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The WSRI were not
going to let this happen, and subsequently, with the help of the Dolphin
Action and Protection Group, a lobby for its protection was initiated.
After much work, the government agreed to provide pre-emptive protection
for the Great White Shark, thus giving researches the opportunity to
dissect the mysteries of this species without the imminent extinction
of the animal hanging over our heads. Since the animal was protected
in April 1991, we have gone a long way in assisting with the protection
of the species in other countries, by developing a successful international
educational program and improving the negative image of the Great White
Shark. Some of the White
Sharks secrets are being uncovered.
·
Why was this work conducted? The WSRI, on limited resources,
put Great White Shark research in southern Africa on the world map,
and in this area of research, become leaders and pace setters. WSRI
tagged and worked with more Great White Sharks than any other organisation
in the world. The foremost objective of the research is to elucidate
data which will be combined with data from other areas of the world,
to ensure the continued survival and management of this species. ·
Where is research work taking
us? When we first dedicated ourselves
to the research of the Great White Shark, the obstacles, vastness of
our working area and task at hand seemed intimidating and near impossible.
The Great White Shark is a free roaming animal in a home which has no
boundaries and which is for the most part hostile. We tentatively moved
into this unknown and started scratching on the surface. Through dedication
and perseverance we have gone beyond scratching the surface, and are
now at a stage where we are beginning to understand this animal and
being rewarded with solid new data and findings. Although we are faced
with more questions with every new finding we make, we are moving forward
at an increasing pace. Understanding this animal is making our work
more productive, and we are now at a stage where we can begin using
and developing new technology to further elucidate information. We are very proud of our accomplishments,
but much of it would not have been possible without the support of
our members. You can become part of what we are doing and assist
in the future of this animal and its cousins by becoming a member of
the WSRI. Please read
further for information on our membership program and adoptions.
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The Future? To date most of our research
has been based on a visual tagging program. Our program, although simplistic
in its application, has revealed substantial data not previously known.
We are however always striving to develop new and more efficient programs
and methods. We are looking at transponder tagging, camera attachments,
DNA analysis and satellite tracking for near future programs. A department
of the South African Navy has indicated interest in assisting us with
these programs. Data on long range movements of white shark is almost
non existent. How far these animals move, when and where they move and
whether the populations are connected are currently mysteries. This
pertinent information has to be attained if we are to establish international
management of the species. Again, we desperately need your support.
The Great White Sharks do not belong to us and it is not our responsibility
to save them. It is the responsibility of us all, and therefore we require
you to help with this important task. .............. PO
Box 50775, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town 8001, South Africa
A Sad Story |
Warning! |
Why Shark Research?
| Conservation & Education |
