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Beached by humpback whale remains & great white shark bite marks on lower jaw bones, 20-23Aug 2026 following the drifting carcass being eaten. After freediving spearfishing encounters with great whites since a twelve year old I could never have imagined finding so many in one small area...

"Baleen (often misspelled baylene) is a horny, elastic keratin substance that forms rows of fringed plates hanging from the upper jaws of certain filter-feeding whales." seen on the beach sand here as black and grey >1m long part. Weeks before this a Humpback whale surprised us and swallowed a common dolpin coralled ball of horse mackerel near Bokness we were watching birds feeding on unsuccessfully (Cape gannets could not swallow the fish being too large about 40cm).

"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." Jacques-Yves Cousteau

Great white sharks facinate us like the sea we know so little about, we are stoked and captivated by sea changes and the diversity of living things... contact to join a trip by boat snorkel or foot or combination of...

Thank you to all who helped and came along.

#guidedexperience #repost #biodiversity #education #conservation

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“Abuxaun” - Reconnect with Nature/ Returning back to the beginning

XAMǂOAXA|AE @mak1one_hc360 & CareMade @carecreative__ (HC360 Crew, Cape Town) In collaboration with the African Bioacoustics Community @africanbioacoustics and Silent Lab @starkmacher_official as part of the @dystopiabiennial - Berlin Oct 2026 🌍🎧💫

The Cape Town ocean meets the canal waterways of Berlin and features the local species of these two habitats. During 4 x Silent Lab workshops, participants were invited to dive deep beneath the waves during a “Listen & Sea” Silent Lab experience. Wearing a pair of headphones, participants embark on a guided underwater audio journey with a high level of biodiversity. As they listen to the grunts, clicks, whistles, and singing of the Cape Town' ocean inhabitants, they translate those sounds into brushstrokes onto the wall, layering the mural with a visual representation of the ocean’s acoustic vibrancy.

The mural was completed by members of the Cape Town graffiti crew: HC360 - The artists focus on drawing attention to Nature & indigenous Southern African connection.

Species list featured in mural:
Cape Town:
Cape Fur Seal
Box jelly fish
Zebra fish
Cape Stumpnose
Bladder kelp
Berlin:
Europen bee-eater (migrates to Southern Africa for the Austral summer, between October - January)
Common nightingale (migrates to Sub-Saharan Africa for the Austral summer, between September - March)
Little Grebe
European beaver

🔊🌍 African Bioacoustics Community

Globally, bioacoustics is a rapidly growing field of research and there is huge potential for bioacoustics research in Africa. Africa hosts an immense diversity of behaviourally unique acoustic species, environments, and increasing development, resulting in noise pollution. It is with these realities in mind that the African Bioacoustics Community was initiated in March 2018. The ABC was founded to support growth in the field of bioacoustic science on the African continent, striving to provide opportunities for African scientists, students and wildlife workers to learn from and network with experts in the field through international conferences, workshops, and courses.

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🧬 From a tissue sample to conservation research
What can a shark’s DNA tell us that a photograph cannot?

At SharkWise, we support the collection of tissue samples from blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) visiting Aliwal Shoal. These samples are part of Stellenbosch University’s MSc students’ research, with students sequencing and analysing the genetic material to investigate questions about shark populations.

Their research focuses on three key areas: genetic diversity, effective population size and connectivity between populations.

But how does this help conservation?

Genetic diversity can tell us more about the resilience of a population, while effective population size helps us understand how many individuals contribute genetically to future generations. Studying connectivity can reveal how populations may be linked through gene flow.

This information can help researchers identify potential conservation concerns and provide evidence to inform future management decisions.

Previous research shows why these questions matter. In a 2016 study, Dr Sara Andreotti and her colleagues analysed genetic data from 302 great white sharks sampled at five sites along the South African coast. They found low genetic diversity in the sampled sharks and no clear genetic subdivision between those local sampling sites.

Although this study focused on great white sharks, it demonstrates how genetic research can reveal patterns that cannot be established from sightings alone.

📄 Read the paper: Andreotti et al. (2016), New insights into the evolutionary history of white sharks, Carcharodon carcharias.

https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12641

#MScResearch #SharkResearch #BlacktipShark #Conservation #Genetics

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Just as we were heading out of the harbour, our Station Manager, @oceangirl92 mentioned that the conditions looked perfect for humpback dolphins (𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘢 𝘱𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘢). And almost in the same breath, she spotted one along the harbour entrance, followed shortly by another two further out.

We immediately collected photo identification images for @seasearchresearch ongoing humpback dolphin research, before continuing on our way to the chumming site.

But the surprises did not stop there. As we travelled along the coast towards Kleinbrak, we spotted another three humpback dolphins. We were able to follow them for around 40 minutes, getting some excellent photo ID images that will help researchers recognise and track individual animals over time.

