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 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.

Shark Dissection/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.

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.