Environmental Studies

Data collection on the different layers of the water columns: Vertical and Horizontal profiles, providing Baseline study on nutrient levels and Seasonality Part of a holistic study looking at South Africa’s coastline as a whole (University of Cape Town and SAEON: South African Environmental Observation Network). First look at Mossel Bay’s unique composition and how it is different/similar to the rest of South Africa’s coastline, providing a unique reference of the bay.

The aim of this study is to determine the different levels of dissolved oxygen in Mossel Bay, South Africa specifically looking at the coastal area between Groot Brak River mouth and Mossel Bay harbor. and Mossel Bay harbor. The study is testing the dissolved oxygen levels to compare these levels to see if they also differ vertically in the water column. The study will look at how white sharks, Carcharodon carcharias, utilize the different levels of dissolved oxygen are these areas within their core habitats? The study is specifically interested in how the different levels of dissolved oxygen affect white shark behavior.

Currently constructing the largest Desalinization Plant in South Africa along Mossel Bay’s coastline just past Diaz Beach. Intake and Output pipes for the plant will run parallel to Seal Island on either side. Oceans Research is focused on the health of the marine life surrounding Seal Island: monitoring levels of salinity before and after the construction of the plant, and using our 10+ years of White Shark research and observation to detect if the plant is disrupting their natural behavior. Branching out into endeavors that effect the community helps build relationships with the community and also helps prevent marine destruction.