White Shark Research

White Shark Research
Ongoing monitoring of the population through sightings records and tagging as well as analysis of existing data. This research is critical for the effective protection of these fragile marine ecosystems.
South Africa was the first country to protect the iconic great white shark, in 1991. However, there has been no notable increase in the population over time. Three master’s student’s studies have been supported through the business model, as well as the support of a PhD study. Our research on behaviour, wound healing, effects of environmental factors and hunting strategy can influence conservation decisions and help in bather safety programmes.
Other international students have been supported in studies that include: parasites on white sharks, personality of the species, ecology of white sharks, assessing the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and their effects on white shark reproductive health. View full list of publications on www.dict.org.za.
Project Highlights
First population study of white sharks in Gansbaai, based on five years of fin-ID data
Contribution to two global papers – White Shark Research Priorities and Global Spatial Risk Assessment of Sharks under the footprint of fisheries.
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Conservation Partners

Dyer Island Conservation Trust

African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary

Department: Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Cape Nature

Overstrand Municipality

Plastics SA
Tourism Partners

Fair Trade Tourism

SATSA

Cape Town Tourism

Cape Country Routes

Gansbaai Tourism
