3rd Southern African Shark and Ray Symposium
Posted by Dylan Irion on December 8, 2015
Oceans Research scientists presented at the 3rd SASRS
Earlier this month Oceans Research scientists Dr Enrico Gennari and Dylan Irion presented some of the research being conducted in Mossel Bay before the 3rd Annual Southern African Shark and Ray Symposium in False Bay. The symposium was a resounding success with over 100 delegates in attendance and a range of fascinating presentations on movement, behaviour and genetics of the sharks and rays found in southern Africa. Dr. Gennari shared the story of Mossel Bay's acoustic receiver array and the many collaborative projects using this platform, and Dylan Irion spoke about the findings of a project aimed at deciphering the movement patterns of white sharks in Mossel Bay. A recurring theme throughout the symposium was how our research can be used to mitigate negative human-shark encounters, with keynote speaker Gregg Oelofse from the City of Cape Town opening the conference. The highlight of the meeting was the awarding of Dr. Malcolm Smale with a newly established symposium award for a significant contribution to cartilaginous fish research. The symposium resulted in many interesting discussions for future shark research in Mossel Bay and the whole of South Africa. An exciting year awaits!