Great White Shark Conservation Project, Essential InfoThe Great White shark conservation project takes place in Gansbaai.
This is your chance to become actively involved in the conservation of the Great White shark on your gap year. The Great White shark is arguably one of the worlds greatest predators, and at the same time under threat from ill educated and unethical activities conducted by mankind. Sport fisheries, which seek their jaws as trophies, and being accidentally caught in commercial fisheries, and the deliberate killing of sharks buy Asian Fishermen which prize their fins for a bland tasting soup sees over 200 million sharks killed per year (across all shark species).
The Great White shark conservation is more important now than ever, with severe declines being documented in Northwest Atlantic, Australia, and Northeast South Africa.This fantastic opportunity gives you the chance to actually physically contribute to Great White shark conservation in South Africa, one of the worlds leading hot spots for Great White shark activity.
On this conservation programme you will join a world leading organization dedicated on protecting the Great White shark, operating in Great White shark conservation since 1989. You'll receive training in Great White shark biology, behavior, conservation, research, changing attitudes, shark attacks, basic seamanship (includes anchoring positions, wind directions), underwater filming, still photography and shark tourism. Weather permitting you will go to sea frequently. At sea, you'll get involved as much as possible with all aspects of sea work. This will be focused on working with the sharks from above and below the water. Much emphasis will be placed on observing behavior and the interactions of sharks around the boat.
You will be taught how to get in and out of the cage and how to remain secure and safe in the cage. In the cages you will record observations of the Great White sharks. This will include sex, size, markings and behavior. This training is designed to educate you to a level of competence of a field assistant. During the training, you will be evaluated on how you handle teamwork, take your own initiatives, take interest in the work and activities, show interest in learning. Finding the Great White shark is a skill, involving years of practice - the water temperature, depth, visibility, swell height, current and wind direction are all major factors.
reat White sharks are surface feeders, you will be amazed when seeing the Great White lifting its head right out of the water to take the bait, and sometimes breach completely. In Shark Alley, close to Gansbaai, you will likely also see seals, penguins and the occasional dolphins frolicking near the islands, as well as magnificent southern right whales coming up from Antarctica to breed from May to November. These expeditions are more than just thrill-seeking adventures, they are educational experiences.
Accommodation Accommodation at the volunteer house in Gansbaai. Gansbaai is a seaside village, which depends on fishing and tourism for its survival. It is situated approximately two hours south east of Cape Town.
The shark team document a lot of shark activity using aerial surveys of the island. On one of the main research sites, Dyer Island, many other wildlife species can be viewed from the boat. It is the breeding ground for Jackass Penguins, Cape Cormorants and Gannets, whilst Geyser Rock opposite, is a breeding mecca for Cape Fur Seals and currently home to approximately 20 000 seals. In season Whales and an occasional Dolphin can be spotted. This is a perfect habitat for the Great White.
When To GoThe project runs from Febuary untill December, exept on Christmass day and new years day.
Getting ThereThe program will run out of Gansbaai, South Africa. The White Shark fieldwork will take place around Dyer Island and possibly other shark locations. Dyer Island (Shark Alley!) is possibly the best place in the world to see Great Whites. We can help you with flights to Cape Town.
Price and DatesThe programme is normally 21 days and costs €1279.
Extra weeks thereafter are €220.
It is possible to stay for a shorter period of time. However we recommend a stay of at least 14 days.
Programs start on the 1st and 15th of the month, except in January.
Included
- Orientation program on arrival.
- Accommodation
- breakfast at the volunteer house and lunch on the boat
- Email and Internet access at your volunteer house
- Unlimited tea, coffee and juice throughout the day.
- Cap
- White Shark Field Book
Excluded
- All flights
- Activities on days off
- Travel insurance
- Dinners
- Lunch on days off
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Itinerary
Welcome and induction by WSP team leader
Daily lectures
Boat and cage inspection
Participation in data recording and weekly collation
On bad weather days, local excursions could include Cape Aghulhas, Hermanus, Betty's Bay, and the Birkenhead
On certain days, the boat is chartered exclusively for you
Days off
The weather along the Western Cape of South Africa is not stable, and the sea does not allow field work every day. Nevertheless Kleinbaai is comparatively sheltered, allowing us to go out at sea very often. You will have days off whenever the weather and sea condition do not allow field work, and no other work on the data or maintenance is needed. Sometimes, we have long periods during which the weather is nice and after 4-5 days at sea, we will then take a couple of days break. Why? Well, being at sea is very tiring, constantly balancing yourself, baking in the hot sun and being blown by the winds, so after a few days at sea, your body will need a rest.
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