Alison takes VIP's to Seal Island

The SOSSC welcomed Cape Town city officials on the SOSSC white shark research boat for a trip to see the white sharks of False Bay. This was the first time that any of them had been out to Seal Island, let alone seen a white shark. Monwabisi Sikweyiya, a City of Cape Town Shark Spotter, was very excited to join Alison on the boat as it has been a few months since he has last seen white sharks up close - here's Alison's account of the great day they shared...

"The day started off a little cold and overcast, but the sea was nice and flat. For the first two hours we kept watch for any signs of white sharks preying on the Cape fur seals. There wasn’t a lot of seal activity, but within a few minutes of being at Seal Island, while I was still trying to find my clipboard and get organized, I heard shouts from one of the shark cage diving boats that a seal had taken refuge around our boat as it was being chased by a shark. The seal was extremely agitated and active around the boat, trying to take mouthfuls of air while also trying to watch out for the shark below or on its tail. In these circumstances it is fighting for its life to stay alive and our boat probably provided a safe haven for it while it caught its breath and avoided being breakfast for a hungry shark. After a few seconds around the boat the seal made a run for the island and safely made it back to shore.

Seal Island is the best place in the world to view natural predator-prey interactions between the ocean’s super predator and its seal prey. There are specific areas and times when predatory activity is highest. It is very important that boats do not interfere with these predator-prey events and thus as a responsible team we keep as far away from these interactions so that we do not have an impact on the outcome of the event. However, given the dynamics of these interactions it can be tricky making sure that you are not in the wrong place at the wrong time.

After waiting for the sun to rise above the mountains we anchored on the south side of the island, where we were a little exposed to the wind, but where I know from our research that the sharks patrol more actively - which gives us the best opportunity to see as many sharks as we can. This proved to be a good decision as we managed to identify 7 different sharks ranging in size from 3.2 m – 4.0 m. Due to poor water visibility conditions we were not able to sex most of the sharks, but we had two males and one female. One of the sharks I have known since 2005 and she is easily identified by white pigmentation patterns on both sides of her dorsal fin. Unfortunately she had recently sustained a deep cut to the side of her body which was still bleeding and what seems to have been from interactions with a boat’s prop. It is extremely important to carefully work with the sharks around the boat at all times so that they are not physically harmed. It is also of utmost importance to not feed the sharks.

The sharks were quite active around the boat and we were treated with great close-ups as one particular shark liked to swim past the boat and rub itself on the side of the boat’s hull. After a few hours we packed up because the wind started to get stronger and it was becoming uncomfortable out there, but we first stopped to have a look at the Cape fur seals. At this time of year the island is mostly inhabited by adult females and their pups from December/January. They are extremely inquisitive and playful, but prefer to stick very close by the island where they are usually safe from patrolling sharks.

The trip was very bumpy on the way back, but everyone agreed that they had had a fantastic day. Shona later wrote to me and said “Thank you so much for the trip out to Seal Island last week. I have lived in Cape Town all my life and never seen a Great White and it was one of the most incredible experiences that I have had in a very long time”. It’s our pleasure Shona! Thanks to Keith for making a short documentary of the day and also to Michelle for sending through the photographs."
Till later, and watch this space...
Lesley Rochat
Manager, SOSSC

WE DID IT AGAIN - WORLD OCEAN DAY SUCCESS!

What a way to go! Just when I thought I could take a breather, World Ocean Day (WOD) crept up on me! We had only been open for two weeks, hardly caught our breaths after that gruelling 90 days leading up to the opening, when the next thing we know we have only four days to pull off a whole series of events in order to raise awareness for WOD. But as always, dedicated to our cause and with the great team supporting me, we did it, again!

The celebration began with groups of children arriving early on Friday morning at the Centre for lessons on the ocean. The first group of 24 kids were from the Meadows Montessori pre-school. Verona Smith, our Educator, took them across the road from the Centre to the rock pools where their lesson began. With big smiles and buckets in hand, they explored the pools and collected bits of seaweed and starfish, later returned. A second group from Ocean View Secondary school braved the cool water of the Dalebrook tidal pool, also across the road from the Centre, where they enjoyed a snorkeling lesson given by Gemma Pellet, SOSSC volunteer, and learnt to identify various little ocean creatures.

