Shark scientist tells of her goals

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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Sophumelela Qoma (29) is the co-owner of the Shark Research Unit in Mossel Bay.

She also works for the unit as a scientist and director of communications.

PHOTO GALLERY: Swimming with sharks

Mossel Bay Advertiser spoke to her about her background, her work and her goals.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I was born in Bisho in the Eastern Cape. I grew up in Peddie (Ngqhushwa), then moved to Gqeberha.

Where did you study?

At Nelson Mandela University, George. I did a Diploma in Nature Conservation.

What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

I oversee research and find ways to communicate it to a wide audience. Our research has several parts. The aims are:

- To be able to have an assessment of the shark population in Mossel Bay.

- To understand how to effectively use new technologies such as environmental DNA in the assessment of shark populations and to ultimately find a way to mitigate shark-human conflict.

What are the best parts of your job and what are the most frustrating or lesser fulfilling aspects?

The best parts are studying and interacting with the sharks and being able, through first-hand experience, to share testimonies of how magnetic, wonderful and beautiful they are.

Lesser fulfilling - working towards the implementation of laws towards the protection of these species. There are efforts being made, but not enough, to combat overfishing to sustain the livelihoods of these apex predators.

How did you become interested in shark research?

My journey is led by a vision to see proper representation for people of colour in the conservation space.

Six years ago, I started a mission to push my boundaries to show those that are coming behind me what is possible. Entering the shark space, I was clueless and what set me apart was my determination and willingness to learn.

I could not swim, was fearful of the ocean and had never been on a boat. I still remember the questions I was asked at my interview, as if I had come to the wrong interview.

I still remember my first day at work; people thought I was part of the kitchen staff and that truly fuelled me even more.

I chose to study sharks because they are one of the most misunderstood species and I believed being a person of colour in that space would rattle some curiosity.

It has not been an easy journey. I had to bulldoze my way through some doors because of that vision and I am standing as an owner today because of all the seeds I have planted, through giving 150% in what I do and through the network I have built around me.

How long have you been in Mossel Bay?

Six years.

What did you do before you became involved in shark research?

I went into shark research immediately after my studies.

What are your goals – short term, medium term and long term?

Short term: To facilitate leading shark research in South and create access to the space for underprivileged youth by facilitating first-hand interaction with the ocean and marine life.

Medium term: To upskill South Africans through funding, sponsorship and mentorship, giving them experience and building a strong marine conservation foundation that will set them apart from the rest.

Long term: To be the leading company that creates access for South Africans to conduct research that will benefit South Africa and help towards creating policies that work for people and marine life.

Sophumelela Qoma enjoying a special encounter.