Voluntary Projects

• About the white shark project
• Your training and work
• Location
• Your Programme
• You receive
• You need to bring
• Our Volunteers

This placement would suit... People with an interest in research and conservation, who aren't afraid of working closely with great white sharks! And a good adventurous attitude and an active outdoor lifestyle is essential!!

Roaming the worlds oceans, the Great White Shark is undoubtedly the greatest predatory force of the seas. Cloaked in myth, misunderstanding and fear, this awesome animal remains a mystery to man.

The Great White Shark Project is a unique opportunity to view the Great White Shark in its natural environment, either from a boat or an underwater cage. You'll also see other wildlife species, including Cape Gannets, Bryde Whales, Cape Fur Seals, Dolphins and Jackass Penguins.

On this project you'll learn a lot about the Great White and then you'll put that knowledge to use by assisting in conservation and research into this awesome animal.

About the white shark project

 

Sharks are intelligent and vulnerable, deserving of sympathy and respect. Education helps people to lose the Jaws phenomenon and gain the realisation that sharks are a complex and precious species, living in the water - just doing their best to survive.

White Shark Projects is a world leading organisation focusing on the Great White Shark. Founded in 1989 purely as a research centre, since 1989 it has grown and broadened its services to include an excellent film department, diving and viewing centre and a separate conservation and educational department. "Everything we do we aim to do in harmony with nature and the environment we are working in."

The dedicated Shark Team have been conducting population dynamics and behavioural research since 1991.

Your training and work

 

You'll receive training in White Shark biology, research, behaviour, conservation, changing attitudes, shark attacks, basic seamanship(includes anchoring positions, wind directions, underwater filming, still photography and shark tourism.

Weather permitting you will go to sea frequently. At sea, you'll get involved as much as possible with all aspects of sea work. This will be focused on working with the sharks from above and below the water. Much emphasis will be placed on observing behaviour and the interactions of sharks around the boat. You will be taught how to get in and out of the cage and how to remain secure and safe in the cage. Participants in the cages will record observations of the White Sharks. This will include sex, size, markings and behaviour.

This training is designed to educate you to a level of competence of a field assistant. During the training, you will be evaluated on how you handle teamwork, take your own initiatives, take interest in the work and activities, show interest in learning.

Location

The program will run out of Gansbaai, South Africa. The White Shark fieldwork will take place around Dyer Island and possibly other shark locations. Dyer Island (Shark Alley!) is possibly the best place in the world to see Great Whites. Gansbaai is a seaside village, which depends on fishing and tourism for its survival. It is situated approximately two hours south east of Cape Town.

The shark team document a lot of shark activity using aerial surveys of the island. On one of the main research sites, Dyer Island, many other wildlife species can be viewed from the boat. It is the breeding ground for Jackass Penguins, Cape Cormorants and Gannets, whilst Geyser Rock opposite, is a breeding mecca for Cape Fur Seals and currently home to approximately 20 000 seals. In season Whales and an occasional Dolphin can be spotted. This is a perfect habitat for the Great White.

Your Programme

Welcome and induction by WSP team leader
Daily lectures on the above topics
Boat and cage inspection
Participation in data recording and weekly collation
On bad weather days, local excursions could include Cape Aghulhas, Hermanus, Betty's Bay, and the Birkenhead
On certain days, the boat is chartered exclusively for you
The programme is traditionally 21 days, but volunteers can stay for longer, we recommend that you spend at least 14 days with us.
The programme runs from the 1st & 15th of every month throughout the year.

You receive

Two volunteer T-shirts

• Our White Shark Projects cap
• Your welcoming pack
• Your White Shark Field Book

You need to bring

• Pocket money in the region of R3 000 - R5 000
• Some clothing which you will not mind sacrificing. Please bring 3 pairs of shorts / slacks as part of our uniform when on our boat.
• A rain jacket or plastic windbreaker will be good to have and some warm clothing as it can be quite cool on land and on the water.
• Non-slippery shoes to use on the boat - we recommend welllington's or 'crocs'
• Camera
   Note book
• You will be working at our Recycle Swop Shop on Tuesdays, if you want to bring some contributions, it will be greatly appreciated.

We supply all other diving equipment

 

 

 Stories from our volunteers:

	Volunteer - Claudia Dahmer When someone asked me how the Volunteer Programme was, I told them they should take a look at my legs, covered in bruises, or my hands, full of cuts. Or even told them I thought I would never stop smelling like Chum. BUT, it was all worth it! Read More
	Volunteer - Sandra Castro    I love spending time on boats and so this programme was ideal for me. Working as volunteer crew on the boat was hard work but great fun. We were out on the boats on most days, sometimes one trip and sometimes two trips a day.  Read More
	Volunteer - Teresa Allen I have always watched documentaries and read books about Great White Sharks, but nothing can describe the feeling of seeing them in the flesh.   Read more