News
The Great White Life
Back in 2017 I had the incredible opportunity to go and work in South Africa for two months alongside The White Shark Diving Company who are based in Gansbaai, South Africa. It may have been nearly three years ago but the memories and love that I have for this amazing place only grow stronger every day. In this blog I’ll be talking about why going to work for this amazing institution in one of the most beautiful places on earth, should be at the top of your list.
Where to start, everything from the landscape & scenery, wildlife and the people themselves make this place a true wonder to behold, and the guys at The White Shark Diving Company made me feel right at home. I worked alongside the experts and crew of the White Shark Diving Company as part of the volunteering scheme that the company offers and is known as the ”Shark Marine Institute”, working in this part of the company gave me a truly incredible insight into the world of Marine Science and helped me see what it takes to be a scientist in the field and thanks to the guys here I gained some invaluable knowledge and experience that I’ll never forget.
I met some of the most amazing people along the way and all the same passion and interests which made my stay in this amazing place all the better. Everything you do is an adventure as you literally have no idea what’s going to happen next. One morning you can be out on the White Shark Boat aiding in vital White Shark Research and then in the afternoon you’ll be catching smaller Shark species to aid in a different research project.
The White Shark Diving company helps with several different research projects from White Shark identification and aiding in monitoring smaller shark populations all the way to researching White Shark behaviour around the cages. White Shark populations have dropped significantly in recent years and it has recently been found that White Shark populations have dropped to be below 500 individuals across the whole of the South African coastline, hence why keeping tabs on their numbers and the different individuals is so important.
The researchers are helping to better understand this incredibly misunderstood predator, an animal that even to this day we still can’t say where they mate, give birth or how they migrate around their home territories. We’re only just beginning to unravel the secrets that White Sharks have in store for us but unfortunately, white shark populations are on the decrease and right now are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Shark Nets to protect beaches, illegal fishing and hunting as well as a decrease in prey is all a factor in the decrease of these amazing animals.
But there is a positive in all of this, the white shark diving company is carrying out essential conservation work alongside their research, this is done through a process of “Education through Exposure”. Telling and showing are worlds apart in terms of the good that they do and its something that the guys at the white shark diving company do very well, they get the public and volunteers alike into the cage with the white sharks to show them these amazing animals in their natural habitat and give a very detailed talk on the animals themselves, this gives an incredible insight into the life of a shark and what its like to study and work with them.
For someone who has loved the ocean and of course sharks my entire life, this was truly a once in a lifetime trip and I came away from this experience with not only the fondest of memories and experience, I came away with a greater appreciation, love and understanding of a place, people and an animal that I have been obsessed with for as long as I can remember. Along with the research work and working days its truly an incredible place to work and is possibly the most wild place I’ve ever been, never in my wildest dreams did I think I could see White Sharks, Seals, Whales, Dolphins and Penguins in the same place never mind all in one day.
The wildlife here is only matched by its sheer ruggedness and beauty and it all combines to make one truly amazing place that should be at the very top of your list for travel and wildlife work and if you’re looking to gain invaluable experience in the field of marine research with the most beautiful animals that the world has to offer then look no further than The White Shark Diving Company in Gansbaai South Africa.
For more information on the volunteering visit: www.sharkcagedive.com/
For more information on Cage Diving with White Sharks visit: www.sharkcagediving.co.za/
Follow Donovan on Instagram at www.instagram.com/donovans_reefs
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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