Infrared Imaging and the Detection of Great White Sharks and Cape Fur Seals

Mr. Allinson teamed with Mr. Neil Hammerschlag of ReefQuest Expeditions for this year's first winter expedition (1-14 June 2004) to Seal Island in False Bay, South Africa. Key to the ReefQuest expedition were the continued data gathering of great white shark and cape fur seal predator prey relationships and to capture infrared images of the event. AIRIS, Inc. members, Dr. B. Denise McMillin-Allinson (AIRIS field physician), Gregory L. McMillin (AIRIS video photographer), and John (JACK) N. Allinson II (AIRIS infrared video photographer), participated with two other ReefQuest Expedition team members to observe the sharks, seals, and predation. Regular and infrared video techniques were used to capture the wildlife on and surrounding Seal Island. Recorded subjects included seals, sharks, birds, and a phenomenal breach that occurred on 10 June 2004, when what was estimated to be a fourteen plus (14+) foot great white shark attacked a seal decoy as it was towed behind a twenty-seven (27) foot power catamaran.