|
Working with the top Shark Conservation organisation and alongside people who are some of the top in their field, you will be able to view Great Whites up close whilst making vital observations that are used in research worldwide. Based close to the wonderful city of Cape Town in South Africa, research will be conducted around Dyer Island aka Shark Alley, where you can find your sea legs and spot sharks.
As well as experience the Great White up close in its natural environment, you’ll also see a wealth of other marine life, such as dolphins, penguins, seals and whales. You can also boast to your friends that you worked on a project that won an award – the International Ecotourism Award in 2004!
Project Age Limit
Minimum age 17 (must have parental consent), maximum decided by the potential participant’s health.
The Volunteer Programme
The Great White Shark is a magnificent creature shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding. The undoubted greatest predatory force of the seas, these sharks are not the creatures as those portrayed in “Jaws” but are infact fiercely intelligent and vulnerable. It is only through education that the misconceptions created by the media can be erased and replaced with the realisation that Great White Sharks are a precious and complex species, just trying to survive.
Every year it is estimated that humans, for reasons of recreation or food, kill around 150 million sharks, of all different species. This project works to protect shark populations, especially that on the Great Water and was able to successfully get the Great White on the South African protected species list in 1991. Prior to 1991 the species was on the verge of extinction, but now the population is increasing again, allowing people to shot Great Whites in South African waters again. As the ocean’s greatest predator, the Great White deserves our respect and protection.
Founded in 1989, this programme is run by a leading organisation in shark research and conservation and is based in a South African seaside village approx. 2 hours to the southeast of Cape Town. The area is dependent on tourism and fishing. As part of the project you will be doing fieldwork on the Great White, especially around Dyer Island. Dyer Island (Shark Alley!) is a completely unique environment and could well be the best place to spot Great White Sharks in the world. Dyer Island is also home to a number of other species such as a colony of Africa Blackfooted penguins, Cape fur seals and Cape Gannets. Dolphins inhabit the water around the island and in the correct season, Bryde’s Whales!
The project organisation is very highly regarded for both research and commercial ventures. The project is the best place to gain experience in conservation techniques and marine research, especially seeing as this project is logged as having more Great White contact than anyone else worldwide.
The research that you are involved in collecting is likely to be reported to Marine Coastal Management and other international researchers.
Weather permitting, you will frequently venture out to sea on excursions of 4 to 6 hours at a time, where you will be working with the sharks both above and below water. If the weather prevents trips out, there may be excursion of the local area arranged for you, such as a trip to Hermanus, Betty’s Bay, Cape Aghulhas and the Birkenhead. When the weather is good, there is a chance you can go kelp snorkelling around Dyer Island and on some days, boats will be chartered for the exclusive use of volunteers to spend extra time observing the sharks from the cages.
Create your own video diary for lasting project memories! The project coordinator will help you out and you can do some filming on your own so that when the project comes to an end you’ll have a DVD of the highlights of the project – on and off the boat! Making a DVD is optional.
Project Training
The emphasis on this project is placed on observing the behaviours and interactions of the sharks around the boat. Of course, safety is a top priority so you will have training on how to get in and out of the cage and also how to stay safe and secure in the water. Whilst you are in the diving cage, so will need to make a note of your observations: size, sex, markings and behaviours of the Great Whites.
There will be training for a number of specific areas that you will be involved in on the project. Your training throughout the project is ultimately to render you in a similar position as a field assistant, with a similar level of competence. Your training period will be evaluated on particular elements, such as the work and activities that are undertaken and whether you are capable of using your own initiative and work effectively in a team.
Project Transport
Your time at sea will be spent on the ‘Shark Team’, a 36 foot custom built dive catamaran, which can carry up to 18 passengers. The opportunities for shark viewings is fantastic as sharks are surface feeders so you’ll get nearly as close on the deck as you will in the cage! The boat is completely kitted out with toilet, life raft, safety equipment and first aid kit as well as having comprehensive public insurance and passenger liability.
Project Support
Throughout your time in South Africa, you will be supported and guided by the volunteer supervisor and the team. They will be able to provide you will any advice and assistance that you need through the duration of your stay.
On a day-to-day basis you will be working with Mike Ladley, the volunteer supervisor. As the team leader and a SATOUR registered specialist dive master, Mike has a lot of knowledge to share with you! So, you will be trained, taught and guided by one of most skilled specialists in the field. The rest of the team members are all fantastic people – experienced Skippers, a Dive Master and a qualified Paramedic and other friendly, helpful members of staff. With their combined knowledge and 15 years of experience in the field of Great White Shark research, ecotourism and conservation, there could be no better team behind you.
Additionally, you will be given access to the 24 hour emergency number, so that you are able to contact a member of the UK office team should you need to.
Project Orientation
You will have a comprehensive orientation on your arrival at the programme, which will give you a lot of information about your role as a volunteer. It is designed to get you ready for the project, prepare you for the work you will be doing and get you settled. The orientation will involve a detailed safety talk, rules and regulations explained and much more, plus there will also be an opportunity to ask any questions. Best of all you’ll get a welcome pack that contains a volunteer t-shirt, guidebook, cap and a goody bag!
|
