Women in Diving: Dr Sara Andreotti White Shark Researcher

Dr Sara Andreotti is a Marine Biologist and diver based in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Her research work on the White Shark population along the South African Coast is recognised worldwide. She is also one of the co-inventors of the SharkSafe Barrier. With the development of this shark-specific and eco-friendly barrier, they aim to protect and minimise the shark to human interaction on South African beaches and also avoid killing the already declining white shark population.
"My name is Dr Sara Andreotti. I am a marine biologist and commercial diver, studying great white sharks around the coast of South Africa. I am based at the University of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape.
I started diving at the age of 17 and initially qualified as a CMAS diver in Italy. According to my parents I was always going towards the sea. Since I was able to walk, I would head towards the sea. Taking my first breath underwater with a regulator and experiencing this amazing, alive and different world, was mind blowing. Thus, I pursued a career as a marine biologist, mainly because of my love of diving and the ocean.
I decided to move to South Africa to study the Great White Shark in association with the University of Stellenbosch, to work on a PHD in white shark conservation. The study on the White Shark population dynamics and genetics formed the basis of my study. This also made it possible to determine if there is one population of shark or several smaller groups around the South African coastline. During my studies we were also able to determine how many White Sharks were left around our coastline. I build up a database of the individual animals using both genetics and positive photographic identification of the dorsal fin of the shark, to confirm positive identification of each individuals. The combination of these studies confirmed an estimated number of a single population of white shark around the SA coastline of between 300-500 animals, with very poor genetic diversity.
It also became clear that we needed to do more to protect this population and to find a way to monitor them constantly. One of the big issues when monitoring the population was to keep track of individual sharks. Identifying individual animals and preventing double counting had to be avoided. To do this we developed a software program Called IdentiFin. In IdentiFin we created algorithm that can scan through a database of images, and enabled us to quickly identify or match new images of sharks with the existing image database. Sorting through hundreds of images to ID a single shark became easier with the software, matching images of dorsal fins in a matter of minutes. We were finally able to keep track of the population and understand if it was growing or declining over time.
About Great white Sharks
Since publishing our estimated count of the White Shark population along the South African coastline, not much more have been done since, to ensure their protection. What makes these animals so important, is that they are at the top of the food chain and unfortunately now, 5 years down the line, we have stopped seeing the sharks in the area that was once known as the white Shark Capital of the world. In False Bay we have not seen a great white for more than a year and this is causing a domino effect on the entire ecosystem. It not only has effect on the local diving companies and fisheries, but also on the balance of the ocean as a whole.
Also, the genetic diversity of the group is very poor and we don’t know if it is at all possible to get other White Shark, from other areas to replenish the population here. We have to do everything in our power to protect the white shark population in South Africa waters, their environment and their food resources. We have to do far better than we have been up until now.
Protecting sharks and humans
Beside the photographic and genetic work I am directly involved in another project called the SharkSafe Barrier TM, for which I had to become a certified commercial diver. One of the reasons for the decline and disappearance of white shark in South Africa have been the active killing of shark through the use of shark nets and drumlines. Since 1937 in Australia and 1950 in South Africa, the shark nets and drumlines has been used to limit the shark- human interaction, by killing as many sharks as possible, to reduce the population of shark, and minimise the chances of shark-human encounters. That is where the SharkSafe Barrier TM works differently.
The barrier bio-mimicry the visual effect of a thick Kelp forest. The kelp forests are recognised by large shark as a natural barrier. The barrier consisting of long flexible tubes containing magnets. The tubes mimic this natural underwater thick kelp forests and the magnets form a constant magnetic field. These magnetic fields overwhelm one of the shark senses called the Ampullae of Lorenzini. The combination of these deterrents, the magnetic field from the magnets and the simulated Kelp forest, have proved extremely effective to keep sharks away from baits in all the tests conducted, so we hope we can, in time, replace all shark nets and drumline with this eco-friendly, shark specific alternative. This will keep both sharks and beachgoers safe.
Besides myself, The SharkSafe BarrierTM was developed by additional three inventors: Michael Rutzen, Dr. Craig O’Connell and Conrad Matthee from the University of Stellenbosch and on-going input from coastal engineer Laurie Barwell, INNOVUS team, Labscheme Allchem team, additional contracted commercial divers and the financial and in-kind sponsorship from a number of likely minded organisation. So, when we go out to do this work on the barriers it is not only myself that I have to think about. When we dive at these sites, I need DAN cover to know we are going to be safe in case of any accident, while we are out there working underwater.
To connect with Dr Andreotti and the Shark Safe Barrier team or to donate to their cause visit the website www.sharksafesolution.com or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Sharksafebarrier
"My name is Dr Sara Andreotti. I am a marine biologist and commercial diver, studying great white sharks around the coast of South Africa. I am based at the University of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape.
