As the year draws to a close, we extend our thanks for your unwavering support. The journey through 2023 has been a remarkable one for SharkSafe Barrier™, and we take immense pride in the accomplishments of our dedicated team. Here’s a recap of some important moments from 2023.

Bahamas Installation

SharkSafe Barrier™ achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of our first commercial installation in the Bahamas. From design, manufacturing, shipment, and installation of the Barrier, this achievement stands as a testament to the collective efforts of the entire SharkSafe Barrier™ team. Special thanks go to Dr. Sara Andreotti, Eng. Laurie Barwell, our manufacturers (KND Fabrications), our clients in the Bahamas, and the continuous support from all of you.

 

SharkSafe Barrier Talks

Dr. Sara Andreotti took centre stage at various events, captivating audiences with presentations on shark conservation, research, white sharks, and the SharkSafe Barrier™. If you’re interested in hosting similar events in 2024, please feel free to reach out.

SHARK STORIES Podcast Launch

Director Anthony Mederer introduced the SHARK STORIES podcast with Dr. Sara Andreotti as his co-host, available on Cliff CentralSpotify or Apple Podcasts. The podcast of 8 episodes looks into historical shark attack tales, re-examines the facts, and explores why these incidents occurred to encourage a deeper understanding of these incredible creatures. The feedback from the audience has been incredible, and we are already planning Season 2.

Brazil Challenge Triumph

SharkSafe Barrier™ took part in the E.I.T.A! Recife, a programme that identifies challenges within the city of Recife and creates a conducive environment for connections capable of implementing innovative solutions.  The challenge aimed to find solutions to reduce the risks of shark incidents on the coastline of Recife using innovative technologies. SharkSafe Barrier Pty made it through the first phase and then after a very intense online pitch session brilliantly led by our international sale and marketing manager MSc Kezia Bowmaker-Falconer, we emerged as the first-place winner in the second phase.

Réunion Island Endeavour

SharkSafe Barrier™ had the opportunity to be part of the Outre Mer French Tech Days in Réunion Island in November, where Dr. Sara Andreotti could showcase our innovation to national and international investors and ministers. Thanks to French Tech South Africa for making this possible and to La French Tech La Réunion for organising this event, which contributes to collaborations between international French Tech and African communities.

The Last Shark Documentary Premiere

The SharkSafe Barrier™ team attended the premiere of The Last Shark Documentary at the Labia in Cape Town. South Africa’s coastline is a global treasure, home to over 200 species of sharks and rays. Among these remarkable creatures is the iconic white shark, a species facing severe population pressure. This thought-provoking documentary embarks on an investigation into the disappearance of white sharks from South Africa’s coast and the persistent use of shark culling policies in Kwazulu-Natal, highlighting that there are alternatives such as the SharkSafe Barrier™. In the documentary, Dr. Sara Andreotti shares more of her knowledge and the SharkSafe Barrier™ with the viewers.

We urge anyone who loves sharks or is interested in shark and ocean conservation to watch this documentary. It is thought-provoking and reminds us that all hope is not lost; however, it also reminds us that things need to change if we are to save sharks and ultimately marine ecosystems.

Live Radio Broadcast at Toyota US Woordfees

We were invited to join Suzanne Paxton Spektrum on the RSG stage at the Toyota US Woordfees, where SharkSafe Barrier™ founders Marine Biologist Dr. Sara Andreotti and Coastal Engineer Laurie Barwell engaged in a live radio broadcast. The Toyota US Woordfees is one of the largest cultural festivals in South Africa. The festival takes place in Stellenbosch, transforming the student town as artists, attendees, and audiences collide in a celebration of theatre, music, art, film, dance, discourse, literature, and poetry.

Sustainability Commitment  

To enhance our commitment to sustainability, SharkSafe Barrier™ was able to repurpose the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) used for a test barrier in Reunion Island thanks to the contact provided by Director Lynton Burger. MSc Kezia Bowmaker-Falconer provided the pipes to the Centre for Regenerative Design and Collaboration South Africa (CRDC SA), with assistance from our manufacturers, KND Fabrications. The CRDC SA will repurpose the pipes into an innovative eco-aggregate made from mixed plastic waste, known as RESIN8™.

RESIN8™, is a lightweight eco-aggregate that meets the needs of the construction industry while also extending the use of plastic waste. RESIN8™ is the only material derived from plastic waste that can improve the performance of structural concrete products and that has earned acceptance from the construction industry.

This collaboration exemplifies the potential for harmonising environmental conservation initiatives and embracing sustainability and circular business practices. Through initiatives like this, organisations can make a lasting impact by repurposing materials, reducing waste, and contributing to a more regenerative future.

As we eagerly anticipate 2024, we extend warm wishes for a joyous Christmas, a Happy New Year, and festive season. Here’s to a promising and impactful 2024 for SharkSafe Barrier™.

See you next year!

Released December 2023.