World Shark Day: Collaborative Research Ignites Hope for Shark and Ray Conservation in South Africa

Edited By: Aminata Diallo

On July 14th, the world celebrates World Shark Day, and in South Africa, the occasion is marked by a powerful show of unity between marine scientists, conservationists, and research institutions dedicated to protecting some of the ocean’s most misunderstood inhabitants.

The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation has launched a collaborative initiative that brings together a wide range of partners, including Shark Spotters, the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), the Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP), and South African National Parks – Scientific Services. This national strategic partnership is focused on research and conservation of key elasmobranch species—marine animals like sharks and rays with cartilaginous skeletons.

Launched in 2022, the project centers on tracking three notable species: the spotted gully shark, common eagle ray, and lesser guitarfish. Housed at the Two Oceans Aquarium, these animals are now part of an intensive acoustic tagging and tracking program aimed at understanding their movement patterns, population dynamics, and habitat preferences in False Bay. The broader aim is to assess the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and to guide future conservation policy.

Dr. Nathalie Viljoen, Head of Research at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, emphasizes the significance of the project: “By using acoustic tracking, we’re able to build a real-time map of how these species interact with their environment and how human activities intersect with their critical habitats.”

Shark Spotters have installed a strategic network of underwater acoustic receivers across False Bay. These devices detect signals emitted by implanted acoustic tags in the animals, logging the date, time, and ID of every passing tagged individual. Data collected by SAIAB teams is shared with project partners to form a comprehensive picture of animal behavior and migratory routes.

Implanting the tags is a delicate process that requires the expertise of Dr. Ilse Jenkinson, the Aquarium’s veterinarian. As the tags must be surgically inserted, it demands precision and care to ensure the health and safety of the animals involved.

Beyond the science, this project fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, paving the way for long-term ecological research and conservation leadership. “This research helps us identify key habitats like nurseries or feeding grounds, and where these overlap with human activities such as fishing or tourism,” explain Heather Wares and Laura du Toit from the Foundation. “From there, we can recommend tangible protective measures—like fishing restrictions or strengthened enforcement in MPAs.”

World Shark Day serves as a reminder that sharks and rays play a vital role in the marine ecosystem. Yet, they are often misunderstood or overlooked. Through this collaborative project, public awareness is shifting—from fear to fascination—and with that comes growing public support for conservation.

“The more people understand these species, the more likely they are to support protection efforts and become their champions,” Wares and du Toit affirm.

As South Africa leads by example, this model of cooperation between scientific institutions and local communities could serve as a global blueprint for marine biodiversity conservation.