I started diving at the age of 17 and initially qualified as a CMAS diver in Italy. According to my parents I was always going towards the sea. Since I was able to walk, I would head towards the sea. Taking my first breath underwater with a regulator and experiencing this amazing, alive and different world, was mind blowing. Thus, I pursued a career as a marine biologist, mainly because of my love of diving and the ocean.
I decided to move to South Africa to study the Great White Shark in association with the University of Stellenbosch, to work on a PHD in white shark conservation. The study on the White Shark population dynamics and genetics formed the basis of my study. This also made it possible to determine if there is one population of shark or several smaller groups around the South African coastline. During my studies we were also able to determine how many White Sharks were left around our coastline. I build up a database of the individual animals using both genetics and positive photographic identification of the dorsal fin of the shark, to confirm positive identification of each individuals. The combination of these studies confirmed an estimated number of a single population of white shark around the SA coastline of between 300-500 animals, with very poor genetic diversity.
It also became clear that we needed to do more to protect this population and to find a way to monitor them constantly. One of the big issues when monitoring the population was to keep track of individual sharks. Identifying individual animals and preventing double counting had to be avoided. To do this we developed a software program Called IdentiFin. In IdentiFin we created algorithm that can scan through a database of images, and enabled us to quickly identify or match new images of sharks with the existing image database. Sorting through hundreds of images to ID a single shark became easier with the software, matching images of dorsal fins in a matter of minutes. We were finally able to keep track of the population and understand if it was growing or declining over time.
About Great white Sharks
Since publishing our estimated count of the White Shark population along the South African coastline, not much more have been done since, to ensure their protection. What makes these animals so important, is that they are at the top of the food chain and unfortunately now, 5 years down the line, we have stopped seeing the sharks in the area that was once known as the white Shark Capital of the world. In False Bay we have not seen a great white for more than a year and this is causing a domino effect on the entire ecosystem. It not only has effect on the local diving companies and fisheries, but also on the balance of the ocean as a whole.
Also, the genetic diversity of the group is very poor and we don’t know if it is at all possible to get other White Shark, from other areas to replenish the population here. We have to do everything in our power to protect the white shark population in South Africa waters, their environment and their food resources. We have to do far better than we have been up until now.
Protecting sharks and humans
Beside the photographic and genetic work I am directly involved in another project called the SharkSafe Barrier TM, for which I had to become a certified commercial diver. One of the reasons for the decline and disappearance of white shark in South Africa have been the active killing of shark through the use of shark nets and drumlines. Since 1937 in Australia and 1950 in South Africa, the shark nets and drumlines has been used to limit the shark- human interaction, by killing as many sharks as possible, to reduce the population of shark, and minimise the chances of shark-human encounters. That is where the SharkSafe Barrier TM works differently.
The barrier bio-mimicry the visual effect of a thick Kelp forest. The kelp forests are recognised by large shark as a natural barrier. The barrier consisting of long flexible tubes containing magnets. The tubes mimic this natural underwater thick kelp forests and the magnets form a constant magnetic field. These magnetic fields overwhelm one of the shark senses called the Ampullae of Lorenzini. The combination of these deterrents, the magnetic field from the magnets and the simulated Kelp forest, have proved extremely effective to keep sharks away from baits in all the tests conducted, so we hope we can, in time, replace all shark nets and drumline with this eco-friendly, shark specific alternative. This will keep both sharks and beachgoers safe.
Besides myself, The SharkSafe BarrierTM was developed by additional three inventors: Michael Rutzen, Dr. Craig O’Connell and Conrad Matthee from the University of Stellenbosch and on-going input from coastal engineer Laurie Barwell, INNOVUS team, Labscheme Allchem team, additional contracted commercial divers and the financial and in-kind sponsorship from a number of likely minded organisation. So, when we go out to do this work on the barriers it is not only myself that I have to think about. When we dive at these sites, I need DAN cover to know we are going to be safe in case of any accident, while we are out there working underwater.
