Research Goals

We are pleased to offer this exciting new opportunity to explore shark biology and behavior in Kwa Zulu-Natal, South Africa. Collaborating with renowned South African marine naturalist Andy Cobb of Eco Diving and led by ReefQuest's own Andrew Currie, we have assembled an exceptional learning adventure combining underwater observation of free-swimming sharks in the wild, a guided dissection, slide-illustrated talks on selected aspects of shark biology, and a visit to the world-famous Natal Sharks Board.

Our underwater observations will focus on two shark species, the Spotted Ragged-Tooth or Raggie (Carcharias taurus) and the Zambezi Shark or Zambi (Carcharhinus leucas). Raggies are highly social sharks, gathering in specific underwater caves at Aliwal Shoal. We will be testing a technique for identifying individual Raggies and using it to estimate population size and begin puzzling out the social organization of the sharks using these caves. We will also be exploring a novel aspect of body language of this species. Zambis are among the most notorious sharks in South African waters and one whose behavior is poorly known. This species regularly aggregates at Protea Banks, although for what purpose is a mystery. We will use our observations to test a variety of hypotheses about why Zambis aggregate at the Banks and learn some of the secrets about their social lives.

INCLUDES: Fully guided tour with all road and boat transport. Toll road and entrance fees. 8 dives on Aliwal Shoal with cylinder and weight belt included. 6 dives on Protea Banks with cylinder and weightbelt. 4 nights at Scottburgh, 4 nights at Shelly Beach and 1 night at Hluhluwe Game gamepark with game viewing drives. Shark school.

NOT INCLUDED: Airflights. Meals not mentioned. Drinks and items of a personal nature. Extra diving equipment available for hire at R30 per item per diving day.

NOTES:

• You will not be entering a malaria area except for minimal risk at Hluhluwe. Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening.

• All dives include cylinder and weightbelt.

• Dives are weather dependent and if cancelled we make an alternate plan.

• Stated accommodation subject to availability.

• Dives cancelled by you are non-refundable unless 24 hr notice given or for medical reasons

• Valid diving certificates required and indemnity to be signed.

What Kind of People Are Needed?

These Expeditions are open to anyone interested in observing sharks in the wild and learning more about their biology and behavior. The behaviors of Raggies and Zambis  are poorly known but likely to be quite complex. Thus, diversity of background and experience among Expedition participants will enhance our research efforts. Preference will be given to individuals with a particular interest in helping us document Raggie and Zambi behavior that will shed light on their behavior and ecology. Experience in underwater data collection, photography or videography will be a tremendous asset.

For this expedition, we do require that participants are certified scuba divers. We strongly prefer individuals who are physically fit, work well under pressure and collaborate well with others composing our team. Skills that would prove especially helpful to our research efforts include: nature or sports photography and/or underwater videography, experience working with or around animals (wild or domestic), experience designing and conducting research of any kind (including scientific or business), and writing or broadcast journalism.

Application

Applicants chosen for the expeditions will be selected based upon their ability to work as a team and on the skills that they can contribute to the research. We receive more application that spots available on the expeditions. Therefore, participants for expeditions are screened very carefully and not everyone who applies is accepted, but anyone with a positive attitude, a willingness to work as part of a team, and having skills that will contribute toward a given Expedition's objectives will always be considered. To apply please prepare the following:

• Letter describing how you feel that you will benefit from this experience and contribute to the Expedition.

Please address inquiries to Andrew Currie

Expedition Details

(Limited to 10 participants per Expedition)

Package Details