South African Shark Conservancy

South African Shark Conservancy Non-profit organisation conserving sharks and the oceans through research, education and outreach.

Ecosystem-based Shark Research • Internship Program • Shark Lab Tours Working together with government, industry and the non-profit sectors SASC hopes to develop a responsible co-management approach to the exploitation of elasmobranchs and other living marine resources. Our research facility, based in Hermanus, South Africa, is dedicated to conducting research on the biology and life-history of sharks, marine ecology & fishery interactions.

🚨NEW PAPER ALERT 🚨 Interested in the life of the spotted gully shark? Go check our new paper “Residency, site affinity a...
20/04/2026

🚨NEW PAPER ALERT 🚨
Interested in the life of the spotted gully shark? Go check our new paper “Residency, site affinity and coastal movements of the southern African endemic spotted gully shark Triakis megalopterus” in the last issue of African Journal of Marine Science! 🦈
We used acoustic telemetry to describe movement and residency patterns along the Western Cape coastline. The comparison with previous published mark-recapture data showed that this species exhibit more long distance movement than expected, use certain areas seasonally and that the current location of acoustic receivers doesn’t fully capture their space use. This work adds to the little literature about this species, hoping it will help future management decisions.

Link to the paper:
https://doi.org/10.2989/1814232X.2025.2605156
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Happy (belated) international day of women and girls in science! We have a lot of incredible women to celebrate here at ...
12/02/2026

Happy (belated) international day of women and girls in science! We have a lot of incredible women to celebrate here at SASC, whether they are permanent staff, or temporary interns and volunteers in . SASC helps to promote and build strong researchers ready to push the boundaries of marine science. To all of our girls and women in science, we celebrate you today and every day!

29/01/2026

You don’t have to be an expert to help save a sea turtle. Knowing what to do can give them a second chance Sea Turtle Rescue Hotline: 083 300 1663
The South African Shark Conservancy is also a drop off point!

Starting the new year with a house full of curious minds! 🦈 We had a busy day with lots of interest and enthusiasm, and ...
06/01/2026

Starting the new year with a house full of curious minds! 🦈 We had a busy day with lots of interest and enthusiasm, and we hope to welcome many more visitors, volunteers, and interns in the months ahead. Here's to a year filled with learning, conservation, and lots of passion for protecting our marine life! 🌊

This past week our SASC students had the incredible opportunity to attend the 8th South African Shark & Ray Symposium in...
23/09/2025

This past week our SASC students had the incredible opportunity to attend the 8th South African Shark & Ray Symposium in Makhanda, Eastern Cape 🦈✨

They took part in an interactive workshop on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and spent 3 days immersed in inspiring talks by distinguished scientists and professionals — covering everything from cutting-edge research and conservation, to environmental education and management. 🌍💡

A truly invaluable experience in learning, connecting, and contributing to the future of shark and ray conservation in South Africa! 💙

🦈🔬 Skate science in action! Our SASC interns got hands-on with marine biology this week during a skate dissection. From ...
11/09/2025

🦈🔬 Skate science in action! Our SASC interns got hands-on with marine biology this week during a skate dissection. From weighing organs to analyzing stomach contents, they're diving deep into what makes these incredible creatures tick. 🧠⚖️🩺⁠
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Curious minds, steady hands, and a whole lot of marine curiosity at work! 🌊🧑‍🔬

🦈💔 This shark’s deformed snout is a stark reminder of the impacts poor fishing practices can have on marine life. Injuri...
01/09/2025

🦈💔 This shark’s deformed snout is a stark reminder of the impacts poor fishing practices can have on marine life. Injuries like this are often the result of entanglement, deep hooking, or rough handling during release.

While sharks are incredibly resilient animals, repeated stress and injury from human activities can reduce survival rates and affect population health.

✨ By supporting sustainable fisheries, reducing bycatch, and raising awareness, we can help protect sharks from preventable harm. Every shark plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of our oceans — even the ones carrying scars.

Recreational anglers can make a big difference by following responsible catch-and-release practices:
✅ Use barbless or circle hooks to reduce injury
✅ Avoid dragging sharks onto rough surfaces like rocks or sand
✅ Support the body when lifting, never by the gills or tail
✅ Minimize air exposure — keep the shark in the water whenever possible
✅ Release quickly and gently to reduce stress

Even small changes in handling can significantly increase a shark’s chance of survival. Protecting sharks means protecting the health of our oceans. 🌊

🌊 Over the past few days, SASC interns have been assisting with post-estuarine opening strandings along Grotto Beach. Wh...
19/08/2025

🌊 Over the past few days, SASC interns have been assisting with post-estuarine opening strandings along Grotto Beach. When the Klein Estuary breached and flooded, a variety of organisms were displaced onto the shoreline.

Our team recorded and relocated species including serpent eels (Ophisurus serpens), blackhand sole (Solea turbynei), estuarine crabs, and some lost birds. By returning these animals to suitable habitats, we help reduce mortality events associated with sudden estuarine turnover.

Fieldwork like this provides valuable insight into species distribution and estuarine dynamics, while also contributing directly to conservation. 🐍🐟🦀🐦

🦈✨ Dreaming of working with sharks? Now’s your chance to make it happen!Join the SASC Shark Academy — a unique, hands-on...
08/08/2025

🦈✨ Dreaming of working with sharks? Now’s your chance to make it happen!

Join the SASC Shark Academy — a unique, hands-on experience where you’ll:
🔹 Learn from marine biologists & shark conservationists
🔹 Get involved in real shark research & data collection
🔹 Gain skills in shark tagging, lab work & field surveys
🔹 Explore South Africa’s incredible marine ecosystems 🌊

📅 Book in August or September and get 30% OFF your internship fee!
📍 Based in beautiful Hermanus, South Africa
⏳ Spaces are limited — dive in before they’re gone!

🌊 Happy World MPA Day! 🐠Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are ocean superheroes — protecting marine life, restoring ecosyste...
01/08/2025

🌊 Happy World MPA Day! 🐠

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are ocean superheroes — protecting marine life, restoring ecosystems, and helping coastal communities thrive.

At SASC, we support MPAs through research, education, and conservation efforts right here in Walker Bay. 🦈💙

Swipe through our infographic to learn why MPAs matter and how you can help protect the ocean!

Address

Old Harbour Museum, Market Square, Marine Drive
Hermanus
7200

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00
Thursday 08:00 - 16:00
Friday 08:00 - 15:00

Telephone

+27628944313

Website

https://www.sharkconservancy.org/gap-year-marine-biology/, https://www.sharkconservanc

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