To connect with Dr Andreotti and the Shark Safe Barrier team or to donate to their cause visit the website www.sharksafesolution.com or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Sharksafebarrier
Categories
2020
January
February
Group Fitness at the PoolHow to Rescue a Distressed diver at the SurfaceHow to manage Near-DrowningNo Sit-ups no problem How to manage MalariaHow to manage Oxygen Deficiency (Hypoxia)What to do when confronted by a sharkHow to manage Scombroid PoisoningHow to perform a Deep Diver RescueHow to perform One-rescuer CPRHow to perform a Neurological Assessment
March
DAN’s Quick Guide to Properly Disinfecting Dive GearCOVID-19 : Prevention Recommendations for our Diving CommunityGermophobia? - Just give it a reasonable thoughtScuba Equipment care – Rinsing and cleaning diving equipmentCOVID-19 and DAN MembershipFurther limitations imposed on travels and considerations on diving activitiesDAN Membership COVID-19 FAQsLancet COVID-19 South African Testing SitesCOVID-19 No Panic Help GuideGetting Decompression Sickness while FreedivingDown in the DumpsCardiovascular Disease and DivingDelayed Off-GassingDiving after Dental surgeryDiving with Multiple MedicationsPygmy Seahorses: Life AquaticAfrica DustCOVID-19 Myth BustersScuba Units Are Not Suitable Substitutes for VentilatorsDisinfection of Scuba Equipment and COVID-19Physioball Stability Exercises
April
COVID-19 AdvisoryScuba Equipment Care - Drying & Storing Your GearTransporting Diving Lights & BatteriesHow to Pivot Your Message During a CrisisTourism Relief FundCOVID-19 Business Support ReviewDiving After COVID-19: What We Know TodayEUBS-ECHM Position Statement on Diving ActivitiesPart 2: COVID-19 Business Support ReviewPress Release
May
Diving in the Era of COVID-19Dive Operations and COVID-19: Prepping for ReturnCOVID-19 & Diving Activities: 10 Safety RecommendationsCOVID-19: Surface Survival TimesThe Philippines at its FinestThe Logistics of ExplorationThe Art of the Underwater SelfieShooter: Douglas SeifertFAQs Answered: Disinfecting Scuba EquipmentStock your First-Aid KitResearch and OutreachCovid-19 ResearchOut of the BlueEffects of Aspirin on DivingThe New Pointy end of DivingDiving and Hepatitis CCaissons, Compressed-Air work and Deep TunnellingPreparing to Dive in the New NormalNew Health Declaration Form Sample Addressing C-19 IssuesDiving After COVID 19: What Divers Need to Know
June
Travel Smarter: PRE-TRIP VACCINATIONSAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and DivingCOVID-19: Updated First Aid Training Recommendations From DANDiving with a Purpose in National Marine SanctuariesStay Positive Through the PandemicFor the Dive Operator: How to Protect Your Staff & ClientsStudying Deep reefs and Deep diversAsking the Right QuestionsLung squeeze under cold diving conditions
July
Dive DeprivationVolunteer Fish Surveys: Engage DiversDAN Member Profile: Mehgan Heaney-GrierTravel Smarter: Don’t Cancel, Reschedule InsteadDive Boat Fire SafetyRay of HopePartner ExercisesDiving at AltitudeAluminium ExposureHip FracturesAcoustic NeuromaGuidelines for Lifelong Medical Fitness to DiveNew Dive Medical Forms
August
Women in Diving: Lauren Arthur, Conservationist & Natural History Story TellerWomen in Diving: Dr Sara Andreotti White Shark ResearcherTiming ExerciseWomen in Diving: The Salty Wanderer, Charlie WarlandWomen in Diving: Beth Neale, Aqua soul of freedivingWomen in Diving: Diving and spearfishing Diva, Jean HattinghWomen in Diving: Zandile Ndhlovu, The Black Mermaid
September
October
Freediving For ScienceStep Exercises with CardioFluorescence Imaging help Identify Coral BleachingChildren and DivingThe Watchman device and divingScuba Diving and Factor V Leiden gene mutationNitrogen Narcosis at shallow depthsOil and Particulates: Safe levels in Breathing Air at depthDive Principles for Coping with COVID-19The Importance of a Predive Safety CheckTalya Davidoff: the 'Plattelandse Meisie' Freediver
2019
February
April
May
DAN Press ReleaseYour Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 1Your Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 2Aural HygieneDCS AheadHow Divers Can Help with coral conservationRed Tide and shellfish poisoningDiving after Kidney DonationDiving with hypertrophic cardiomyopathyEmergency Underwater Oxygen Recompression
June
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September
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November
Exercise drills with DowelsHeart-rate TrainingCultivating ConservationTRavel Smarter : Evaluating an unfamiliar Dive operatorChallenging the Frontiers of Decompression ResearchTravel Smarter: Plan for Medical EmergenciesWhen should I call my Doctor?DAN Student Medical Expense CoverageAdvice, Support and a LifelineWetsuits and heat stressDiving after Chiropractic adjustments
2018
April
Flying after pool diving FAQLung squeeze while freediving FAQDiving after Bariatric surgery FAQMarine injuries FAQVasovagal Syncope unpredictable FAQIncident report procedure FAQDiving after knee surgery FAQDiving when in RemissionDive with orbital Implant FAQInert gas washout FAQOxygen ears FAQPost Decompression sicknessChildren and diving. The real concerns.Diving after SurgeryPhysiology of Decompresssion sickness FAQDiving and regular exerciseGordon Hiles - I am an Underwater Cameraman and Film MakerScuba Air QualityBreath-hold diving. Part 3: The Science Bit!Compensation Legislation and the Recreational DiverCape Town DivingFive pro tips for capturing better images in cold waterThe Boat Left Without You: Now What?
