Our Sponsors:
WELCOME to the Shark Research Institute (Australia)
Our local charter, authorised by the S.R.I.:
To gather data for the global shark attack file that is maintained by the S.R.I. This data is used by researchers worldwide to identify factors which are conducive to, or may trigger shark attacks. Data is accessed by physicians to determine treatment protocols for shark attack victims.
What is the Australasian shark attack file
The Australasian shark attack file, is a subset of the Global Shark Attack file (G.S.A.F.) which is accessed primarily by medical personnel, shark behaviourists and life savers. It exists because too many physicians and medical personnel were unable to access data from other sources, for their patients.
Why supply information to us
The Australasian Shark Attack file (A.S.A.F.) and the Global Shark Attack file are not competitors with the Australian Shark Attack file or the International Shark Attack file. The two databases collect different types of information because each has a different function. ISAF produces statistics for the comercial arena, whilst the G.S.A.F. and A.S.A.F performs forensic examinations of attacks because we serve medical personnel, shark behaviourists & life savers world-wide.
What are the credentials of the S.R.I.
Recognised world wide as specialists.
Members include;
- World recognised shark behavioural scientists
- Forensic shark attack investigators
- Orthopaedic surgeons
- Forensic odontologists
- Marine biologists
- Technical writers and authors
- Specialist police licensed investigators.
- Shark researchers
- Research and development electronic engineers
- Field investigators in different countries including Australia
Who is the G.S.A.F. associated with
Although the Global Shark Attack file operates under the aegis of S.R.I., more and more these days it functions as an umbrella network that includes a number of independent shark attack files in the Mediterranean, Africa, South America and Australia. Until the Australasian Shark Attack file was in place, Australia was one of the few countries in the world that would not contribute to the Global Shark Attack file.
How long has it been going
Since 1991, however, it contains all of South Africa’s records, including the complete files of Dr David Davies, archival shark attack case histories from many sources and research facilities, as well as all cases investigated by our field researchers. The G.S.A.F. main data base contains over 4067 confirmed Shark Attacks dating from 751 B.C. to current times.
Why don’t all cases get investigated
As a general rule, we do investigate all attacks, however, we need more investigators to feed information back to our info forum. It would seem, for every attack, there are 45 close calls.. Close calls don’t make the news.
USA – Australia connection
In setting up this information site, as strange as it may seem, we had problems in setting up a working relationship with government agencies in Australia. There seemed to be a lot of secrecy and bureaucracy, even to the point of undoing some of our inroads to the agencies which could see the benefit of our endeavours.
We have found that the S.R.I. in the U.S.A. have not only taken us seriously, they have responded in a timely and professional manner every single time. If you take into account the time difference, we have received same-day and even hourly feedback from researchers and scientist of worldwide authority magnitude. All coordinated by the S.R.I. liaison offices in the U.S.A. (Marie Levine)
We are proud to be the Australasian Shark Attack data collection site for the G.S.A.F.
Why are we doing this
Even with our research credentials, we could not access data available within Australia. There is a need for information to be made available to those who require it. Even some government agencies have said they can’t get access to information.
What are we doing within Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania
In order to put things into perspective, the first step is to make available the initial information on the internet. This would allow public scrutiny and help fill in any missing data. Because the data is out in the open, the lid of secrecy is removed.