Research Success for South Africa

Great White sharks off the coast of South Africa were the focus of a record-breaking research expedition that recently concluded to great acclaim.

The biggest shark research study in history was organised by OCEARCH and led by founder Chris Fischer. More than 30 top South African and international shark researchers from over 16 institutions participated which resulted in the successful study of over 40 individual Great White sharks.

Fischer stated that of the 12 expeditions OCEARCH has completed since 2007, South Africa was by far the most demanding, and credited all success to preparation and to the exceptional hard work of the scientists and crew, saying "The crew and equipment of the research vessel MV OCEARCH performed flawlessly, delivering an unprecedented number of white sharks to South Africa's leading scientists."

He was particularly humbled by his crew. "It is impossible for me to express my thanks to the crew of the MV OCEARCH. They put their lives on the line for the future of South Africa's sharks and the ocean."

Fischer believes that data gained from the expedition will allow South African researchers to push science well beyond current knowledge boundaries. "We will discover South Africa's white shark breeding aggregations, birthing sites, and feeding areas," he says. "Breeding and birthing areas, where white sharks are most vulnerable, are of great concern. Knowing where they are is the first step in protecting them".

Tagging of sharks plays a vital role in the study of shark behaviour, especially of the Great White which has until now, been something of an enigma, but it won't just be the sharks that are protected. Cape Town locals will benefit directly too; Shark Spotters - the non-profit organisation that monitors shark activity along the False Bay shoreline, will be the recipient of vital satellite tracking data, allowing accurate shark monitoring and a possible early warning system for a number of dangerous shark-attack hot spots.

There have been several shark attacks within the False Bay area in recent years; surfing, sailing and swimming are popular leisure activities and shark encounters are becoming more common. Marine scientist Alison Kock welcomes the valuable research "It’s inevitable that as long as people and sharks continue to share the same space that there will be interactions between the two, but with a greater understanding of shark movements and habits and what drives them we can enhance water user safety."

Visit the Ocearch Facebook Page to see some of the tracking data or find out more.