OUR VISION IS THE SUSTAINABLE COEXISTENCE OF PEOPLE AND SHARKS
Shark Spotters is a pioneering shark safety and research organisation that has attracted international attention because of the novel way it pro-actively reduces interactions and conflict between recreational water users and white sharks.
Started in 2004, by Greg Bertish and Dave & Fiona Chudleigh, in response to a spate of shark bite incidents and increased shark sightings, Shark Spotters is now the primary shark safety strategy used in Cape Town, and Plettenberg Bay.
Shark Spotters improves beach safety by applying innovative and responsible shark safety solutions that reduce the spatial overlap between people and sharks, thereby reducing the risk of a shark bite.
We also provide emergency response in the event of a shark incident, as well as conduct cutting-edge applied research on shark behaviour and ecology, raise awareness about shark safety and conservation issues, and provide employment opportunities and skills development for shark spotters.
OUR OBJECTIVES
- Provide environmentally and socially responsible shark mitigation measures at appropriate beaches around Cape Town.
- Test where applicable non-lethal systems/technologies that reduce the risk of shark bite incidents.
- Conduct applied research on shark species in Cape Town to inform conservation and management strategies, public safety policy and education and awareness campaigns.
- Provide current and accurate sightings data to understand white shark presence at popular beaches and to implement shark information and safety tips that are current and applicable to the species and area.
- Increase awareness of shark safety and conservation and promote a rational, objective and non-sensational approach to shark related issues in the public domain.
- Provide employment and skills development opportunities for previously disadvantaged South Africans.
- Contribute to rational and considered decision making regarding the management and interactions between potentially dangerous sharks and recreational water users in Cape Town and beyond.
- Foster and establish partnerships with other organisations and individuals.
- Share knowledge with others (cities, countries, industry, NPO, government, etc.) to promote sustainable, non-lethal shark attack mitigation strategies.
- Promote safety in the waters surrounding Cape Town.
- Conserve and protect marine resources