On Saturday we organized an ocean clean-up under and around the Simonstown jetty. Even though we only advertised the event on the Wednesday, we had a fantastic turnout of 84 divers. It was very encouraging to see how many divers care and were willing to help us make a difference. A massive pile of garbage was the result of our efforts, which was taken for sorting and recycling. It was both disturbing and interesting to see what came out of the sea in less than an hour – everything from toilets, chairs, and toys, to bottles, cans and tons of plastic.

Sponsored prizes by Reef Wetsuits, Two Oceans Aquarium, Brightweights and Alpha Dive Centre were drawn, and each diver went home with a gift pack from the Centre to reward their effort. Because of our great success, we have been asked to make this a regular event and will therefore be working with the dive schools and clubs to organize another clean-up later this year.

The final event was a fantastic presentation by Alison Kock, SOSSC Marine Biologist, on her exciting research on Great White Sharks in False Bay, held in the Centre’s lecture theatre on Sunday night, attended by 40 people. The presentation was opened with an introduction about World Ocean Day by myself and the screening of the documentary, Sharks in Deep Trouble, produced by me, concluded the presentation. Thereafter guests were invited to join us for a braai to celebrate World Ocean Day.

As always successes like this weekend happen because of a lot of special people pulling together, so a big thanks to: Verona Smith our educator for organising Friday, Adam Carnegie our designer, Bilbo for organising Saturday; Matthew and Zaneli - general helpers; Capt.Glen Knox - Simonstown Navy Port Captain; The South African Navy; DIVE LEADERS AND SUPPORTERS: Guido Zsilavecz – SURG; Peter Southwood – SURG – Southern Underwater Research Group; Monty Guest of Underwater Africa & FBUC; Deon Lyons – NSDA; Gerrit Conradie – Sub Atlandian, and Gemma Pellett – SOSSC Volunteer; MEDIA: Jeff Ayliffe of Cape Talk for media coverage and Sophia Stander - underwater press photographer; VOLUNTEERS: Dylan Giffard, Wendy Fourie, Jan de Bruyn, Pam and Johan; OTHER: Staff of Institute of Maritime Technology; Grant Whitford of Blueflash Charters for dive boat; Bertha’s Restaurant & Salty Sea Dog Restaurant for bearing with us taking over the Jetty car park and Cedric Duncan & Wally of STADCO. SPONSORS: Ettiene & Lynn Raal of Alpha Divers; Barry Stringer & Reef Wetsuits SA; Jannie Wessels & Bright Weights; and Milanie and Rene of Two Oceans Aquarium for dealing with the garbage sorting and removal and John Kieser of Coastcare for cleanup bags. CLUBS: False Bay Underwater Club; Sub Atlandian; Belville Underwater Club; Stellenbosch Underwater Club; Old Mutual Underwater Club; UCT Underwater Club AND All other volunteers above and below the water for making WOD a great success.

Last but most definitely not least, I would like to make a very special thanks to Ken Taytasac, a good friend and more, SOSSC volunteer and sponsor, who in about September last year spotted the house which is now our Centre, and encouraged me to call the estate agent and make an appointment to view the premises - from there the rest is history - THANK YOU KEN FOREVER!

Watch this space!

Regards, Lesley Rochat

SOSSC Manager

(Underwater photos: Sophia Stander, all others: Lesley Rochat)

THE SAVE OUR SEAS SHARK CENTRE CELEBRATES WORLD OCEAN DAY 2008!

Photo: Lesley Rochat, South Africa

In celebration of World Ocean Day, the recently launched Save Our Seas Shark Centre (SOSSC) will be driving a number of events in False Bay in order to raise awareness. It's up to each one of us to help ensure that our oceans are protected and conserved for future generations. We therefore invite you to help us make a difference by participating in the following events:

