The White Shark Trust Field Research Assistantship is proud to introduce you to our assistants:

Alan DUNCAN (Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland), Chris MILNES (Grantham, Lincolnshire, England), Andy CASAGRANDE (Santa Cruz, California, USA), Polly CROUCH, Alice CLARKE (London, England), and Rick HOLMES (Likely, BC, Canada).

Read what Rick HOLMES had to say about his stay in Gansbaai...
On Wednesday the 29th of October 2003, we only observed three different White Sharks. But two of the Sharks were just under four meters, and our first Shark remained with us for well over two hours.

This Shark was also very active at times, coming at the bait with speed and half-leaping out of the water... an amazing and very memorable afternoon! Especially for Rick Holmes who is celebrating his 50th Birthday today!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICK!!!
The Dyer Island Cruises Whale watching boat "Whale Whisperer" visited us during the afternoon and they were given a show by our first Shark!

The sea was a bit rough today, but at least the water visibility was good and the sky cleared up during the day.
On Friday the 31st of October we only observed two different White Sharks... and they did not stay around the boat for very long either...

Andy caught a little Pyjama Catshark (Poroderma africanum) while fishing... we released it of course without any harm... Alice did not seem to approve the boys' fishing though...
Polly, Alice, Rick and Andy were invited by Dyer Island Cruise for a Whale Watching trip on board the Whale Whisperer...

They left us shortly before we got our first White Sharks, but as the Sharks were not very active they did not miss much on Lamnidae. They observed over ten Southern Right Whales!
Chris Milnes took the following photographs on the 29th of October...
And below are some of the pictures taken by Alan Duncan... including probably one of the best White Shark action picture ever taken!
Read what Rick Holmes had to say about his experience at the White Shark Trust Field Research Assistantship...

My fondest memories are of sunny skies, beautiful white sharks, the great crew I was fortunate to share the experience with, Michael's skills as a seaman and researcher, and Tracy's bubbly personality. It was a fantastic experience that will forever be imprinted in my mind. Much laughter always erased the occasions of a weak stomach on rough days. Andy's music and zest for life, Alan's love of football, Alice ( I wonder if she ever found those socks of Andy's) and Polly's charm and uncanny ability on the bait line, Chris' unscheduled swim at the dock and cardboard seal, and Michael and Tracey's group meals still bring a smile to my face.

What a wonderful research program and what a wonderful time it was. Turning age 50 at sea with these folks was one of life's highlights. Well done Michael.......... Keep up the great research and when in Canada please stop by.......... We'll get out and see some grizzlies. All the best.

Cheers, Rick Holmes