SharkWise Project Blacktip Shark on Aliwal Shoal

N O N - I N V A S I V E

Non-invasive sampling and data collection techniques on free-ranging sharks to provide real-time estimates of the population status with minimal stress for the animals.

Species in Focus

Our strategic focus on the study species—Blacktip Sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus), Ragged-tooth Sharks (Carcharias taurus), Bull Sharks (Carcharhinus leucas), and Potato Bass (Epinephelus tukula) arise from careful consideration of knowledge gaps, accessibility, existing logistics, financial resources, and eco-tourism potential. We aim to deepen our understanding of their behaviour and ecology and align our efforts with sustainable practices. SharkWise strives to contribute meaningfully to marine conservation and foster eco-friendly engagement with these remarkable creatures.

Long-Term Projects

Photographic Identification

Similar to that of a human fingerprint, we can use the unique notch pattern on the trailing edge of a shark’s fin (Blacktip and Bull sharks), or the unique spot patterns on the body of a fish (Ragged-tooth shark and Potato Bass) to distinguish individual sharks from one another. This identification allows us to count the individual sharks (preventing double-counting) to estimate their population numbers and provides insights into seasonal distribution patterns and overall population trends.

Colour Experiment

Can sharks see colour? We deploy baited canisters in various hues to analyse shark behaviour and colour preferences. This research provides insights into which colours sharks are more drawn to, offering valuable information for recreational beachgoers and divers. Understanding these preferences can help mitigate negative stigma and enhance coexistence, reducing the likelihood of human-wildlife conflict.

Genetic Sampling

In the study of the Blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) and Bull Sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) of South Africa, genetic data analyses play a crucial role in estimating the effective population size. Researchers can gain insights into these sharks' resilience by studying the genetic diversity and effective population size. Understanding the population genetics of shark species allows us to have an insight into their health and susceptibility to environmental changes. The results obtained from genetic techniques contribute to more comprehensive conservation strategies within Aliwal Shoal MPA.

Reef Biodiversity Assessment – Citizen Science

We aim to establish a foundational dataset for constructing a marine biodiversity catalogue of the Aliwal Shoal MPA. Through community involvement and thanks to the ongoing recreational diving activities in the area, we aim to create a species catalogue of the region over time, which can provide a dynamic and responsive means of tracking alterations in the marine ecosystem, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the area's ecological dynamics.

Ongoing Projects Supported by the SharkWise Project

The Sharkwise Project supports students by providing the necessary logistics to collect data for their projects permitted by DFFE (Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment). Some of these projects include environmental DNA (eDNA), genetic data analysis and conservation genetics, exploring the colour preferences of sharks, and photo-identification techniques to catalogue and track individual sharks, all contributing to long-term monitoring efforts.

Shark Biodiversity Assessment Using eDNA Methods.
Supervisors: Prof Conrad Matthee and Dr Sara Andreotti
PhD Student: Kristina Loosen

This project aims to define the effectiveness of using eDNA methods to detect sharks, and to identify and monitor the distribution of sharks around the South African coastline. Novel cutting edge genetics analyses, using environmental DNA (eDNA) obtained from water samples, is rapidly becoming a non-lethal, relatively cheap and efficient alternative to traditional methods, for assessing local marine biodiversity. To date eDNA hasn’t been used in South Africa to assess shark biodiversity, thus this study aims to provide the baseline for the application of this cutting-edge technique for efficient shark monitoring. Water sampling will occur around the entire coastline of South Africa to estimate from the presence of species-specific sharks DNA in the water samples and potentially the abundance of the different species.

The Role of Colour and Contrast Discrimination in the Predatory Behaviour of Oceanic Blacktip Sharks.
Supervisors: Prof Michael Cherry and Dr Sara Andreotti
MSc Student: Cicely Nagel

The aims of this study are (1) to determine whether oceanic blacktip sharks have the ability to
discriminate between targets of different colours (2) to observe whether the sharks have a specific
preference to a certain colour or contrast over another and (3) to analyse the morphology of oceanic
blacktip sharks’ eye and determine the physiology underlying their visual acuity.
During this experiment, a combination of behavioural experiments, physiological models, and data
from micro spectrophotometry of elasmobranch eyes will be used to give the most comprehensive
review to be able to determine the ability of organisms to perceive colours.

Application of Genetic Data Analyses to Estimate the Effective Population
Size of South African Blacktip Sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus).
Supervisors: Dr Sara Andreotti and Prof Conrad Matthee
MSc Student: Tyler Stenning

This study aims to provide a recent assessment of the blacktip shark population visiting the MPA of
Aliwal Shoal (Western Indian Ocean). Genetic analyses on mtDNA and microsatellites markers will be
used to estimate the effective population size, genetic diversity, and global connectivity of black tip
sharks. The results of this study will assist in better informed management policies for the species.

Sharks Long-term Monitoring with Photographic Identification Project
Supervisors: Dr Sara Andreotti, Prof Conrad Matthee
MSc Student: Megan Maroen

This project is a continuation of the 2009-2011 collection of photographic identification of white
sharks, by using the newly developed Identifin software (Andreotti et al. 2018), and other software,
to investigate the use of photo-id on copper sharks, oceanic blacktips, bull sharks, sand tiger sharks,
potato bass, for non-invasive population estimates.

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