Volunteer With Sharks


Have you ever thought about becoming a volunteer with sharks? Sharks are renowned for being the feared apex predators of the ocean and thanks to films such as Jaws, Deep Blue Sea, along with various publications choosing to run with this theme, sharks have even become hated by some humans.

However, what some people don’t know is that sharks actually kill only around 12 humans a year, and this often happens by accident. Sharks don’t like the taste of humans, but often mistake those in canoes or small boats for seals on the ocean surface. Otherwise, sharks have been known to investigate a splashing human when they are curious or confused, which can lead to accidental attacks.

What’s more, sharks have much more to fear from humans than we do from them. Sharks are hunted and killed for their meat, internal organs and fins. For every human killed by a shark, around 8.5 million sharks are slaughtered in the same time span. This is why volunteering with sharks is essential for their survival.

Our various shark volunteer programs offer you the chance to witness these majestic fish in the flesh, whilst aiding their conservation. Whether it be cage diving with Great Whites in South Africa to collect data on shark populations, or swimming with whale sharks in the Maldives to identify individuals, there are a lot of different ways you can become a shark conservation volunteer with The Great Projects. All you have to do is select which shark volunteer project you most want to visit. So, what are you waiting for? Secure your place to volunteer with sharks today!

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Sharks At A Glance

ENDANGERED STATUS
Vulnerable/Endangered
NUMBER REMAINING IN THE WILD
Varies Across Species - Around 3,500 Great Whites Remain
ENDEMIC REGION
Oceans All Around The World

How Endangered Are Sharks

It is estimated that there are over 400 species of shark that reside in the world’s oceans, but there are a select few of those which are a cause for concern in the world of conservation.

In the last census taken in 2010, it was estimated that there were just 3,500 Great White Sharks remaining. Despite reports of an increase in numbers, an accurate population count is extremely difficult to calculate. They are listed as vulnerable by WWF.

One of the most elusive shark species, the whale shark, is listed as endangered by WWF. Populations of this fish are unknown, but all sharks are facing huge threats from humans and action must be taken. Volunteer with sharks and make a real difference.

Threats Sharks Are Facing

You will not be surprised to hear that the biggest threat to the shark population is humans, but by choosing to volunteer with sharks you can help.

  • Finning – this barbaric process involves catching the shark, removing its fin (while the shark is still alive) before throwing it back into the sea. The shark will most likely suffer agonising pain before it eventually dies.
  • Hunting – sharks are hunted for their organs, fins and meat, which is used for soup, medicine, leather and some lubricants.
  • Bycatch – sharks are often killed when they are caught up in the nets of commercial fishing operations which is referred to as bycatch as they are not the intended target of the nets.
Fast Facts
  • Sharks kill 12 people per year, while it is estimated that 11,417 sharks are slaughtered by humans per hour.
  • A very big debate for shark experts is whether or not they sleep. The answer is that they do, but not in the same ways as humans. Some believe that sharks need to keep swimming at all times in order to breathe, and so they must not sleep at all. However, some sharks drift between periods of alert wakefulness and rest that is similar to sleep – but it is said they never shut their eyes!
  • Bamboo sharks are commonly known as carpet sharks. This is because they spend their days gliding along the ocean floor. 
Where you can go
Contact Info
UK Office
The Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
   Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
   Sat 10am-4pm

T: +44(0) 208 885 4987