It has been a great year thus far with the project, and although there have been some unforeseen circumstances, we have persevered and achieved excellent results. We stimulate that the data we are gathering will be used extensively towards research and conservation efforts, as well as educating the public on these majestic creatures.
During the past months, we have not just caught sharks for research purposes on population statistics, but we have also learned from them and gathered knowledge about their habitats, livelihood, cohabitation with other species, feeding habits, and so much more. This knowledge is being passed on to future scientists through our educational programmes and used by us to gather much-needed data to update the outdated databases.
Q3 highlights from the monitoring and tagging programme:
From January to June, 103 sharks were caught and measured (17 per month on average). Between July and September, 44 sharks were caught (15 per month), showing consistent results despite limited boat use due to maintenance and weather. Increased freediving and harbour-based fishing helped maintain catch numbers.
The shift in methods influenced species composition: Common Smoothhounds were only caught offshore via the research vessel Shark Bait, while Puffadder and Dark Shysharks were mainly caught through harbour fishing. Leopard Catsharks were caught both during freediving and Shark Bait trips, and Brown Shysharks solely during freediving.
By the end of June, 13 sharks had been tagged (2 per month on average). In Q3, 9 more were tagged, raising the average to 3 per month. The goal for Q4 is to reach 5 per month and successfully tag a Puffadder Shyshark for the first time.
Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) improved across all methods in Q3: harbour fishing increased from 1.60 to 2.00, freediving from 1.80 to 1.90, and Shark Bait from 8.67 to 9.11 — reflecting improved efficiency and species targeting.
The annual Marine Minds community outreach programme was successfully completed, engaging local high school students through theory and practical marine science training, including sessions on the six targeted shark species. Several harbour and beach cleanups were also held in partnership with other conservation groups.
Looking ahead, plans for 2026 include upgrading gear to improve species targeting and adding two new species — Soupfin (School) Shark and St. Joseph’s (Elephant Fish) Shark — to the monitoring list, alongside doubling community outreach efforts!