Mossel Bay | Garden Route
If you are a fishing enthusiast, you might have heard of us or joined one of our fishing charters. We offer exciting and ethical fishing trips in the waters of South Africa. But did you know that we are also involved in shark conservation, and that we collaborate with the local internships, such as Go Dive Mossel Bay, Garden Route Scuba, and Shark Research Unit, to tag sharks for Oceanographic Research Institute’s Cooperative Fish Tagging Project?
Learn more about this project, why it is important, and how you can participate.
The Cooperative Fish Tagging Project is a citizen science initiative launched by the Oceanographic Research Institute in 1984, with the goal of collecting data on the movement, growth, and biology of marine fish, particularly sharks and vulnerable species, in South Africa and the Indian Ocean region. The project involves tagging fish with plastic tags that have a unique number.
The tags are attached to the fish by trained anglers, charter operators, researchers, and conservationists, who also record the date, location, species, size, and sex of the fish. The tagged fish are then released back into the water, where they can be recaptured by other anglers or researchers, who can report the tag number and the recapture details to ORI. ORI then analyses the data and provides feedback to the taggers and the recapturers. You’ll find the published recapture and release reports on their website, and many references to their data in scientific journals.
The Cooperative Fish Tagging Project provides valuable information on the population dynamics, distribution, migration, and behaviour of marine fish. Many of the species we tag are often poorly studied and threatened by overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change. The data collected by the CFTP can help to improve the understanding and management of these animals, and to support their conservation and sustainable use. The Cooperative Fish Tagging Project also promotes the awareness and involvement of the public, especially the fishing community, in the conservation of marine fish, and encourages the adoption of best practices, such as catch-and-release, selective fishing, and minimal handling.
Salt Life Fishing Charters collaborates with local shark researchers, biology students, and scuba interns to tag sharks and fish. We offer a variety of fishing trips, such as deep sea fishing, and reef fishing, and target different species of fish, such as kob, yellowtail, bonito, and red fish. However, we also catch sharks and non-target species of fish as bycatch, and use the opportunity to tag and release them as part of the Cooperative Fish Tagging Project. We also educate our clients about the importance and benefits of shark conservation, and invite them to join the tagging process and learn more about the species they encounter.
The Shark Research Unit is a shark and marine research and conservation institute driven by a passionate team of shark experts. They have a headquarters in Mossel Bay, but also work out of Aliwal Shoal in KZN. Their core purpose is to conduct and support original shark research, conservation, and education programs through strategic partnerships with marine scientists, postgraduate students, ecotourism operators, and academic institutes.
Go Dive Mossel Bay is a team of highly skilled, experienced, award-winning NAUI Instructors, passionate marine biologists, and committed conservationists. They offer an internship programme that aims to cultivate exceptional diving professionals who are passionate about marine conservation, safety, and education.
Garden Route Scuba is a PADI dive centre based in Mossel Bay. They offer a programme that combines the PADI Divemaster training with an intro to marine biology. It’s designed to build confident, safe dive pros while giving a solid overview of marine biology concepts and projects.
We offer Shark Ecology and Biology Research Trips. You’ll get a chance to learn more about our incredible shark species, get hands-on with shark tagging, and work with local researchers. Joining one of these trips, which feeds into The Cooperative Fish Tagging Project, is a great way to get an educational experience while enjoying the thrill of fishing, and helping shark conservation in South Africa. You can make a difference for the marine fish and their habitats, and also learn more about them and their fascinating biology.
Reach out to us to book either a deep sea fishing trip, or an educational trip. Relish a fun and ethical fishing experience, while also contributing to shark conservation
We practice both responsibly. We release all vulnerable, endangered, or protected species and follow strict ethical handling guidelines. When conditions allow, we retain only sustainable, edible species for personal consumption. Catching your dinner is often more ethical and traceable than buying fish from unknown sources.
These species are never removed from the water. We cut the line as close to the hook as possible to minimise harm. No photos, no handling, just a safe, respectful release. We also report sightings to relevant databases to contribute to conservation efforts.
Yes, we participate in South Africa’s Cooperative Fish Tagging Project (ORI-CFTP). We tag species like dusky kob, steenbras, rockcods, musselcracker, and sharks. These tags help researchers understand population health, migration, and growth rates. We never tag rays, following ORI’s guidance due to concerns over injury and low recapture rates.
Yes, but we prioritise release shots. Quick, respectful photos taken just before release are best. We discourage posing out of the water, especially for sensitive species, as this can harm them.
Our crew is trained in ethical fish handling, species identification, and tagging protocols. We log notable sightings and follow a “fish with purpose” ethos, not just for sport, but for sustainability.
Store-bought fish often comes with questionable sustainability and no traceability. Eating your catch means you know exactly where it came from and how it was caught. It’s fresher, more ethical, and environmentally sound, especially when done with respect and within legal limits.
Our crew will assist you with species ID and decide the best course of action. When in doubt, release. We’re here to help you fish responsibly while still having an unforgettable experience.
Absolutely! We love introducing young anglers to ocean stewardship. Our team makes sure kids learn how to handle fish gently and respect the marine life we encounter.
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