Shark & Marine Research Institute Published Papers

The following findings were published to date in peer-reviewed scientific journals as a result of the ongoing partnership between the Shark & Marine Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, and the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fishery (Branch Oceans and Coasts) (IF – impact factor indicated in bold):

The role of controlled human-animal interactions in changing the negative perceptions towards white sharks, in a sample of white shark cage diving tours participants.

Alejandra,S., Hoenicka, A., Andreotti,S., Carvajal-Chitty,H., Matthee,C. (2022)

Quantifying the impact of interactions between people and wildlife, especially those when there are unfavourable judgments, can help with species conservation. One example might be the unfavourable impressions of interactions between humans and sharks. In this study, we used six pertinent statement tests to compare how people saw the white shark, Carcharodon carcharias, before and after controlled human contact with it. From Kellert’s typology of human attitudes toward animals, questions were adapted. In order to determine whether there can be a change in perception, 322 visitors who were taking part in white shark cage diving trips in Gansbaai, South Africa, were subjected to two surveys (before and post-experience). We concentrated our efforts on evaluating how shark cage diving tourism activities could alter people’s unfavourable attitudes.