May
When things go wrongEmergency Planning: Why Do We Need It?Breath-hold diving: Running on reserve -Part 5 Learning to RebreatheSweet Dreams: When Can I Resume Diving Post Anaesthesia?Investing in the future of reefsTo lie or not to lie?THE STORY OF A RASH AFTER A DIVEFirst Aid KitsTaravana: Fact or Falacy?
June
Oxygen Unit MaintenanceKnow Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 1Know Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 2Emergency Oxygen unitsInjuries due to exposure - HypothermiaInjuries due to exposure - Altitude sicknessInjuries due to Exposure - Dehydration and other concernsHow to plan for your dive tripThe Future of Dive MedicinePlastic is Killing our ocean
September
Return to DivingDiagnoses: Pulmonary blebSide effects of Rectogesic ointmentDiving with ChemotherapyReplacing dive computers and BCDsCustomize Your First-Aid KitPlan for medical emergenciesHow the dive Reflex protects the brain and heartDry suits and skin BendsAltitude sickness and DCSScuba Diving and Life Expectancy
2017
March
April
Incident Insight: TriageA Field Guide to Minor MishapsSnorkels: Pros & ConsTime & RecoveryMedication & Drug UseDiving with CancerNitrox FAQCOPD FAQHyperbaric Chamber FAQJet Lag FAQHydration FAQAnticoagulant Medication FAQFluid in the Ear FAQEye Surgery FAQElderly Divers FAQNitrogen FAQHealth Concerns FAQMotion Sickness FAQMicronuclei FAQ
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2016
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March
Breath-Hold Diving & ScubaReturn to Diving After DCITiming Exercise & DivingHot Tubs After DivingSubcutaneous EmphysemaIn-Water RecompressionDiving at AltitudeFlying After DivingDiving After FlyingThe Risks of Diabetes & DivingFlu-like Symptoms Following a DiveHand & Foot EdemaFrontal HeadachesBladder DiscomfortLatex AllergiesRemember to BreatheProper Position for Emergency CareAches & PainsCell Phones While DrivingSurfers Ear Ear Ventilation TubesDealing with Ear ProblemsDiving with Existing Ear InjuriesPerforated Ear DrumENT SurgeryUnpluggedCochlear ImplantsPortuguese Man-of-WarJellyfish StingsLionfish, Scorpionfish & Stonefish EnvenomationsStingray Envenomation Coral Cuts, Scrapes and RashesSpeeding & Driving Behaviour
June
Newsflash! Low Pressure Hose DeteriorationItching & rash go away & come back!7 Things we did not know about the oceanMigraine HeadacheAttention Deficit Disorder Cerebral Vascular AccidentEpilepsyCerebral PalsyHistory of SeizuresMultiple Sclerosis Head TraumaBreast Cancer & Fitness to Dive IssuesLocal Allergic ReactionsSea LiceHow ocean pollution affects humans Dive Fatality & Lobster Mini-Season StatisticsPregnancy & DivingReturn to Diving After Giving BirthBreast Implants & DivingMenstruation During Diving ActivitiesOral Birth ControlBreast FeedingPremenstrual SyndromeOsteoporosisThe Aftermath of Diving IncidentsCompensation Legislation & the Recreational DiverNoise-Induced Hearing LossLegal MattersThe Nature of Liability & DivingDAN Legal NetworkWaivers, Children & Solo DivingHealthy, but overweight!Taking Medication while Scuba DivingGetting Fit for the Dive SeasonBone Considerations in Young DiversAsthma and Scuba DivingHepatitisDiving with HyperglycemiaShoulder PainDiving After Spinal Back Surgery
August
Hazard Identification & Risk AssessmentCaring For Your People Caring For Your FacilitiesCaring For Your BusinessScuba Air Quality Part 1Scuba Air Quality Part 2Chamber Maintenance Part 1Chamber Maintenance Part 2The Aging Diver Propeller SafetyRelease The PressureDon't Get LostMore Water, Less Bubbles13 Ways to Run Out of Air & How Not To7 Mistakes Divers Make & How To Avoid ThemSafety Is In The AirHow Good Is Your Emergency Plan
2015
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