The GREAT WHITE APP is here!
Over the past several weeks I have been on the water trying to deploy satellite tags on Great White sharks in NE New Zealand. Through the incredible generosity of the NZ public, 16 tags have been sponsored. Two Great Whites have been tagged so far, Daisy and Takami, making history as the first ever tagged in this region. If you visit www.sustainableoceansociety.co.nz on any device, you will land in the Great White App. This has been developed thanks to @earthrangertech and The Dream Factory and it’s free to the entire world. I will endeavour to tag more Great Whites in the New Year, and ongoing, in order for us to not only generate novel scientific data critical to the conservation of this endangered and protected species, but also to provide public information to empower a greater understanding of how our recreation activities may overlap with theirs; the ultimate goal being a healthy respect and level of co-existence which ensures we get to enjoy the ocean, and they continue to live in it, providing key ecosystem services.
There’s plenty of information on the App, below the map, regarding how to use it, how detection locations are obtained and why some appear to be on land at times.
Thank you to the NZ public who sponsored tags; the first two being Daisy by Jane Mowbray, and Takami by Mazda NZ
Thank you to @extremeboats.nz @yamahamarinenz @gfabtrailers @raymarine_nz @seadek @mazda_nz Hunter Signs Ltd for supporting this project and ongoing marine exploration through the vessels and accessories.
Daisy the Great White has made an incredible journey. She was first tagged inside the northern end of Tauranga Harbour, by Bowentown and then was tracked to the eastern BOP by the East Cape where she resided for some weeks in a very refined area, likely feeding on spawning schools of fish. Now in a matter of days she has returned to the Tauranga Harbour this time through the southern channel beside the Mt. She is presumably learning the extent of her home range which at present is determined by prey availability of fish and rays, before she matures into a sun adult and may eventually migrate south to seal colonies.
If you want to check out the tracks in detail go to www.sustainableoceansociety.co.nz of which the link is in my bio.
Pretty incredible movement for this young Great White shark. Please be aware of such movements in your recreation, especially with where you fish or set nets as this is an endangered and protected animal. Please also be aware of where you fish or dispose of fish product to ensure it does not overlap with where people swim, otherwise we can increase the overlap with feeding sharks.
What is pretty incredible, whether you want to know or not, is that in the height of summer holidays this animal is sharing the waters we play in. Clearly it’s not a JAWs monster but rather an integral part of an ocean ecosystem we play in and feed from. The more we can learn how and when and why each of our species use certain areas, the more we can ensure co-existence in our stunning marine environment.
Daisy the Great White has made an incredible journey. She was first tagged inside the northern end of Tauranga Harbour, by Bowentown and then was tracked to the eastern BOP by the East Cape where she resided for some weeks in a very refined area, likely feeding on spawning schools of fish. Now in a matter of days she has returned to the Tauranga Harbour this time through the southern channel beside the Mt. She is presumably learning the extent of her home range which at present is determined by prey availability of fish and rays, before she matures into a sun adult and may eventually migrate south to seal colonies.
If you want to check out the tracks in detail go to www.sustainableoceansociety.co.nz of which the link is in my bio.
Pretty incredible movement for this young Great White shark. Please be aware of such movements in your recreation, especially with where you fish or set nets as this is an endangered and protected animal. Please also be aware of where you fish or dispose of fish product to ensure it does not overlap with where people swim, otherwise we can increase the overlap with feeding sharks.
What is pretty incredible, whether you want to know or not, is that in the height of summer holidays this animal is sharing the waters we play in. Clearly it’s not a JAWs monster but rather an integral part of an ocean ecosystem we play in and feed from. The more we can learn how and when and why each of our species use certain areas, the more we can ensure co-existence in our stunning marine environment.
