Join Our Projects
Shark Watch SA is entirely managed and grown from collaborative community efforts. This is why our organisation has become a popular choice with South Aussie coastal and offshore water users for shark awareness and citizen science research.
We develop and implement unique and diverse community 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.
Shark Necropsy Project
Description
We are in the process of coordinating an independent shark necropsy project dealing with specimens washed up in Gulf St Vincent as a result of the algal bloom. We are actively seeking laboratories for performing necropsies as well as pathology clinics that can analyse samples from specimens. Marine biology students and post-graduates welcome to volunteer their time to host necropsies.
Project Outcomes
-
Learn about the biological impacts of algal bloom brevetoxins on sharks.
-
Establish a recovery framework for HAB affected shark species subject to necropsy findings.
​
Suitable Volunteers
-
Marine biology students/post-graduates.
-
Management of Veterinary and/or Animal Science clinics that perform necropsy work.
Tag & Release Project
Description
As part of our commitment to learn more about shark population structures and their dispersion throughout Gulf St Vincent, we are undertaking an independent tag and release operation. This will eventually enable us to convey information about local shark activity with more accuracy and transparency. Animal ethics and public safety will be focal in the coordination of this project.
​
Project Outcomes
-
Perform tag and release work and re-capture of different shark species in Gulf St Vincent.
-
Identify population structures of Bronze Whaler sharks in Gulf St Vincent at different locations.
-
Identify trends with the migratory behaviour of tagged sharks.
​
Suitable Volunteers
-
Recreational anglers who have a proven record of tag and release work with sharks (re-capture preferred) and can demonstrate safe and ethical handling of a shark that minimises stress factors on the shark occurring during the landing process.
.png)
Recreational Drone Shark Spotting Initiative
Description
We are trying to increase the amount of aerial surveillance available on South Australian coastal waters at any one time to protect beachgoers all year round by developing an integrated network of recreational drone users actively reporting their aerial observations to SWSA.
This network may have the ability to become a timely asset in locating and aerially tracking the movements of sharks reported to SWSA, as the network of users will, ideally, be widespread, and feature volunteers from all over the state.
​
Project Outcomes
-
Locate and track sharks moving along a stretch of coastline by using drone surveillance.
-
Warn swimmers of the immediate threat following a shark sighting.
-
Supply drone surveillance for local surfing competitions.
-
Identify individual sharks via high-resolution photographic documentation.
-
Gauge shark population structures at different coastal locations around the state.
​
Suitable Volunteers
-
CASA Accreditation is the minimum requirement to partake in this initiative.
-
Drone users who place a high regard on public safety and their surrounding environment to ensure minimal risk and problems are encountered during the flight.
Shark Sighting Correspondents 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.