1. Saturday 7th June Event: Long Beach Simonstown Underwater & Beach Cleanup

We invite enthusiastic SCUBA divers who want to give back for a fun-filled morning at the Simonstown Waterfront during which we will clean up the area under and around the jetty. We have the support of the Simonstown Navy and STADCO, who are in charge of the jetty - they are very concerned about the amount of garbage in this area and really need our help!
Bring your friends and family to support you, and if any would like to help clean up a beach we have plenty for them to do - just let us know!
Great Prizes to Win!
Prizes will be awarded for the most rubbish collected AND there will be great prizes hidden amongst the underwater trash, so come on down, get wet and score!
Grand Prize: a dive for you and your buddy in the Shark Exhibit at Two Oceans Aquarium sponsored by Reef Wetsuits and Two Oceans Aquarium.
Other Prizes: include dive accessories sponsored by Reef Wetsuits and Brightweights, and Save Our Seas Foundation tog bags, books and videos.
Bonus! Each participant will receive a SOS Shark Centre T-Shirt and wrist band.
SOSSC thanks our sponsors, Reef Wetsuits, Brightweights and Two Oceans Aquarium for always being there!
Date: Saturday 07 June 2008
Time: Arrive 10.30am – judging will take place at 1.30pm
Venue: The Jetty in front of Berthas restaurant, Simonstown.
Come rain or shine! If it is raining we will still do the ocean clean up so SCUBA divers please pitch – you’re going to get wet in any event!
Confirmation: please contact Guy to confirm your participation by 6th June, Friday 1pm – we need to know numbers and sizes for bonus packs or you might miss out. Contacts: 082 532 9661 or 021 788 4778 between 9am-4pm.

2. Sunday 8th June Event: Living with White Sharks on World Ocean Day

A presentation by Alison Kock, SOSSC Marine Biologist, on Great White Sharks in False Bay will be held on Sunday. The presentation opens with an introduction about World Ocean Day by Lesley Rochat, Manager of SOSSC. After a Q & A session, a screening of a short documentary will conclude the presentation, followed by an optional ‘bring and braai’. Space is limited so booking is essential. Make sure you don’t miss this great opportunity to meet the Save Our Seas Shark Centre team and other fellow ocean supporters!
Date: Sunday 08 June 2008
Time: Presentation begins 4pm sharp! – Braai begins 5.30pm onwards. Soft drinks and salad supplied - bring your own meat, wine etc.
Venue: Save Our Seas Shark Centre Lecture Theatre, 28 Main Road, Kalk Bay
Bookings: Verona Smith 083 261 4297 or 021-788 6694 between 9am-4pm.

Photo: Lesley Rochat, Malaysia

Celebrate the Beauty and Diversity of our Ocean - IT IS OUR LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM

In celebration of World Ocean Day on the 8th of June, the recently launched Save Our Seas Shark Centre (SOSSC) in Kalk Bay, will be driving a number of events in False Bay from the 6th to the 8th June, in order to raise awareness. These include outreach educational trips for children, ocean clean-ups, popular presentations and video screenings.
The concept of World Ocean Day was first proposed in 1992 by the Government of Canada at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Although not yet officially designated by the United Nations, an increasing number of countries mark June 8th as an opportunity each year to celebrate our world ocean and our personal connection to the sea. This year the SOSSC is committed to proactively assisting in raising the profile of this important event in South Africa.

Photo: Lesley Rochat, Red Sea

“For so many years we have taken our oceans for granted, but there is increasing concern as resources worldwide plummet due to pollution, over-exploitation and climate change”, says Lesley Rochat, Manager of SOSSC, who also heads up the Centre’s awareness projects.
The SOSSC, which is prestigiously positioned in Main Road, Kalk Bay, South Africa, opened its doors to the public on the 15th May. Its focus is on shark education, awareness and research. The Centre’s Chief Scientist, Dr Leonard Compagno, internationally recognized as being one of the world’s top shark scientists, and Alison Kock, a shark researcher, well known for her research on white sharks in False Bay, will direct the scientific research. Positioned in a white shark hotspot of the world, this exciting new development is part of the global expansion of the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF). The SOSF has made significant contributions towards marine conservation through the support of over 72 projects in over 30 countries; it has become synonymous with shark research and conservation through the support of numerous projects in South Africa.

Photo: Lesley Rochat, Red Sea
“Sharks are considered good bio-indicators of the health of the ocean, and despite their importance in the marine food-chain as apex predators they remain a low conservation priority,” says Kock. “Many species are being driven to the brink of extinction due to overfishing. The loss of sharks will have severe repercussions on the ocean’s ecosystems as everything in nature is connected.”
Unrelenting fishing pressure has decimated 90% of the world’s stock of tuna, marlin, swordfish and sharks. “We are suffering from incredible denial of how bad things really are out there. If current exploitation of the ocean’s resources continues, then scientists predict that the world’s fisheries may be practically gone by 2050,” warns Rochat. “Unless we find new ways to conserve the ocean’s resources, we will run out of them and the survival of many people, as well as animals and plants will be threatened. Time is running out for many species and we must act now.”

