The Release of Dané: A Triumph for Marine Conservation

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marine conservation two oceans aquarium

In March of 2023, Jean Tresfon, a renowned marine conservationist photographer captured an extraordinary moment at Struisbaai Main Beach. The event was the successful release of Dané, a female ragged-tooth shark by the Two Oceans Aquarium. The release of Dané was a significant milestone for the conservation efforts of the Aquarium and highlights the importance of protecting marine life.

The Journey of Dané

Dané was caught off the coast of Seavale in 2017 by local angler Mike Dedericks. Mike was given the honour of naming the shark and chose to name her Dané. The ragged-tooth shark was nurtured and cared for by the Two Oceans Aquarium for four years before being released back into the wild.

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Before her release, Dané was carefully examined by the Aquarium’s veterinary team to ensure she was in good health and prepared for the journey back to the ocean. She was transported in a secure tank on a large truck to Struisbaai, where she was examined again before being transferred to the ocean.

The Release

The Struisbaai community warmly welcomed Dané back to the open ocean, and the Aquarium’s efforts were warmly received. The curatorial team at the Aquarium carefully walked Dané into the ocean in a stretcher where she was allowed to acclimatise for ten minutes. During this time, her behaviour was carefully monitored to determine when it was safe to release her.

After a few minutes, the team released Dané back into the ocean, and two divers monitored her movements as she swam away. Dané was tagged with a spaghetti tag that would help collect scientific information about her movements along the coast.

The release of Dané marks a significant triumph for the Two Oceans Aquarium’s conservation efforts. The Aquarium’s dedication to the well-being of marine life is commendable, and their efforts to conserve shark populations are crucial in a world where human activities threaten the ocean’s delicate balance. The release of Dané raises awareness about the plight of these magnificent creatures and underscores the importance of protecting them.

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Aiden Abrahams is a Cape Town-based journalist who chronicles the city’s shifting political landscape for the Weekend Argus and Daily Maverick. Whether tracking parliamentary debates or tracing the legacy of District Six through his family’s own displacement, he roots every story in the voices that braid the Peninsula’s many cultures. Off deadline you’ll find him pacing the Sea Point promenade, debating Kaapse klopse rhythms with anyone who’ll listen.

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