Q: What resources does Shark Watch SA use to obtain shark sighting information?

Our reports are primarily sourced from members of the public. Our followers are the biggest contributors for the shark sightings uploaded to our social media outlets. Our online domains have communities of followers living in almost every known coastal community in the state. Thanks to their contribution, we're able to survey a significant portion of South Australia's coastal and offshore waters to locate sharks at any one time.

We are currently expanding our communication infrastructure to also retrieve timely shark sighting information from official sources affiliated with state government departments, including PIRSA Fish Watch, South Australia Police, the SES, Surf Lifesaving South Australia, as well as local commercial and recreational surf and dive clubs. 

Q: How does Shark Watch SA verify a shark sighting?

There is only so much we can do to confirm a shark sighting. The authenticity and accuracy of details are generally subjective to the circumstances of the observer. For example, we generally ask the submitter to provide photographic evidence of the shark, however, sometimes this is not possible if the observer was a surfer or swimmer who did not have access to a camera at the time the sighting was made. Special consideration is made for reports like this.

We also need to remember that the water quality and duration of the shark's presence can also impede one's ability to photographically document a shark encounter. We try to make contact with the observer to accurately recall the details of the shark encounter prior too approving and submitting a report to ensure accurate information is broadcast.

Q: Who Directs Shark Watch SA & is it Government Affiliated?

Shark Watch SA is independently managed by a member of the public who has no marine biology background or contacts in the state or federal government. Anton Covino established the project in 2014 as an extension of his high school research project and has been independently coordinating its operations since it began. In October 2023, Anton ceased all operations associated with Shark Watch SA.

In December 2024, Shark Watch SA re-commenced with Anton adopting a new collaborative approach to all projects by incorporating community knowledge and expertise into an exciting array of citizen science shark monitoring initiatives. Anton now has one Community Engagement Representative aboard the team, as well as several recreational drone volunteers and field reporters from around the state. Our plan is to bridge vital communication errors between the community and state government sector, improving awareness and exposure to state shark sighting information.

How is Shark Watch SA Contributing to Local Shark Research?

Since our operations began in 2014, Shark Watch has changed the culture behind information sharing for local shark activity. Our widely accessible depository provides a unique opportunity for diverse communities of coastal and offshore water users to record photographic documentation and eyewitness accounts of shark species for the education and safety of surrounding water users.

Anecdotal monitoring of local shark populations opens the door to a range of citizen science research opportunities to keep the general public educated about shark behaviour from raw and intimate vantage points, such as boats, drones, and other water infrastructure. Our core objective is to develop inclusive citizen science projects that link people's unique skills and technology to independently monitor sharks in SA waters whilst also partaking in government-incentivised bite mitigation projects involving local universities and research organisations.