Help the Shark Lab keep head above water
While tourist attractions all around South Africa are under huge threat, the economic downturn back due to Covid-19 is also baring its teeth at local landmarks, such as the aquarium at the Point in Mossel Bay.
Local biker, Liza van Dyk decided to do something. Reaching out to the Shark Lab Director, Alan Jardine, Van Dyk, a member of the Undispute Motorcycle club, has managed to rally local bikers, among others to participate in a fundraiser to help the aquarium.
The most urgent needs include food and water husbandry requirements for the "residents" of the aquarium.
Jardine, in his plea for help, outlined the running cost on food supplies for the marine animals. The two smooth hound sharks and octopus alone cost more than R2 000 per week to feed. Furthermore, the costs of water conditioners, preventative medications, beneficial live bacteria cultures to supplement filtration and water softening products for the Amazon River discus fish amount to about R1 000 per week.
"The big challenge is that I have no idea when government will allow us to open again," a distraught Jardine said.
Bikers and other interested parties can show their support and contribute on 1 August at De Bakke from 10:30. Donations can be placed in the donation helmet that will be present. Those wishing to stay at home but still contribute, can contact Marelize from the Shark Lab on 082 611 2718 for more information or banking details. Businesses at the Point, such as Coffee@Point also offered 10% of their sales on the day to the Shark Lab in order to get it through these trying times.