Six humpback dolphins before we had even started our chumming shift! 🐬🌊

After such a beautiful start to the day, it was time to head offshore and get to work on our chumming survey. 💙

#marinemammals #marineresearch #marineconservation #oceanresearch #dolphin🐬

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When we take the time to be in nature, something within us begins to slow down. Away from the noise, expectations and distractions nature reminds us to reconnect with ourselves _ with what feels natural, honest and true. Come amd spend time with us in nature and reconnect with these beautiful ocean souls 💙, Heaviside dolphins. Video: DylanDewit

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🎬🌊 Three films. Three stories. One planet.
This selection of Trees and Seas explores the unexpected ways our relationship with nature shapes our lives—and the people choosing to protect it.
🦭 OUT OF THE BLUE
A real-life environmental mystery unfolds along South Africa’s coast as scientists investigate the unusual deaths and behavior of Cape Fur Seals, leading to a groundbreaking discovery that challenges our understanding of nature and species boundaries.
🌱 RAISED FROM EARTH
Far from cities and hyperconnectivity, a family in Arizona lives closely connected to the land, building their homes with what nature provides. A quiet reflection on simplicity, modernity, and what we may have lost along the way.
🌳 ANCESTRAL GARDEN
A short and poetic portrait of the trees that surround us—living monuments that have witnessed generations, carrying stories in their roots and offering shelter through their branches.
🎟️ Stream these films from wherever you are. Get your streaming tickets with 30% off using code FILMS30.
Get your tickets now:
treesandseasfilmfestival.com

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It’s a new book day - 3 new books!!!📚 💙 #newbooks #vinted #repurposed #savedfromlandfill #seasearch

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Welcome to the SharkWise Project Marine Internship, situated in breathtaking South Africa! Our marine internship invites you to explore Aliwal Shoal, one of the top shark diving sites in the world, through the lens of a field scientist. Our program combines hands-on experience, cutting-edge research, and a dedicated team working towards a sustainable future for our oceans. Explore the logistics of the internship, get to know the team, read about the research projects we’re currently engaged in, and consider this your invitation to join our team at Aliwal Shoal. Together, let’s make waves in marine conservation!

The SharkWise Project Marine Internship is based in Umkomaas, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Our internship is tailored to give students and passionate ocean lovers the hands-on field experience needed to start a successful career in marine biology. The interns pay a program fee to cover the boat expenses, fuel, accommodation, and equipment for continuous data collection. While the interns gain knowledge and experience in collecting scientific data, they also assist with the fieldwork of Masters and PhD students from Stellenbosch University. Join us for an unparalleled journey into the depths of marine discovery!

We still have a few slots available left for 2026
Book now to secure your spot.
Bookings also available from January through to November 2027 for our internship.
Visit our website, www.sharkwiseproject.com, or email us at jason@sharkwiseproject.com or admin@sharkwiseproject.com for more information on our marine internship program.

#marinebiology #marinebiologist #marinebiodiversity #marinebiologyinternship #fieldwork

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Congratulations to Paola Lacetera (@isnt.paolalac) from @deakinuniversity and co-authors on the publication of this important new review of Indo-Pacific orcas (Orcinus orca) in Mammal Review.

Bringing together 170 sources spanning 25 years, the review synthesises current knowledge of orca distribution, population structure, feeding ecology, and fisheries interactions across the Indo-Pacific, while highlighting key priorities for future research and conservation.

Being one the most comprehensive overviews of Indo-Pacific orcas published to date, the paper reveals both the remarkable diversity of killer whale populations across the region and the significant knowledge gaps that still remain.

We are proud to have contributed to this collaborative effort. Long-term observations and data collected from Bremer Canyon have helped advance our understanding of these incredible predators, while also providing valuable context for understanding orca populations throughout the wider Indo-Pacific.

Research like this demonstrates the importance of collaboration between scientists, tourism operators, and communities in building the knowledge needed to support the conservation of killer whales and the ecosystems they inhabit.

Read the open-access paper via the link in our bio. 📖

#KillerWhales #BremerCanyon #MarineScience #OceanConservation #Cetaceans

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Great white sharks feeding on a Humpback whale carcass this wild week, well over 7 individuals were circling and feeding together on day 1, Many white chinned petrels and about 30 Southern Giant petrls were rafting too so full they could not take off at times, gulls only came as the carcass drifted within 2km of the shore, 14.8degC water warming with SW wind and cleaning up slowly, three whites over three metres long in one moment were in clear view under the boat inquisitively eyeing us a metre or two away on the deck while about 50 metres away from the putrid carcass, birds did not land near the carcass but in it at times, these sharks were all relaxed and invesitaged the boat and some circled more than others, one tested a pontoon on day 2 briefly on its back and left,, the 3-4 smaller sharks <3m kept their distance more so, 2 massive sharks also were more wary of the boat it seemed or preoccupied feeding as the small sharks left usually, but at times a large and small shark ate next to one another! Unforgettable learning from nature and experiences... Lots to process still... what a privilege and looking forward to the next morning

#conservation #education #repost #marinelife #biodiversity

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1/2 More than 7 great whites feeding on a dead humpback whale ~7km out going east. 15degC. No freediving low vis and too many sharks some a bit excited... What a privilege to see this, having seen a few each year growing up freediving/spearing here it is incredible to find this scene like no other! More of the story coming. At sea again soon. Thank you Ross for the heads up. And to all for staying calm. White sharks were calm and relaxed but one did nibble a pontoon and therfore we left and they followed the boat over 60m away from the whale especially 2 sub adults swimming under often and also brushing the motors but mostly slowly. What a privilege to see these amazing sharks and share it with others... Last time I saw one in the water it was not so docile, and they are incredibly fast when they want to be and can be unpredictable, best to give them space as we left them feeding there with many giant petrels and other seabirds all recycling the nutrients being passed on...

Join a launch for marine biodiversity contact me! +27725811831

Thank you mother ocean and no cameras do just experience this by a walk or a launch or snorkel...

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