enabling you to see sharks in their natural environment, from either a boat or from a cage beneath the water.

This programme will open your mind and your eyes to marine conservation, as you take part in the following activities; (weather and needs dependant).

Practical Activities

Photographing sharks and observing them around the boat
Identifying animals through dorsal fin recordings, measuring and markings
Boat safety and seamanship
Shark cage diving
Assisting with monitoring of other marine animals in the area (cape fur seal, whales, dolphins and marine birds)
Participating in rescue and data collection
Field work in and around Gansbaai and the famous Shark Alley
Observe bite marks on seals, birds and dolphins
Entangle any animals found
Assist tourists on whale watching boats in cleaning and preparing dive gear and boat
Preparing chum
Africa Penguin nest building on Dyer Island
The learning side.....;

Learning about climatic conditions
How shark cage diving operates
Shark behaviour and biology
The history of shark attacks
Lectures by qualified marine biologists
Ocean conservation needs at the tip of Africa
Learning about South Africa's conservation organisations

Duration

4 to 12 weeks

Start Dates

various throughout the year

Costs / Benefits

4 Weeks: £1499
Each additional week thereafter £300

Requirements

Minimum age 17
Confident in water