Photo: Lesley Rochat, Malaysia

World Ocean Day is an opportunity to heighten awareness about these kind of concerns, and promote the importance of conserving our oceans: Over 70% of Earth’s surface is covered by sea – it governs weather and climate, provides food for millions of people, and our precious fresh water sources come from the sea. “The ocean is our life support system - it generates most of the oxygen we breathe and absorbs carbon dioxide”, says Rochat. “It's up to each one of us to help ensure that our oceans are protected and conserved for future generations.”

Photo: Lesley Rochat, Indonesia and Sodwana Bay

Open at last - Save Our Seas Shark Centre Launch!

What an incredibly huge success! It all came together in the last hour, literally - I was still mopping the foyer floor an hour before the guests arrived, Morne, Alison's fiance, was still out catching fish for our tank, and everyone was running around like headless chickens doing last minute things. But we did it, and with great success: a fantastic turnout of around 150 guests joined us in the community centre next door to the SOS Shark Centre to celebrate our opening. Thereafter we opened our doors and celebrated till the early hours - we deserved it!

I could not have done this without the support of Chris Clarke, SOSF Executive Director, and the dedicated help of my team: Verona, Bilbo, Jan, Adam, Zaneli and Matthew, along with all of our volunteers and sponsors, which are many, and of course, Alison, our marine biologist - THANK YOU TO YOU ALL! I'm relieved, and somewhat burnt out after months of very hard work while racing against the clock. Now a little rest and then for the real work - the exciting research, education and awareness projects that we have lined up for the rest of the year. Below I invite you to follow the last leg of our journey leading up to our opening...

Colin, our builder, a day before the opening, building the casing for our tank sponsored by Graeme Mc Donald of Eco Acrylics - thank you Graeme for such an awesome gift!

Putting up our foyer lighting - a white shark and fish made by a local artist, Melvin, from paper and wire.

Our signage, sponsored by Graham Bennett, my first dive buddy ever, goes up!

Our white shark sculpture arrives and I give sculptor Chris Bladen a big thank you hug!

Losing it somewhat a day before we open, going insane under the pressure!

Free walking with white sharks! Jannie Wessels of Brightweights, one of our sponsors, carries the white shark we will use at the launch evening to decorate the hall. A big thank you to Iziko Museum for the very kind loan of this model!

The hall 2 days before the big night!

Everything is in place and the show begins! LIGHTS AND ACTION!

A red carpet leads guests into the community hall.

Chris Clarke and I welcome and address the guests.

Guests mingle and enjoy the celebration with us.

Here I am with David Muller, an actor pretending to be a fisherman, illegally catching sharks, whom I planted in the audience - he represented the problem and the other side of the story, upsetting a few scientists and conservationists!

Grant Haskins, the Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, cuts the ribbon to the Centre, while Chris Clarke, and SOSSC marine biologist: Alison Kock, SOSSC Chief Scientist: Leonard Compagno and myself standby.

AND NOW, our final product, ta daa, and are we proud and many impressed with our efforts - the Save Our Seas Shark Centre, a unique Rethink the Shark experience, featured here: the foyer, information boards, some of the offices, Jon Trusler, SOSF editor in our edit suite, our completed chandelier, our staff room, and our donation store. We are open to the public and already in our first week so many people have popped in to see us and find out more about what we do and about sharks - this place is going to rock for shark conservation!

Watch this space!

Till later, Lesley Rochat

Manager, SOSSC

Only Four Days To Go To Our Grand Opening

Time is flying, tempers are fraying, the Save Our Seas Shark Centre is abuzz with activity 24/7 as we ramp up to our launch on Thursday evening. Every single individual involved in the project from Chris Clarke right down to our volunteers have been incredible, with their dedication, enthusiasm, humour and sheer hard work to make sure we come up to expectations later this week.

Below is a selection of pictures of the last nine days activity at the Centre.

Mike Doran of Graphic Laminates delivers the first of our many spectacular photographs that will adorn the walls of the Centre - thanks to Tom Peschak for many of them.

Michael Carnegie and Jan de Bruyn create the beginnings of our Bait Ball Chandelier while Chris Doyle looks on.

The SOSSC logos being prepared for mounting on the front of the building yesterday afternoon.

Our cabinetmakers putting finishing touches to the Multi-Media Editing Suite.

Unfortunately these pictures are all that you are allowed to see before opening night on Thursday. We can't ruin the surprise, now can we?

Lesley Rochat
Manager
Save Our Seas Shark Centre