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Aliwal Shoal | Oceans Research
Aliwal Shoal Marine Laboratory is the most recent of the Oceans Research marine laboratory network.
In 1849, a 3 mast vessel called the ‘Aliwal’ almost collided with the shoal, giving the shoal its now famous name. Aliwal Shoal has become internationally recognized as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. Tourism has grown over the last few years as more divers flock there to experience the incredible attractions that Aliwal shoal has to offer. The shoal has developed into a fascinating site with an abundance of soft corals, sponges, and hiding places. These have combined to attract over 1200 species of fish, as well as turtles, rays, sharks and whales.
Until recently the tiger shark was considered mainly as a nuisance by anglers and spearfisherman. They are caught in the shark nets that protect some of the most famous bathing beaches in South Africa. At Aliwal Shoal divers meet regularly with many tiger sharks and dozens of black tip sharks. Black tips are beautifully sleek and agile sharks, previously associated with the Sardine Run.
The foundation of this project represents the fruition of the past 20 year experience of Blue Wilderness (www.bluewilderness.co.za) in shark diving and conservation at Aliwal Shoal. The laboratory's research is currently focussed on assessing tiger sharks and black tip sharks baseline information, in order to in the following years start more in depth research projects. The laboratory's directors is resident scientists Ryan Daly and Justin Blake.
Click here for information about the Aliwal Shoal Internship
Aliwal Shoal Marine Lab:
Available Facilities
Facilities and Equipment
The marine logistics include:
- A fully equipped inflatable vessel
- SCUBA equipment
- Professional underwater photography equipment
- Parallel laser measuring system
- Oceanographic monitoring equipment
On land facilities consist of:
- office space
- store rooms
- accommodation for visiting scientists and students
For more information, please contact us via: info@oceans-research.com
Aliwal Shoal Marine Lab:
Accommodation
Students will stay in the Oceans Research house, sharing rooms with other interns.
For more information, please contact us via: info@oceans-research.com
Oceans Research Marine Lab
Booking information
Oceans Research welcomes many visitors including, scientists, students, media, educational groups and the family and friends of interns. All visitors to the resort can submit an advance booking form to determine availability of facilities and staff. For further information for visitors, please see our FAQ.
Aliwal Shoal:
Members of Staff
Justin Blake - Ph.D Cand, M.Sc., B.Sc., (Hons)
Scientist in residence
Justin Blake is conducting his doctoral research on the habitat use and behaviour of the bull (Zambezi) shark at Ponta Region, Mozambique. His research aims to establish critical habitat requirements, essential for the survival of the local bull shark population.
Ryan Daly - Ph.D Cand, M.Sc., B.Sc., (Hons)
Scientist in residence
Ryan Daly´s doctoral research is centered on modelling the energetic energy flow within the Ponta region, Mozambique. Through stable isotope analysis of the bull sharks and potential prey species, he aims to describe tropic level relationships in this unique ecosystem