Between the Namibian and Mozambican borders, where the great desert meets the succulent Karoo, and where the Indian Ocean’s coastal vegetation creeps between countries, lies the southernmost coastline of Africa. Here, over 3,000 km of ocean thrashes against mountain cliffs, laps on sandy beaches and rocky shores, and meanders into the estuaries to meet towering coastal […]
Category: Safety
Shark Conservation with Shark Spotters
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
When There Are Sharks…: Monwabisi Sikweyiya 20 Years Later
Monwabisi (Monwa) Sikweyiya is a devoted field manager at Shark Spotters, often seen driving along the breathtaking coastline from Kogel Bay to Fish Hoek daily. Armed with a warm smile, his responsibilities include supporting the team, providing spotters with equipment, and ensuring they execute their tasks effectively. This year, Monwa celebrates 20 years of service […]
Shark Spotters: Keeping Plettenberg Bay Beaches Safe During White Shark Season
Plettenberg Bay, 31 July, 2024 – As white shark season kicks off along the coast, Shark Spotters are on high alert, ensuring the safety of beachgoers in Plettenberg Bay. With recent sightings indicating the presence of white sharks in the area, the Shark Spotters team urges the public to exercise caution and adhere to lifeguard […]