A fascinating time in NZ for ocean life. This time of year we get the E Aus current pushing down our warm summer water. Already we have had sea snakes, turtles and migratory birds turn up. Also Great whites popping up in harbours likely pupping. This map shows an awesome Tiger shark I have followed for a long time, tagged by Australian scientists at Norfolk Island after we did a @sharkweek show the year prior, emphasising the need to study these animals and they did a great job tagging a bunch which you can follow on the @ocearch app. It’s my silent addiction watching where these sharks move and as you can see by the sea temperature map, this shark is moving towards NZ with that descending warm water. Tiger sharks generally reside within water over 22’C and this shark is doing just that. We used to have many records of Tigers caught out at Mayor island but research shows they generally stay deep and so are rarely seen. But I’ve also seen photos of baby Tigers caught in the Hauraki Gulf just off Auckland CBD which shows some novel and unprecedented pupping behaviour. Long story short, satellite tracking provides some amazing insight into animals and that is the endeavour of my Great White project, where people can sponsor a shark, name it, and a soon to be released website will allow anyone to follow their movements. It’s good for the sharks through scientific conservation but also for us, to best educate ourselves on where we may wish to swim. If you are interested in sponsoring a great white go to www.sustainableocean society.co.nz link in my bio
A fascinating time in NZ for ocean life. This time of year we get the E Aus current pushing down our warm summer water. Already we have had sea snakes, turtles and migratory birds turn up. Also Great whites popping up in harbours likely pupping. This map shows an awesome Tiger shark I have followed for a long time, tagged by Australian scientists at Norfolk Island after we did a @sharkweek show the year prior, emphasising the need to study these animals and they did a great job tagging a bunch which you can follow on the @ocearch app. It’s my silent addiction watching where these sharks move and as you can see by the sea temperature map, this shark is moving towards NZ with that descending warm water. Tiger sharks generally reside within water over 22’C and this shark is doing just that. We used to have many records of Tigers caught out at Mayor island but research shows they generally stay deep and so are rarely seen. But I’ve also seen photos of baby Tigers caught in the Hauraki Gulf just off Auckland CBD which shows some novel and unprecedented pupping behaviour. Long story short, satellite tracking provides some amazing insight into animals and that is the endeavour of my Great White project, where people can sponsor a shark, name it, and a soon to be released website will allow anyone to follow their movements. It’s good for the sharks through scientific conservation but also for us, to best educate ourselves on where we may wish to swim. If you are interested in sponsoring a great white go to www.sustainableocean society.co.nz link in my bio
A fascinating time in NZ for ocean life. This time of year we get the E Aus current pushing down our warm summer water. Already we have had sea snakes, turtles and migratory birds turn up. Also Great whites popping up in harbours likely pupping. This map shows an awesome Tiger shark I have followed for a long time, tagged by Australian scientists at Norfolk Island after we did a @sharkweek show the year prior, emphasising the need to study these animals and they did a great job tagging a bunch which you can follow on the @ocearch app. It’s my silent addiction watching where these sharks move and as you can see by the sea temperature map, this shark is moving towards NZ with that descending warm water. Tiger sharks generally reside within water over 22’C and this shark is doing just that. We used to have many records of Tigers caught out at Mayor island but research shows they generally stay deep and so are rarely seen. But I’ve also seen photos of baby Tigers caught in the Hauraki Gulf just off Auckland CBD which shows some novel and unprecedented pupping behaviour. Long story short, satellite tracking provides some amazing insight into animals and that is the endeavour of my Great White project, where people can sponsor a shark, name it, and a soon to be released website will allow anyone to follow their movements. It’s good for the sharks through scientific conservation but also for us, to best educate ourselves on where we may wish to swim. If you are interested in sponsoring a great white go to www.sustainableocean society.co.nz link in my bio
After a week on the water here is a brief summary of what I have found during Project Great White.
Thank you to all the people who have sponsored tags. You have funded 14 so far!!! Which is just amazing. Six more to be sponsored so go to www.sustainableoceansociety.co.nz (link in bio) if you want to sponsor and name a shark. The Great White App is in its final stages of development. And I will be doing another week of tagging effort to try and deploy more. But will be taking a break over the Xmas holidays and then will be back at it so we can learn more about these sharks. Thank you so much to @extremeboats.nz @yamahamarinenz @mazda_nz @gfabtrailers @raymarine_nz and @seadek for enabling me to get out here and do this novel research, for us and for the sharks.
A massive thank you to @extremeboats.nz
@gfabtrailers
@mazda_nz
@raymarine_nz
@yamahamarinenz
@seadek
For supporting my shark research endeavours for the Great White Project and my general ocean exploration and conservation work. This package has been put together through a shared love of our ocean and the awesome wildlife in it. More to come!!!
Also massive thanks to Hunter Signs for the incredible shark wrap
Shark Week finally hits NZ and Australian shores!!!!
