Research has always been core to our business. With Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions , we try identify and catalog every Great White Shark we see – we have literally thousands of images in our database captured over the last 20 plus years with over 2000 individual great whites identified.
The mission of the foundation is ‘to inspire the appreciation and understanding of great white sharks through research and education.’
We use non-invasive tracker tags utilising satellite technology to study shark behaviour (breeding, migration, and social interaction) and population trends. We also keep track of biological variations like sex and weight.
In partnership with the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), we send tissue samples for genetic sampling. From this, we are able to ascertain feeding habits at and away from the Neptune Islands. We are also on the lookout for any impact we humans may be having on the Great Whites.
Other projects are in collaboration with SARDI (South Australian Research and Development Institute) and with Professor Charlie Huveneers from Flinders University.
Just being on board with us means you are contributing to our research. We’re about inspiring the appreciation and understanding of Great White Sharks through respect and understanding – every passenger is welcome to be involved in any aspect of our research. As Andrew Fox says, it is about giving sharks a voice (when sharks get attacked by humans).