About the Shark Lab
Just metres from the ocean, our position enables us to have a fully operational flow thru saltwater system designed for conducting research on sharks, skates, rays and other fishes of our coastal region.
As a flow thru system, our tanks undergo several complete water exchanges per day, with each exchange averaging approximately 2-4 hours. Our equipment currently includes:
- 1 x 5000L header tank
- 1 x 6400L porta pool
- 1 x 2000L porta pool
- 1 x 60L touch tank
- 1 x 75L tank
- 0.75kw pump and relevant piping
- extra large freezer for feed and sample storage
- 1 x dissecting microscope
Shark Rehabilitation Centre
SASC runs the only shark rehabilitation centre in South Africa. In cooperation with local fishers and fish processing plants, we rescue and rehabilitate shark pups of commercially exploited shark species.
Shark pups are transported to our Shark Lab - based in the Old Harbour Museum, Hermanus - and placed in our holding tanks until they are safely returned to the sea. In the lab sharks are observed and studied for the duration of their time at SASC. Upon release, all animals are tagged, measured and injected with oxytetracycline (OTC) for age validation purposes.
SUPPORT THE SHARK LAB
We are seeking sponsorship for laboratory equipment that will enable us to carry out our research projects to the best of our abilities. If you would like to sponsor lab equipment or donate funds for our operating costs, please Contact Us.
You can also view our Shark Lab Wish List.
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SASC Facility
The SASC Shark Lab and Education Centre is situated just metres from the sea in the picturesque town of Hermanus in the Western Cape, South Africa. Our proximity to the sea enables us to have a fully operational saltwater laboratory, where research on sharks and other South African fishes occurs on a daily basis.
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Shark Lab
Our lab offers students, academics and interns the ideal location to conduct research. Two large port-a-pools, a flow thru system and storage/freezer facilities make experimental work and other laboratory activities a breeze!
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Educational displays
The Shark Lab also acts as an educational forum for visitors to our centre. The lab is open to the public and and our on-site experts are always available to answer questions. The public can also attend feedings of sharks and witness our scientific activities firsthand.
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