Dive into it, literally with me on this facebook interactive video https://fb.watch/h3tiKKloMh/ a full 45 min GW dive, on set as we filmed my show this year.
There were some epic shows this year, some of my favourites were Mecha Shark by our very own @kinascollay down at Stewart Island, doing what he does best, extreme cage diving in a shark shaped cage!!!
Another of my faves was Jaws vs the Blob. Sounds weird, but it’s an awesome show with @thesharkdoctor Craig O’Connell, @abc4explore Andy Casagrande and @sharkgirlmadison Stewart. It spells out how climate change induced shifts in ocean temperature can re-distribute populations of sharks forcing unprecedented overlaps in demographics with unknown affect.
Climate change was a phenomenon also relative to the show I created this year for @sharkweek ‘Clash of the Killers – Great White vs Mako’ – flashy American style title, but an epic adventure I undertook with @saminthewild_ in order to chase down the NZ location where two of the world’s gnarliest apex predators may overlap.
No jokes, this was one of the most treacherous missions any of the crew had undertaken; 60 knot winds overnighting behind active volcanoes and all!
Be sure to check it out on Weds 30th Nov 9:30pm on @discovery channel
Thanks to @radleystudios for co-producing this so well, and the crew that went to literal hell and back on the high seas with me, Sigi Spath, Cam Spath, @wazzagreen, Tony Spear, @liquid_action_films Dave Abbott, Sean Kelly, @bill.turner98 @amberandfriendsphoto George and Dean Savage.
Also watch out for some of my previous shows made in NZ also on Mako night it seems; Weds 30th at 3:50pm Ronda ROusey Uncaged, and at 5:30pm Mako Nation (one of my best in NZ).
And the epic Sharks of Headstone Hell is as always coming back on screen!
Another one of my faves I have to mention was Walking Sharks with @forrest.galante as it’s just an amazing adventure somewhere very remote and with excellent investigatory methods by my bro Forrest.
I hope everyone had a Merry Xmas. Stunning weather! I’m off for a surf, I am sure you are getting in the ocean in some form for fun too, so here’s a great piece by the nzherald.co.nz on how we can be safe in the water, and co-exist with sharks.
Be sure to check out the Great White App mentioned in here, at sustainableoceansociety website in my bio link and if you want to sponsor a shark, there are only a few left so get in quick.
Have a fun filled summer break and a safe and happy New year 🙂
Thanks to all my supporting brands for their support:
Mazda NZ Extreme Boats Yamaha Marine New Zealand GFAB Trailers Raymarine NZ SeaDek Marine Products EarthRanger The Dream Factory
And thank YOU, the public for sponsoring shark tags!!
After a week on the water here is a brief summary of what I have found during Project Great White.
Thank you to all the people who have sponsored tags. You have funded 14 so far!!! Which is just amazing. Six more to be sponsored so go to www.sustainableoceansociety.co.nz (link in bio) if you want to sponsor and name a shark. The Great White App is in its final stages of development. And I will be doing another week of tagging effort to try and deploy more. But will be taking a break over the Xmas holidays and then will be back at it so we can learn more about these sharks. Thank you so much to @extremeboats.nz @yamahamarinenz @mazda_nz @gfabtrailers @raymarine_nz and @seadek for enabling me to get out here and do this novel research, for us and for the sharks.
Update on the #greatwhiteapp
December feature 🦈
Gracing the pages of this month’s magazine is a compelling and educational article by marine biologist and shark expert @thelifeofrileynz.
Packed with thought-provoking information and stunning imagery from @amberandfriendsphoto, it will give you a new perspective on our toothy friends.
A must-read for everyone 🙌
Instores and online now (link in bio)
#fishing #fishingnz #nzfishing #newzealand #snapper #fish #kingfish #nzfishingnews #catch #boating #fishingaddict #shark New Zealand
December feature 🦈
Gracing the pages of this month’s magazine is a compelling and educational article by marine biologist and shark expert @thelifeofrileynz.
Packed with thought-provoking information and stunning imagery from @amberandfriendsphoto, it will give you a new perspective on our toothy friends.
A must-read for everyone 🙌
Instores and online now (link in bio)
#fishing #fishingnz #nzfishing #newzealand #snapper #fish #kingfish #nzfishingnews #catch #boating #fishingaddict #shark New Zealand
December feature 🦈
Gracing the pages of this month’s magazine is a compelling and educational article by marine biologist and shark expert @thelifeofrileynz.
