This part of the program is partnership with the Oceanographic Research Institute who are the tagging authorities here in Southern Africa. We use traditional
tagging methods to keep track of population growth and movement. This data is supplemented with genetic samples and is used to DNA barcode the different species of shark we encounter.
During our summer months, we take part in a Smooth Hammerhead Shark data and sample collection, which is used to assess the ecological significance of the shark within the bay. Our bay boasts over 20 different elasmobranch species, and it is important to assess the health of these species as they are ecologically important to the health of our ocean. The tags we currently use rely on a marked recapture system, making the need to spend more time on the water that much greater.
This is real hands on work and will give you the opportunity to work in extremely close contact with these other shark species. With the over fishing of sharks, this work is of great importance and it’s fun.
Participants are taught to capture and tag sharks in a way that is as safe and
stress free for the shark as possible.