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  • In Gansbaai, the largest white shark ever caught was at Danger Point and measured up to 5.9m. The exact world record white shark is a contested issue, but chances are it is between 6-7m.

  • If you see a white shark in the water don’t panic. Chances are high that the shark has already detected you and isn’t interested. White shark attacks are normally associated with poor visibility, so avoid murky conditions.

  • White sharks have a unique system called a “counter current heat exchange”, which keeps their body  tempreture +/- 7C above the surrounding water temperature. 

  • All sharks have an incredibly unique system on the tip of their nose called the “ampillae of Lorenzini”. These are small pores filled with a gel that transmits the electrical currents in the water to the shark’s brain so that it can assess its environment.

  • White sharks give birth to live young (not eggs), and they give birth to 6-8 pups at one time. Pups are usually between 1.0-1.5m in length and are born with teeth.

  • Body language has been a well documented form of shark communication and has identified body arching, jaw gaping, and other postures as specific social tactics.

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Our Conservation Efforts

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Our Conservation Efforts

Taking you on captivating trips at sea to meet and dive with the Great White Sharks is just one of many things we do to protect, conserve and enjoy the unique marine wildlife in the Gansbaai area. The ecosystem is interlinked and while we study and research the Great Whites and their natural habitats, we also teach and educate our guests and the local community about ways to look after and cherish nature!

Marine Dynamics, in conjunction with Dyer Island Cruises and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, are deeply involved with various and diverse research and conservation projects concerning the Marine Big Five - penguins, whales, dolphins, seals and sharks - as well as educational and upliftment programmes in the local community.
 
  • Faces of Need Penguin project: Our multi-award winning project to research and curb the worrisome decline in the African Penguin population on Dyer Island (90% decline in 30 years) is aimed at protecting these endangered species indigenous to South Africa from environmental factors and natural predators since the removal of the guano on the island left them vulnerable. We have manufactured and placed more than 800 superficial nests on the island and at other breeding colonies to provide them with sheltered homes to protect them from heat stress and the fledglings from predatory birds such as the Kelp Gull.
  • Faces of Need Shark project: We research the feeding, breeding, migrating and behavioural habits as well as various other aspects of the Great Whites by recording sightings, tagging, dorsal fin identification and taking thousands of photos for an ongoing data base in conjunction with various national and international academic and research institutions. Their superior immune system and wound healing capabilities, parasites found on sharks, as well as their interaction with other marine species, are part of the comprehensive and ongoing research.
  • Clean Marine Anti-Litter Campaign: This project supports recycling and is aimed at involving local schools and the community in beach-cleanups, marine education and placing unique fishing line bin disposal units along the coast. It was recognised by WESSA and the Blue Flag beach programme and has been rolled out nationally to 27 beaches.
  • Continuous studies and research on the Southern Right Whale, the Humpback Whale as well as the Cape Fur Seal population on Geyser Rock are done in partnership with various institutions. It includes feeding, behavioural and migratory patterns.

 

Saving the Oceans

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Saving the Oceans … »

Volunteers

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Volunteers … »
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