The Importance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Written by Enrico Gennari on October 08, 2024
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Welcome to Oceans Research
Marine and terrestrial research and conservation organisation in Southern Africa.
About our companyOceans Research and Conservation in South Africa
Oceans Research Institute investigates the biology and ecology of mega-fauna, including sharks, marine mammals, and terrestrial carnivores; we advise governmental and non-governmental bodies on relevant conservation issues. We also offer multi-disciplinary practical and theoretical training for aspiring researchers from internship to postgraduate levels in conjunction with partner schools, technical colleges, and universities.
Our Motto
Research
Oceans Research provides and facilitates innovative and dynamic research relevant to the management and conservation of Southern Africa’s wildlife.
Discover
We strive to divulge research discoveries to the scientific community and also to the general public, through our website, media releases, scientific and popular articles, and documentaries.
Educate
We fulfill our responsibilities towards the next generation of South Africa by educating young school pupils and students through our marine volunteer and internship programs, exposing them to species such as the White Shark, Cape fur seal, bottlenose, and humpback dolphins.
Conserve
One of our primary goals is to ensure South Africa's white sharks conservation through novel research, innovative awareness approaches, and aimed conservation projects.
Latest research news
Connect with Oceans Research
Our very own Dr. Enrico Gennari recently had the chance to speak at a seminar about something very close to our hearts: the decline of the great white shark population. 🦈
Enrico shared how this decline is affecting our small town of Mossel Bay and talked about the main causes, including the demersal shark longline fishery and the KZN Sharksboard.
We`d love to hear from you! How do you think we can help protect our great white sharks and support our marine ecosystem?
Drop your thoughts and ideas in the comments below. Let`s make a difference together! 💬
#OceansResearch #GreatWhiteSharks #MarineConservation #MosselBay #SaveOurSharks
Nov 5
🐧🚨 URGENT CALL FOR ACTION: The African Penguin is Now Critically Endangered 🚨🐧
Heartbreaking news—our African penguin, a true icon of the South African coast, has officially been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, inching dangerously close to extinction in the wild.
Here at Oceans Research, along with conservation partners across the country, we’re devastated but determined to take action to save this beloved species. We know what needs to be done, and we can’t do it alone. Now’s the time to act if we want to protect their future.
How You Can Help Right Now:
💌 Email South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment to urge action: https://bit.ly/465liSE
✍ Sign the petition to Save the African Penguin: https://bit.ly/4eZLfYs
🙌 Share this post—let’s rally as much support as possible!
💙 Get inspired by Dr Sylvia Earle’s mission with Mission Blue: https://bit.ly/4fefNpa
Your voice has power. Let’s bring the African penguin back from the edge, together. 💙🐧
#AfricanPenguin #SaveOurPenguins #OceansResearch #CriticalStatus
Oct 30
At Oceans Research, we teach students how to fish responsibly—not just to catch fish but to build a deep understanding of marine life and conservation. Our students gain insight into fish behaviour, health, and habitats by learning hands-on skills like tagging, measuring, and health checks.
🌊 They see the impact of sustainable practices firsthand, inspiring them to be the next generation of ocean stewards. Together, we’re not just studying the ocean but protecting it for the future! 🌎🐟
#marineconservation #oceanstewards #sustainablefishing #oceansresearch
Oct 29
🌊 Meet Aku, our student from the Maldives! Representing @miyaru_org, he’s been with us at the Oceans Research Institute, diving into hands-on marine research and discovering the beauty of Mossel Bay`s ocean life. Take a peek into his journey—captured in his own words and footage—and see what life’s like through the eyes of someone dedicated to our oceans. 🌍🐟 #OceansResearch #MarineConservation #StudentStories #FromMaldivesToMosselBay🌊 Meet Aku, our student from the Maldives! Representing @miyaru_org, he’s been with us at the Oceans Research Institute, diving into hands-on marine research and discovering the beauty of Mossel Bay`s ocean life. Take a peek into his journey—captured in his own words and footage—and see what life’s like through the eyes of someone dedicated to our oceans. 🌍🐟 #OceansResearch #MarineConservation #StudentStories #FromMaldivesToMosselBay
Oct 25
Rabies in Cape Fur Seals: A Growing Concern
Cape Fur Seals are now facing a new and unexpected challenge—rabies, a disease typically found in land animals, has made its way into seal populations along South Africa’s coastline. This is the first major rabies outbreak in marine mammals, and experts are closely monitoring the situation. While it’s still rare, rabies causes infected seals to act unusually aggressive or erratic, making beach encounters risky.
Why does this matter?
Seals live in large, tightly packed colonies, which can make it easier for diseases like rabies to spread. Rabies is passed on through bites or scratches, so their behaviour can become unpredictable when seals are stressed or frightened. The fact that rabies is already spreading between seals raises concerns, especially since seals are known to interact with people and pets on beaches.
How can you help?
Keep your distance: Even if seals seem calm, it’s best to admire them from afar.
Watch for unusual behaviour: If a seal appears to be acting aggressively or out of character, report it to local authorities and keep others informed.
For pet owners: Ensure your dogs are always leashed near the beach to avoid any interactions with wildlife.
Remember, it`s not just about protecting yourself but also respecting the seals and giving them space to stay healthy. Together, we can keep our beaches safe for everyone—humans and animals alike.
Oct 24
🚤 Skipper Wanted! 🌊
We`re looking for a Seasoned Skipper to join the team at Oceans Research Institute in Mossel Bay!
Do you have experience on the water and a passion for marine research and fishing?
This could be the perfect opportunity for you!
📋 Requirements:
Valid Category C Skipper’s Ticket (essential)
Experience in boat and shoreline fishing (preferred)
Familiarity with vessel maintenance and safety procedures
Strong communication and teamwork skills
📍 Location: Mossel Bay
💼 Type: Full-time, Seasonal
💰 Salary: Based on qualifications and experience
📝 How to Apply:
Send your CV and cover letter to info@oceans-research.com by 30 November.
Be a part of exciting marine research and conservation projects!
Oct 22
Behind the scenes of our fish biodiversity assessment 🌊🦈🐟
Step 1: Bring the fish on deck
Step 2: Ensure the fish`s comfort while prioritizing crew safety
Step 3: Work up the fish swiftly (measure, take sex of fish, check for parasites, and tag if needed) to return the fish home .
We are committed to not harming any fish during our research. #marinebiology #fishconservation #wildliferesearch #oceanlife
Oct 19
🌊 Cleaning Up the 35% – We’re Not Done Yet! 🌊
In 2017, a massive spill in Durban Harbour unleashed 2 billion plastic nurdles into our oceans. These tiny plastic pellets are now harmful to marine life and the environment, and there`s still 35% left to collect. Together, we’ve made progress, but there’s more work to do!
🧹 What Are Nurdles? Nurdles are the raw material for plastic products, but once in the ocean, they become toxic, absorbing harmful pollutants. Animals mistake them for food, leading to starvation and death.
🌍 Join the Fight
Report sightings, organize cleanups, and contribute to CoastKZN’s database. Every piece of data helps us understand the extent of this catastrophe.
📍 Get Involved
Let’s work together to protect our coastlines and save marine life from this plastic plague. #NurdleSpill #CleanOurCoast #CoastalConservation #CoastKZN
Oct 18
Our welcome movie All videos
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