Support Our Projects

Shark Watch SA is entirely managed and grown from collaborative community efforts. This is why our organisation has become a popular choice for South Aussie coastal and offshore water users with shark awareness and citizen science being the focal point of our operations.

We develop and implement unique and diverse shark research projects by teaming up with our network of followers and utilising their expertise to deliver timely and insightful outcomes. Our initiatives range from drone surveillance for the hobbyist, right up to hands-on tag and release field work and necropsying of dead sharks for marine biologist students and post-graduates.

This is a voluntary commitment for those who want to join a local shark-spotting and citizen science research initiative during their spare time. There are no barriers to entry! Simply register your interest with any of our projects below.

One full patrol day (8hrs of coastal surveillance) including Shark Watch SA assistance is valued at a cost of $960. Our partner (Korella Aerial Solutions) and Shark Watch SA have already carried out drone operations at several SA surfing competitions helping to keep competitors, safe. To keep this partnership going, donate below!

Fund an SA Drone Patrol

Help extend our time in the sky by funding one of our patrols! Simply add your site preference in the comments section of your generous donation.

2.5 hour mid-coast scan from Port Willunga to Onkaparinga River Mouth ft. SWSA/Korella Aerial: $300.
4 hour mid-coast scan ft. SWSA/Korella Aerial: $500.
8 hour mid-coast scan ft. SWSA/Korella Aerial: $960.
4 hour Goolwa - Horeshoe Bay scan ft. SWSA/Korella Aerial: $600.
Southern Yorke Peninsula: $135 p.h (+) $100 travel allowance. Minimum of 4hrs.

Drone Shark Spotting Proposal

Description

We are in the early stages of piecing together our largest drone shark spotting initiative for South Australia which aims to supersede current statewide aerial monitoring measures and improve public safety at popular SA surf breaks and beaches by subcontracting out work to licensed RePL & ReOC holders to monitor different zones using drone surveillance during busy times of the year.

By 2028/29, Shark Watch SA intends to coordinate its drone surveillance operations at up to 15 different beaches around the state by on-boarding up to 30 licensed drone operators and assistants. Each site will also feature a shark safety toolkit and educational display about sharks found in South Australia.

If you would like Shark Watch SA to assist in media coverage and drone surveillance at your next surfing competition or water sports event, click the "register interest" button for a quote. In partnership with Korella Aerial Solutions, we can help competitors feel at ease with more eyes on the water from the sky!

Project Outcomes

Aerial surveillance at up to 15 different beaches around the state on the same day during the busy summer period.
Upload drone footage of sharks onto a well curated data-base to identify shark population structures around the state.
Locate sharks around swimmers and surfers and initiate preventative actions to evacuate the water and inform other beach-goers.

Suitable Candidates

Licensed RePL & ReOC holders.

Shark Sighting Correspondence Network

Description

South Australia's rugged coastlines and rich offshore marine ecology of the Great Southern Reef has built an ecosystem of commercial and recreational surfing, diving, fishing, and boating clubs all over the state.

As part of our pledge to keep these communities shark safe and build a robust shark sightings communications network to resourcefully share this information with the greater SA public across our sites, we're calling on the representatives of each club and state government marine department to partner with SWSA for timely notifications when shark sighting reports are submitted to their organisations.

Project Outcomes

Collaborate with all known SA marine-based organisations to develop a timely warning system for sharing and communicating the immediate threat of a sharks presence at a particular coastal community or dive site.
Increase quantitative anecdotal data for SA shark sightings.
Improve reporting standards for state shark sighting information to improve shark safety and research measures in SA.

Suitable Volunteers

The representatives or committee members of state surf rescue and recreational marine sport and dive clubs are encouraged to contact SWSA.