How do you know when you’ve found your purpose? How do you know when what you do makes a difference? Well for many people, interacting with people who are passionate about our biodiverse environment is when they feel most connected to their purpose. White Shark Projects offers just that with their volunteer programme.

It fosters a space to not only explore your own interest in the ocean, but also an opportunity to connect with like-minded people, where you end up learning about science, boats and sharks, as well as yourself.

“Everything we do we aim to do in harmony with nature and the environment we are working in.”

This is the phrase that White Shark Projects operates from, in all aspects. It is an important goal for them to inspire a love for sharks and the ocean in all people that interact with the company. Especially since sharks have received a lot of “bad PR” due to movies like Jaws.

They foster this within the volunteers by facilitating hands-on experiences such as shark fishing and freediving to catch and tag for conservation purposes, as well as by hosting lectures about sharks where the volunteers can learn more about ocean conservation, and how important sharks are for a balanced ecosystem. One of the important lessons learnt during the lectures is that sharks are what’s called a keystone species, which means that they have a significant influence on their habitats and their absence would dramatically alter the entire ecosystem.

While the lectures are super informative, nothing beats catching your first shark and helping to measure, tag and release it.

Tagging sharks is important for conservation as it helps to determine their movement patterns, their abundance (which is important for monitoring their population), where their coastal habitats are (which is important for protected areas) and what distances they migrate or where they migrate to. Essentially, it is a vital first step to protecting the species.

The volunteers are able to have a hand in making a positive difference in ocean conservation through this, and also have a fun time freediving or fishing in beautiful locations while doing it.

While the volunteers get a lot of time with the sharks and shark conservation, they also spend time working on the boats, from preparing the wetsuits before trips, to helping the guests get kitted up for their dive. The volunteers also have an opportunity to learn seamanship skills, which equips them for further work in this field. Time on the boat also presents the opportunity to collect data on the bigger sharks that come to the cage such as the Great Whites, Bronze Whalers and Seven Gills.

This takes shape in the form of writing down sizes, visual details and more on data sheets, which makes you feel like a real scientist. This is then typed up into an excel sheet which is used by shark researchers. Another favourite aspect about working on the boats is the interaction with guests from around the world. It is a great way to learn more about different cultures and places. But of course, this global exposure is also presented by fellow volunteers who travel from around the world to come to White Shark Projects.

The skills and experiences gained during time as a volunteer are invaluable, providing a solid foundation for anyone passionate about marine conservation. Volunteering with White Shark Projects is more than just an adventure; it’s a chance to contribute meaningfully to ocean conservation, form lasting bonds with like-minded individuals, and develop a profound respect for one of the ocean’s most misunderstood creatures.

Through hands-on activities and educational opportunities, volunteers not only support crucial conservation efforts but also embark on a journey of personal growth and discovery.

Whether you’re tagging a shark, recording vital data, or simply sharing stories with new friends on the boat, every moment spent with White Shark Projects is a step toward a healthier, more balanced ecosystem. In the end, you don’t just find your purpose—you live it.