About Sharklife
Driving Marine Conservation Through Research, Education and Field Training
Established in 2005, Sharklife is a non-profit conservation research organisation based in Sodwana Bay, South Africa. We conduct and support long-term marine research in the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area, with a particular focus on sharks, rays and coastal ecosystems. Our work combines research, education and field training to strengthen marine conservation and build practical scientific capacity.
Our conservation approach is grounded in evidence, long-term monitoring and practical engagement. We work with research institutions, conservation partners and protected-area managers to improve understanding of marine species and ecosystems, while using education and public communication to strengthen support for their protection.
Company Registration No. 2005/002273/08
Non-Profit Organisation No. 064-326-NPO
What We Do
Research
We conduct and support long-term marine research focused on sharks, rays, reef systems and coastal ecosystems, working with universities and conservation partners under the appropriate research approvals.
Education
We translate marine science into accessible education that improves understanding of sharks, marine ecosystems and the conservation challenges affecting them.
Field Training
Our field station provides structured training for students and early-career participants in marine field methods, practical ocean skills and scientific data workflows.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
Our Team
Sharklife brings together field staff, marine conservationists, researchers and scientific collaborators who support our research, education and field-station activities. Our wider network provides specialist expertise across marine ecology, protected-area management and applied conservation.
Directors
- Grant Smith (Managing Director)
- Mike Fraser
- Fiona Ayerst
- Mike Wood
Scientific Advisors & Collaborators
- Mr. Welly Qwabe (EKZNW)
- Mr. Craig Mulqueeny (EKZNW)
- Prof. Mandy Lombard (NMU)
- Dr. Malcom Smale (BCRE)
- Dr. Geremy Cliff (KZN SB)
- Prof. Kerry Sink (SANBI)
- Prof. Matt Dicken (KZN SB)
- Dr. Jennifer Olbers (WildTrust)
- Dr. Jean Harris (WildTrust)
- Prof. Ronel Nel (NMU)
- Dr. Ryan Daly (ORI)
- Dr. Anthony Bernard (SAIAB)
- Dr. Kaylee Smit (SAIAB)
- Dr. Amber Peters (Michigan State U)
- Dr. Marcus Drymon (Mississippi State U)
- Dr. David Wells (Texas A&M U)
- Dr. Brendan Talwar (Scripps Inst.)
Field Station Team
- Candice Smith (General Manager)
- Sebie Zikhali (Housekeeping)
- Vuyo Zikhali (Logistics Manager)
- Jabulani Mthembu (Groundsman)
Our Location
Sharklife operates from its marine field station in Sodwana Bay, alongside the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area. The station provides a permanent local base for research support, education and field training close to one of South Africa’s most important protected marine environments.
Sharklife conducts and supports approved research within the iSimangaliso MPA in collaboration with research institutions and conservation partners. Research activities in the MPA are undertaken through the appropriate iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority Research Agreement process, with additional permits and ethics approvals where required.
