Hi! My name is Ingrid Martinson and I am the 2024 North American Scholar of the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society (OWUSS). I recently graduated with a BS in Marine Science from California State University, Monterey Bay. As an OWUSS scholar, I have a year-long travel fellowship to explore SCUBA diving and marine conservation around the […]
A cup of pool water and gratitude: recalling the journey to my commercial dive certification
Twelve of us gathered in the Oceanography Department’s parking lot — groggy, quiet, and carrying weeks of training on our backs. It was an early Friday morning in December 2024 and, I, for one, was sleep-deprived and nervous. The soft conversations around me matched the gentle light streaming through the oak trees overhead. Three tests […]
Aloe Unique’s Support for Shark Spotters
2024 marked a significant milestone for Shark Spotters – 20 years of enhancing ocean safety and conservation in False Bay. Over the decades, the Organisation’s impact has grown, along with the financial needs required to sustain its vital work. Fortunately, support from various companies has played a crucial role. Last year, a particularly meaningful contribution […]
The IOI-SA Ocean Governance Training Programme: A Journey of Learning, Collaboration, and Marine Conservation
In November, I had the privilege of attending the International Ocean Institute – Southern Africa (IOI-SA) Ocean Governance Training Programme between the 4th and 29th. I was among participants from 12 different African countries, including early-career researchers, experts, and professionals in their respective fields. Throughout the program, we engaged in café sessions to share our […]
Eating shark meat might be riskier than you think…
Sharks are renowned as apex predators in marine ecosystems and are often depicted in a sinister light with their wide jaws, sharp teeth and swift movements. Despite their formidable presence, they are not immune to threats, including being hunted and consumed as a source of fish protein. Annually, over 1.4 million tons of sharks, including […]
Shark Spotters Partners with City of Cape Town, SANParks, and CapeNature for improved baboon management in Cape Town
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 23 December 2024 – A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed with the City of Cape Town last week, formalising a three-year partnership for Shark Spotters to assist the authorities with the implementation of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan (CPBSMP). Positive discussions are also underway to form similar partnerships […]
Shark Spotters Honoured at the 2024 SANParks Kudu Awards
The South African National Parks (SANParks) Kudu Awards stands as a prestigious celebration of excellence, honouring organisations and individuals who go above and beyond in championing education, outreach, and conservation within South Africa’s national parks. Now in its 18th year, this event shines a spotlight on those who tackle critical conservation topics with unwavering passion […]
Empowering Youth for a Greener Tomorrow: Reflections from The Earthshot Prize Youth Leadership Programme
One hundred and twenty (120) climate youth leaders selected across Africa and Asia participated in the 2024 Earthshot Prize Youth Leadership Programme, held in Cape Town – and I was one of them! As a Capetonian, I was thrilled to share my home with young people from across these continents. My knowledge of Cape Town […]
Shark Spotters lifeguard students rescue distressed bather in Glencairn
Quick thinking, vigilance, and teamwork guided the Shark Spotters Net Crew as they took action to rescue a distressed water user in Glencairn on 6th November 2024. Responding to calls for help from two members of the public – one safely onshore and another caught in a rip current – the crew acted with urgency […]