The SharkWise Project

18/09/2026

A shark’s role in a healthy ocean….

Beneath the waves, sharks are more than predators — they are guardians of balance.

By keeping marine populations in check, they help prevent the ocean from falling out of harmony. Where sharks thrive, ecosystems can flourish, reefs can breathe, and the web of life remains strong.

A healthy ocean needs its predators.
A healthy ocean needs its sharks.

They shape populations.
They strengthen ecosystems.
They keep the marine world in motion.

Remove the predator,
and the balance begins to unravel.

Protecting sharks is not simply about saving one animal.

It is about protecting the rhythm of the entire ocean.

When the ocean loses its sharks, we lose more than a species — we lose a piece of the ocean’s heartbeat.

16/09/2026

Could you spot the same shark twice?

When researchers photograph sharks, we’re not only taking a picture of an animal. We’re also capturing details that can help us recognise that individual again.

For photo-identification, we look at features that are naturally different between individuals, such as pigmentation patterns and the shape and structure of their fins.

By comparing photographs collected over time, we can build records of individual sharks and learn more about where they are found, how often they return to an area and how their movements may change over time.

And this is one of the many research skills you get trained in when you join a SharkWise project. With practice, you start to notice the small details that can tell one shark apart from another.

So, take a closer look.

Could you spot the same shark twice?

11/09/2026

Every piece of plastic we remove is one less threat to our ocean, keep the beach tidy.
Big thanks to our inters who helped with the beach cleanup, doing our bit for the environment. Also big shout out for Sappi for arranging this beach clean up also big thank you to Frances Reynolds and the community who also helped, we should do this more regularly.

09/09/2026

Welcome to the SharkWise Project Marine Internship, situated in breathtaking South Africa! Our marine internship invites you to explore Aliwal Shoal, one of the top shark diving sites in the world, through the lens of a field scientist. Our program combines hands-on experience, cutting-edge research, and a dedicated team working towards a sustainable future for our oceans. Explore the logistics of the internship, get to know the team, read about the research projects we’re currently engaged in, and consider this your invitation to join our team at Aliwal Shoal. Together, let’s make waves in marine conservation!

The SharkWise Project Marine Internship is based in Umkomaas, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Our internship is tailored to give students and passionate ocean lovers the hands-on field experience needed to start a successful career in marine biology. The interns pay a program fee to cover the boat expenses, fuel, accommodation, and equipment for continuous data collection. While the interns gain knowledge and experience in collecting scientific data, they also assist with the fieldwork of Masters and PhD students from Stellenbosch University. Join us for an unparalleled journey into the depths of marine discovery!

We still have a few slots available left for 2026
Book now to secure your spot.
Bookings also available from January through to November 2027 for our internship.
Visit our website, www.sharkwiseproject.com, or email us at [email protected] or [email protected] for more information on our marine internship program.

07/09/2026

Sianna analyzing this video of the ragged tooth shark… her favorite

02/09/2026

Katie’s first whale sighting from the intern house this morning.

12/05/2026

Welcome to the SharkWise Project Marine Internship, situated in breathtaking South Africa! Our marine internship invites you to explore Aliwal Shoal, one of the top shark diving sites in the world, through the lens of a field scientist. Our program combines hands-on experience, cutting-edge research, and a dedicated team working towards a sustainable future for our oceans. Explore the logistics of the internship, get to know the team, read about the research projects we’re currently engaged in, and consider this your invitation to join our team at Aliwal Shoal. Together, let’s make waves in marine conservation!

The SharkWise Project Marine Internship is based in Umkomaas, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Our internship is tailored to give students and passionate ocean lovers the hands-on field experience needed to start a successful career in marine biology. The interns pay a program fee to cover the boat expenses, fuel, accommodation, and equipment for continuous data collection. While the interns gain knowledge and experience in collecting scientific data, they also assist with the fieldwork of Masters and PhD students from Stellenbosch University. Join us for an unparalleled journey into the depths of marine discovery!

We still have a few slots available left for 2026
Book now to secure your spot.
Bookings also available from January through to November 2027 for our internship.
Visit our website, www.sharkwiseproject.com, or email us at [email protected] or [email protected] for more information on our marine internship program.

25/03/2026

Tiny plastic pellets. Massive environmental impact. 🌊

Our beach cleaning just got a whole new game changer thanks to
Nurdles, used to make plastic products, often end up in our oceans, harming marine life and polluting coastlines. But in South Africa, Litter4Tokens is changing the story.

♻️ Every month, they recover 72,000 kg of waste👥 Supporting 2,567 waste collectors📍 Across 38 active sites nationwide🚫 Preventing 864,000 kg of waste from reaching landfills each year

Collected nurdles don’t just disappear—they’re recycled into new products, like durable frisbees, giving waste a second life. 🙌

With support from Petco and O’Neill, this initiative proves that community action + innovation = real impact.

🌍 Turning waste into value🌱 Protecting our oceans🔄 Building a circular future

SouthAfrica PlasticPollution

15/03/2026