Ongoing & Upcoming Projects Update 25/08/25

Due to the unprecedented localised marine destruction caused by the Harmful Algal Bloom which is currently engulfing a large portion of the St Vincent Gulf, we have been forced to re-evaluate our project development schedule by creating new collaborative field-based research projects. These projects will allow the Shark Watch team to increase their time on the water undertaking practical citizen science activities in the sharks domain. These activities facilitate purposeful work alongside a diverse range of marine experts to fast track the delivery of insightful updates about the HAB impact on local shark population structures.

At Shark Watch SA, there are currently six different projects being carried out behind the scenes that each cater to fulfilling our mission in delivering timely and credible public correspondence concerning local shark activity. This outcome is derived from an innovative network of resources and contributors surveying the sharks environment.

Prior to the arrival of the algal bloom, six projects were being developed to continue growing a strong and reputable local SWSA online presence. These projects include:

1. A community drone shark spotting initiative.

2. The completion of a renewed Shark Watch SA website and an app.

3. Shark Watch SA memberships featuring a vast range of additional perks for subscribers.

4. A robust communications network for obtaining and broadcasting near real-time shark sighting information to the SA public.

5. Marketing campaigns to build social media presence.

6. The regular production of educational content about sharks to mitigate fear and cultivate a greater appreciation for sharks found in SA waters.

Following the arrival of the bloom, and with clear distinction observed concerning unusual shark behaviour as a result of the toxic water conditions, we have now incorporated a further two projects to this list, as a matter of priority for their undertaking. We welcome these two proposals as inclusive citizen science contributions to local algal bloom research that is going to continue growing our resources and independent capabilities to carry out field work with sharks. The two proposals include:

1. An independent shark necropsy project alleviating pressure on local councils, and reducing wastage. The general public is advised to report all marine mortality specimens including dead sharks and rays to PIRSA Fish Watch on 1800 065 522. Following the identification of a shark mortality, the undertaking of this project will involve a member of the SWSA team collecting the shark carcass and transferring the specimen to an independent testing facility where it can be biologically examined by a marine biologist student or post graduate. The samples would then be tested and the necropsy report later released on the SWSA sites helping deliver greater insights into brevetoxin exposure on sharks and increase student learning. Potential challenges for this type of project lie in logistics, and costs involving the testing of samples and facility hire. If interested, please do get in touch with Shark Watch.

2. An independent tag and release operation targeting the migratory Bronze Whaler shark species in St Vincent Gulf. Due to the concerning trend that recently took place involving dozens of shark mortalities washing up on the shores of many beaches enclosing the gulf, we are now concerned that annual Whaler Shark migrations occurring around the late October period could be impacted. Our last reported live shark sighting for St Vincent Gulf, occurred on 6 July at Moana when a surfer was bumped by a shark. Since then, SWSA has not received any further updates on live shark sightings in the Gulf St Vincent. According to the conclusion of regular public submissions to our sites, White Sharks have also potentially stopped washing ashore, or even been observed in the mid-upper gulf region for a number of months. This raises a number of questions concerning shark dispersion in St Vincent Gulf, as a result of the HAB. The project aims to collaborate with experienced and conservative minded commercial fishermen, to help ethically tag and release unprotected shark species in St Vincent Gulf. Challenges for this proposal concern ethical tag and release measures that do not harm the shark or other occupants involved in the tagging process. The location must also be taken into consideration to ensure public safety is not jeopardised before/during and after tag and release work is undertaken. We acknowledge that there is strict government legislation regulating this type of fishing activity.

Shark Watch South Australia is currently reaching out to other organisations who have experience in conducting these types of operations in order for us to plan accordingly. We also invite your feedback and support. Please acknowledge that these proposals are costly and time consuming. We are hoping to generate some crowdfunding to help cover some of these costs. If you would like to donate, please reach out!

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