Packed with thought-provoking information and stunning imagery from @amberandfriendsphoto, it will give you a new perspective on our toothy friends.
A must-read for everyone 🙌
Instores and online now (link in bio)
#fishing #fishingnz #nzfishing #newzealand #snapper #fish #kingfish #nzfishingnews #catch #boating #fishingaddict #shark New Zealand
December feature 🦈
Gracing the pages of this month’s magazine is a compelling and educational article by marine biologist and shark expert @thelifeofrileynz.
Packed with thought-provoking information and stunning imagery from @amberandfriendsphoto, it will give you a new perspective on our toothy friends.
A must-read for everyone 🙌
Instores and online now (link in bio)
#fishing #fishingnz #nzfishing #newzealand #snapper #fish #kingfish #nzfishingnews #catch #boating #fishingaddict #shark New Zealand
December feature 🦈
Gracing the pages of this month’s magazine is a compelling and educational article by marine biologist and shark expert @thelifeofrileynz.
Packed with thought-provoking information and stunning imagery from @amberandfriendsphoto, it will give you a new perspective on our toothy friends.
A must-read for everyone 🙌
Instores and online now (link in bio)
#fishing #fishingnz #nzfishing #newzealand #snapper #fish #kingfish #nzfishingnews #catch #boating #fishingaddict #shark New Zealand
So much work went into creating this magical boat for predominantly the Great White project but also to help me showcase how much there is that boating can allow you to experience. There’s more to boating than just fishing. And that’s what I am going to share with you this summer. Yes there will be sharks, but also the way I gather food for myself and my community. How I cook it, how I educate with it and how we embrace through understanding of it, the conservation of this amazing ecosystem. Thank you Hunter Signs for the decals, and to @extremeboats.nz @gfabtrailers @yamahamarinenz @raymarine_nz @seadek and @mazda_nz for enabling such a package in order to express the amazing opportunities I will be sharing with you all. When I say keep it legal it’s out of frame but it’s the weeks of time that it took putting a boat through ‘survey’ which means registering it through the Maritime NZ Moss protocol which entails building the boat above normal spec, kitting it out with all the required safety equipment and being a commercial skipper. To say the least. Thank you to Maritime Nz for making it a fluid process that ensures safe operations for all those who partake on the sea. Because let’s not forget, wearing a lifejacket, having two forms of communication and a @nzcoastguard membership will keep you far safer than worrying about sharks 🙂
So much work went into creating this magical boat for predominantly the Great White project but also to help me showcase how much there is that boating can allow you to experience. There’s more to boating than just fishing. And that’s what I am going to share with you this summer. Yes there will be sharks, but also the way I gather food for myself and my community. How I cook it, how I educate with it and how we embrace through understanding of it, the conservation of this amazing ecosystem. Thank you Hunter Signs for the decals, and to @extremeboats.nz @gfabtrailers @yamahamarinenz @raymarine_nz @seadek and @mazda_nz for enabling such a package in order to express the amazing opportunities I will be sharing with you all. When I say keep it legal it’s out of frame but it’s the weeks of time that it took putting a boat through ‘survey’ which means registering it through the Maritime NZ Moss protocol which entails building the boat above normal spec, kitting it out with all the required safety equipment and being a commercial skipper. To say the least. Thank you to Maritime Nz for making it a fluid process that ensures safe operations for all those who partake on the sea. Because let’s not forget, wearing a lifejacket, having two forms of communication and a @nzcoastguard membership will keep you far safer than worrying about sharks 🙂
The most epic thing I have orchestrated in my career has come to life. The biggest tool in my toolbox, the enabler of my work, the provider for my passion. Eight years ago I had an idea and several groups of people have seen the value, actioning it. The most proud day of my life. What do you think this is?
The most epic thing I have orchestrated in my career has come to life. The biggest tool in my toolbox, the enabler of my work, the provider for my passion. Eight years ago I had an idea and several groups of people have seen the value, actioning it. The most proud day of my life. What do you think this is?
Shark detections on land? This is why 🙂
Check out my Riley Elliott Shark Scientist Facebook page for another post with an in depth dive into the satellite data for further insight. Cheers
Here’s some deeper scientific insight into the data collection for the GW app and how locations are derived and the different options for processing such data.
