Information about Oceans Research

Ryan Johnson is the research co-ordinator for Oceans Research. His time is split between identifying and overseeing Oceans Research projects and hosting marine wildlife documentaries for the National Geographic channel.

Enrico Gennari's research focus is on the thermal eco-physiology of the white shark at Mossel Bay Marine Lab, aimed at obtaining holistic insights into this apex predator's thermal niche and thermal physiological abilities, using advanced telemetry methods and anatomical dissections.

Dr. Elwen conducted his masters and doctoral research on cetaceans in the Western Cape, South Africa. His current research is assessing the impact of dolphin tourism on the behaviour of dolphins in the Walvis Bay region.

Ecology of marine mega-vertebrates (cetaceans, seals & basking sharks) & static acoustic monitoring of odontocetes. Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, Right Whale Aerial Survey Program

Tess has been working on marine projects in Africa since 2002 and is currently based in Cape Town. Her research is focused on animal behaviour and in particular on marine mammal acoustic communication. Her PhD, through the University of St Andrews Sea Mammal Research Unit (UK) investigated geographic and species variation in the individually distinctive 'signature' whistles of bottlenose dolphins.

Adam is responsible for developing and managing the Shark Lab aquarium, the salt water wet lab and the freshwater wet lab (in development). He graduated in Marine and Freshwater Biology at Kingston University, London where he received a BSc (Hons) degree and the Tetra UK award. Adam is currently evolving the Shark Lab aquarium and strengthening its education and conservation identity. He is also establishing range of training and research procedures focusing on shark husbandry, behaviour and physiology.

Rob represents Oceans Research as a dedicated field co-ordinator, with specific attention on overseeing great white shark tracking and chumming research. Rob is also actively involved in the Oceans Aware educational program “Meet the Sharks” , where he conducts presentations and dissections for school groups visiting the laboratory. He is currently developing a postgraduate thesis to further his studies whilst at Oceans Research.

More information about Dorien Schroder coming soon

Profile Coming Soon.

Heidi originally started with Oceans Research as an intern in both Mossel Bay and Namibia in 2010. The following field season, she returned to Namibia as the intern manager. Since then she has been working to begin a community outreach programme in Namibia educating the local public about the marine research currently being conducted there. When not working with the NDP, she freelances as a marine mammal observer.

Nico has worked as an aquarist at the Shark Lab since 2007. His work consists in the management of the aquarium's curio shop (Carcharias) and general aquarium operations.

David Edwards´ passion and desire to be actively involved with marine wildlife led to contributing to Oceans Research, with a view to developing multimedia and software dedicated to organisations involved with research, conservation and ecotourism.

Lezanne works as the Director of Recruitment for Oceans Research, and is completing her undergraduate study in zoology at UNISA.

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

Florence April is the domestic cleaner and cook for the Mossel Bay Marine Lab.

Bio coming soon.

Thesis title: Impact of intensive fish farming activity on the behaviour of white sharks at Mossel Bay, South Africa.

Thesis title: Investigation of the diurnal movements, behaviour and habitat use of coastal delphinids in Mossel Bay: top predator sympatry and anthropogenic impacts.

Thesis title: Population composition and abundance of the white shark at Mossel Bay, South Africa

Thesis title:Investigation of the impacts on movements, behaviour and habitat use of coastal delphinids in Mossel Bay, related to the installation of a desalination plant.

Thesis title: Do dissolved oxygen levels in Mossel Bay, South Africa affect White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias, behavior?.

Thesis title: Effective moon phase on the traversing frequency of Cape fur seals in waters adjacent to Seal Island, Mossel Bay.

Thesis title: Interspecific comparison in the associative learning ability in three species of Benthic sharks.

Thesis title: Effectiveness of dorsal fin identification techniques using natural markings on great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias).

Prof. Bester is one of Africa´s foremost marine mammal scientists. He has acted as academic supervisor and mentor to Ryan Johnson for the past 10 years. He is also supervising postgraduate students: Justin Blake, Storm van Tonder, Thomas Mufanadzo and Oliver Jewell.

Dr. Paul Cowley is one of Africa´s foremost marine scientists using acoustic telemetry to investigate life histories of marine fish species. He is supervising Oceans Research scientist Enrico Gennari.

Dr. Sheldon Dudley is a senior scientist at the Natal Shark Board investigating the population status of numerous shark species in South Africa. Sheldon is Ryan Johnson´s academic supervisor.

Dr. Smale is one of Africa´s most renowned elasmobranch scientists. His research focus is on species such as the spotted ragged toothed shark, tiger shark and whale shark. He is currently working on Oceans Research "Project Bull shark" and acting as academic supervisor to Ryan Daly.