Understand, discover, explore, conserve.
The Great White Shark Research Project
Based in Mossel Bay, South Africa, ongoing studies into the behavior and physiology of the Great White Shark are rewriting our understanding of their life history. The unique topography of Mossel Bay and the proximity of White Shark aggregation sites make Mossel Bay the most productive White Shark research location in the World.
White Shark Thermal eco-physiology
White shark is one of the few shark species able to maintain its body core temperature above the surrounding water temperature...
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Horizontal and vertical movements
Acoustic telemetry has been the cornerstone of Ryan Johnson’s white shark research since 2000. Acoustic telemetry is a technology that enables the continuous monitoring...
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Bite kinematics of White Sharks
In 2005 SAMPLA began investigating the power of a white shark’s bite using a custom designed bite force meter. Between 2005 and 2006, a data base of over 165 bites was assembled...
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Predator prey dynamics
White sharks have evolved a unique physiology and morphology that enable them to successfully hunt marine mammals...
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Genetic profile
In 2000, Ryan Johnson started taking the biopsy samples of white sharks in conjunction with Marine and Coastal Management...
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Population dynamics
The precautionary principle was used to introduce the legislation to protect white sharks in South Africa due to lack of scientific data...
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Stable Isotopes
SAMPLA is collaborating with Marine and Coastal Management scientist Keshnee Pillay to use stable isotopes such as those of oxygen to understand the transfer of energy through marine ecosystems...