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 […]
Category: Education
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 […]
Understanding shark activity in Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay is known for its vibrant tourism scene, attracting tens of thousands of visitors every year to its pristine beaches. As a key part of our marine ecosystem, sharks have long been a part of the local environment, with white sharks particularly known to visit our shores for over 20 years. While every year […]
Transformation and progress require intention and care – the Shark Spotters Graduate Training programme (SS-GTP) after a year
With the barriers to entry into the marine sector becoming steeper seemingly every three to five years, what sacrifices does one need to make to land one’s dream job? Has hard work and determination become just the bottom rung on the ladder to employment, while access, luck, and privilege now act as the jetpack that […]
Embracing Change: My Journey from Heartache to Hope
Hey there, I’m Mario Barnes. I am an environmental educator at Shark Spotters. Life has thrown me some unexpected curveballs, but through it all, I’ve discovered the power of resilience and the beauty of new beginnings. I’m here to share a piece of my heart with you: Growing up in a divided household after my […]
When There Are Sharks…: Plettenberg Bay Research
In 2019, I moved to Plettenberg Bay, and my life changed forever. My first hike on the Robberg Peninsula was a revelation. I spotted a great white shark, an experience that set the course for my future. Shortly after, I assisted a scientist in studying white shark presence and behaviour along the peninsula. Plett, with […]
When there are sharks…
Did you know that South Africa was the first country in the world to protect great white sharks? In 1991, South Africa made the pioneering decision to halt the hunting of white sharks, aiming not only to conserve these majestic creatures but also to boost tourism. While the white shark might be the most famous […]
Learning to Swim and Free Diving with Sharks
Nicky Namntu, a dedicated field manager for Plett Shark Spotters, recently had the privilege of attending the 7th Southern African Shark and Ray Symposium. Here, she shares her unforgettable journey, from her childhood curiosity about the ocean to her thrilling experience diving with sharks at Aliwal Shoal. I was super excited but at the same […]