The information below has been provided for you by the supported placement organisation running the placement. You can contact the company for more information using the links at the bottom of this page.
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This placement would suit... People with an interest in research and conservation, who aren't afraid of working closely with great white sharks!
 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.
On this project Travellers works with WSP - The White Shark Project. WSP 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.”
 Craig Ferreira and his dedicated Shark Team have been conducting population dynamics and behavioural research since 1991. Craig’s father, Theo formed the original shark project and was responsible for having the Great White declared as a protected and endangered species in South Africa.
After a shark attacked a girl further up the coast, several teams got together to form a research centre with the intention of creating a better understanding these animals. Up until then no real research had taken place. Contrary to popular opinion, shark attacks are rare, with only 20 to 30 fatal attacks each year worldwide. The media hype of these attacks along with the classic movies have installed a primitive fear in humans – that of being eaten alive. This fear has been exaggerated, exploited and then marketed at the expense of the well being of the shark species. Sharks' natural feeding areas are seal colonies, not a beach packed with surfers.
White Shark Projects undertake much cage diving with sharks. This was originally thought of as a bad idea, as it was believed that by baiting humans in cages, sharks would associate humans as food, through the process of conditioning. However, at White Shark Projects they dispute this as sharks are highly nomadic animals, their territory ranging over vast areas, even across continents. Research shows that a shark would never stay in one place long enough to become conditioned. They also disagree that cage diving is dangerous on the basis that a shark cannot mentally separate the human diver from the cage.
Your training and work
When you arrive, you'll be given a lot of training before starting your actual work. This training will consist of most of the elements of a two-week course which WSP offers the general public. However, whereas the general public go home after completing their course, you will be working with WSP to assist in their research and fight against the encroaching possible extinction of the Great White.
You'll receive training in White Shark biology, research, behaviour, conservation, changing attitudes, shark attacks, basic seamanship, 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.
You'll also be taught the basics of how to set the camera up, how to use it under water and how to obtain the best images.
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. Thereafter, you'll participate in assisting the WSP and the CEES (The SA White Conservation, Education and Exploration Society) with various duties and responsibilities, including helping to educate locals and children on the Great White.
The Conservation, Education and Exploration Society is an organisation dedicated to the exploration and conservation of the world's greatest predator, and the preservation of its environment. Your work with them will help to achieve their objectives of gathering sufficient accurate data on the white sharks to assist in management programmes for the ensured survival of the species, as well as striving to change negative public attitude towards sharks through awareness and education, because it is almost impossible to ensure the survival of a hated species!
Location
The program will run out of Gaansbaai, 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. Gaansbaai 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 much 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 accommodation
You will stay in a delightful red brick house. It is very comfortable and overlooks the Indian Ocean – this is no exaggeration, this is lovely accommodation.
The house has twin sharing rooms, five bathrooms, a nice kitchen, a dining area and an outside patio for those hot evenings. Upstairs offers more excellent views over the mountains and ocean all around. With a very nice seating area, television, video and board games for entertainment, you will be very relaxed in your new home. There is a small supermarket nearby and it is situated five minutes from the harbour. I think the biggest problem you'll have is coming home!!
Travellers' placements are very flexible & can be combined with any other Travellers placement & tailor made to your own requirements!
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0845 344 7585 |
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