ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research is exploring the biology and behaviour of free swimming sharks in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Two expeditions are been held in August 2006 and positions for volunteer research assistants are available now.
Our observations will focus on two shark species, the Spotted Ragged-Tooth or Raggie (Carcharias taurus) and the Zambezi or Bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas). Raggies are highly social sharks, gathering in specific underwater caves at Aliwal Shoal. We will be testing a technique for identifying individual Raggies and using it to estimate population size and begin puzzling out the social organization of the sharks using these caves. We will also be exploring aspects of body language in this species. Zambezis are among the most notorious sharks in South African waters and one whose behaviour is poorly known. This species regularly aggregates at Protea Banks, although for what purpose is a mystery. We will use our observations to test a variety of hypotheses about why Zambezis aggregate at the Banks and learn some of the secrets about their social lives.
No baiting or artificial stimulus is used for our observations and we will be free diving with sharks in their natural environment. Each 10 day expedition includes a fully qualified guide, all road and boat transport, toll road and entrance fees. 8 dives on Aliwal Shoal, 6 dives on Protea Banks, 4 nights at Scottburgh on dinner bed & breakfast basis, 4 nights at Shelly Beach bed & breakfast, SharkSchool lectures and discussions. 1 night at Hluhluwe Game Park on dinner bed & breakfast basis with two game viewing drives.
Cost: US$3295.00
Dates: 12-21 August & 21-30 August
If you are interested in joining our research team, send me your resume and an accompanying brief cover letter. These expeditions are open to anyone interested in observing sharks in the wild and learning more about their biology and behaviour. The behaviours of Raggies and Zambezis are poorly known but likely to be quite complex. Thus, diversity of background and experience among expedition participants will enhance our research efforts. Preference will be given to individuals with a particular interest in helping us document Raggie and Zambezi behaviour that will shed light on their behaviour and ecology. Experience in underwater data collection, photography or videography will be a tremendous asset.
Full details can be found at www.reefquest.com . If you require more information please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Andy Currie: Expedition Leader
ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research
Email: andycurrie@home4968.fsnet.co.uk
Website: www.reefquest.com or www.elasmo-research.org
Our observations will focus on two shark species, the Spotted Ragged-Tooth or Raggie (Carcharias taurus) and the Zambezi or Bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas). Raggies are highly social sharks, gathering in specific underwater caves at Aliwal Shoal. We will be testing a technique for identifying individual Raggies and using it to estimate population size and begin puzzling out the social organization of the sharks using these caves. We will also be exploring aspects of body language in this species. Zambezis are among the most notorious sharks in South African waters and one whose behaviour is poorly known. This species regularly aggregates at Protea Banks, although for what purpose is a mystery. We will use our observations to test a variety of hypotheses about why Zambezis aggregate at the Banks and learn some of the secrets about their social lives.
No baiting or artificial stimulus is used for our observations and we will be free diving with sharks in their natural environment. Each 10 day expedition includes a fully qualified guide, all road and boat transport, toll road and entrance fees. 8 dives on Aliwal Shoal, 6 dives on Protea Banks, 4 nights at Scottburgh on dinner bed & breakfast basis, 4 nights at Shelly Beach bed & breakfast, SharkSchool lectures and discussions. 1 night at Hluhluwe Game Park on dinner bed & breakfast basis with two game viewing drives.
Cost: US$3295.00
Dates: 12-21 August & 21-30 August
If you are interested in joining our research team, send me your resume and an accompanying brief cover letter. These expeditions are open to anyone interested in observing sharks in the wild and learning more about their biology and behaviour. The behaviours of Raggies and Zambezis are poorly known but likely to be quite complex. Thus, diversity of background and experience among expedition participants will enhance our research efforts. Preference will be given to individuals with a particular interest in helping us document Raggie and Zambezi behaviour that will shed light on their behaviour and ecology. Experience in underwater data collection, photography or videography will be a tremendous asset.
Full details can be found at www.reefquest.com . If you require more information please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Andy Currie: Expedition Leader
ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research
Email: andycurrie@home4968.fsnet.co.uk
Website: www.reefquest.com or www.elasmo-research.org
