Name a Shark

Help name one of 5 sharks we're now tracking along the Cape of Good Hope

You asked to name a shark.

At the time, we did not yet have any ready.

We do now.

We have recently tagged 5 sharks along the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa.

They are already moving, and we are now tracking where they go.

Each shark still needs a name.

Why this matters

This is not a symbolic campaign.

These are real sharks, tagged as part of ongoing research to better understand how they move through our coastline and how we can protect them and their ocean home.

When you submit a name, you are becoming part of a real scientific story as it unfolds.

How it works

  1. Submit your shark name and the story behind it.

  2. We review the submissions and shortlist the strongest names.

  3. Final names are chosen based on the story and what we’re learning about each shark.

  4. We share updates as the sharks are detected and the story develops over the next 10 years.

Submit your shark name

A spotted gully shark swimming over sandy ocean floor in Cape Town, South Africa

What happens next

Once names start coming in, we will close submissions and begin shortlisting.

We will also share updates on:

  • where the sharks move

  • when they are detected again

  • what we are learning from the tracking

  • which names make the shortlist

Want to go further?

Some supporters choose to do more than submit a name.

Bring this to your team

We also run live shark scientist sessions for companies and groups.

These sessions can include the shark naming story, the tracking science behind it, and real updates from the field.

If there is someone at your company who organises team sessions or events, you are welcome to connect us.

Ask about a team session

Name a shark directly

If you would prefer to name a shark directly, without going through the shortlist process, that is also possible through a direct contribution to the research.

Direct naming contribution: USD $560

Ask about direct naming

A note from Justin

RockHopper exists to help people connect more deeply with the ocean through real science, real stories, and real conservation work.

Thank you for raising your hand to be part of this.

— Justin Blake

Marine biologist, guide, and founder of RockHopper