The Shark Lab Code of Conduct

More information about The Shark Lab Aquarium, Mossel Bay

Located in the wonderful Garden Route, Mossel Bay is one of the finest holiday and tourist destinations in South Africa. Boasting the 2nd mildest climate of the world (second only to Hawaii), its unique north-facing peninsula allows Mossel Bay to offer adventure, nature and a relaxing experience. Mossel Bay is often summarised with one simple phrase - "No hurry, no worries" .

Due to it's unique position at the edge of the oceans (the point, Mossel Bay), The Shark Lab Aquarium and Research facility offers an easy, inexpensive and fun way to meet with the marine inhabitants of the bay, focusing on its top predators, the sharks.

Oceans Aware took over the management and development of the Shark Lab in 2008, with a renewed focus on educating the public by encouraging social responsibility, and environmental awareness of sharks and the ocean in general. Working in conjunction with the Mossel Bay Dias Museum, we are dedicated to educating individuals, scholars, tourists and members of the public from all backgrounds about the importance and diversity of shark species in our oceans.

We do believe that in order to improve the future, we have to work with younger generations, our future political, economical and academic voices. Helping to remove the incorrect 'Jaws' perception of sharks in just a few peoples minds may grant a better future for the top marine predators.

At the same time, The Shark Lab is a focal point of shark research in South Africa. Hosting the Oceans Research team, advanced research is done at the Shark Lab on shark biology, physiology and behaviour. Our tours, lectures and dissections are given by Oceans Research university interns, highly qualified students, able to introduce you to, and help you see the true beauty of both sharks, and the entire ocean.

The Shark Lab code of Conduct

The Shark Lab abides a strict code of conduct based on the African Association of Zoo and Aquaria (PAAZAB) and licensed by The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and exempted in terms of section 81 of The Marine Living Resource Act, 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998).

The Oceans Research team follows a catch, tag and release protocol where each specimens is kept in the Shark Lab for not more than 3 months, assuring a low impact on the individuals due to captivity. The introduction and release of our sharks are monitored closely by all authorised personal including marine biologists.

However, due to its position right by the ocean, the Shark Lab guarantees quality conditions for its temporary guests. Water is pumped directly from the ocean to minimize temperature increase or decrease, and maintaining correct levels for nitrogen-compounds levels. The inlet is situated at bottom of tank to provide an artificial current, with an outlet at top (hot water rises) which will keep constant temperature equivalent to its source.

The sharks and fish hosted at the Shark Lab are kept in different tank depending on their ecology and lifestyle. A 1000 litre Sump constantly filtrate the water pumped from the tanks and then redistributes the clean water back to the tanks. The 6.360 litre Benthic tank hosts benthic fish and sharks which spend most of their life in close contact with the ocean bottom. In the 37.536 litre Pelagic tank, you will be able to admire pelagic fish and shark species who live in the open oceans.