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Mossel Bay Marine Lab Facilities
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Mossel Bay Marine Lab | Oceans Research
Mossel Bay Marine Lab is the flagship and most established research laboratory within the Oceans Research network, and is also home to the institute´s central office and management structures.
The laboratory is situated along the southern coast of Africa in a warm temperate marine biome that attracts numerous temperate water fish species. At the top of the food chain is the Great white shark that frequents the bay to hunt for resident Cape fur seals and the numerous species of pelagic fish. Other megafauna that frequently utilise the bay include bottlenose, humpback and common dolphins, as well as the humpback and Southern right whales.
The Mossel Bay Marine Lab also operates a shark aquarium and research facility (The Shark Lab) where it conducts studies on small captive shark species. The laboratory is run by marine scientist Enrico Gennari.
Mossel Bay Marine Lab will only conduct research projects with the permit approval from The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Click here for information about the Mossel Bay Marine Lab Internship
Mossel Bay Marine Lab:
Available Facilities
Facilities and Equipment
The laboratory's marine research logistics include:
- Two research vessels (26ft and 21ft "Buttcats")
- Acoustic tracking equipment
- Acoustic monitoring equipment
- Oceanographic survey equipment
- SCUBA equipment
- Shark diving cage
- Shark bite meter
On land, the laboratory consists of:
- A shark research and exhibition aquarium (www.sharklab.co.za).
- Office space for up to 6 visiting scientists.
- Store rooms and cold storage space.
- A small wet lab.
- Conference facilities for small or large groups (www.oceans-events.info).
For more information, please contact us via: info@oceans-research.com
Mossel Bay Marine Lab:
Accommodation
The research laboratory boarding accommodation consists of two houses, one for interns (sleeps up to 12) and another for postgraduate students (sleeps up to 6). Additional nearby accommodation can be arranged for visiting scientists who require more private accommodation or for families.
For more information, please contact us via: info@oceans-research.com
Oceans Research Marine Lab
Booking information
Oceans Research welcomes many visitors including, scientists, students, media, educational groups and the family and friends of interns. All visitors to the resort can submit an advance booking form to determine availability of facilities and staff. For further information for visitors, please see our FAQ.
Mossel Bay Marine Lab
Members of Staff
Enrico Gennari - Ph.D Cand, M.Sc., B.Sc., (Hons)
Laboratory Director: Mossel Bay Marine Lab
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.
Rob Lewis – B.Sc. Zoology
Field Co-ordinator: Mossel Bay Marine Lab
Rob resents 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.
Adam Johnstone – B.Sc. Zoology
Principle Laboratory Co-ordinator: Mossel Bay Marine Lab
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.
Nico Chonga
Aquarist - Mossel Bay Marine Lab
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 - B. A. (Hons)
Multimedia designer
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 Brits
Administrative Manager
Lezanne works as the administrative manager for Oceans Research, and is completing her undergraduate study in zoology at UNISA.
Florence April
Mossel Bay Marine Lab Support
Florence April is the domestic cleaner and cook for the Mossel Bay Marine Lab.