How Can Technology Help in Monitoring Ocean Health
Written by on July 11, 2024
Ocean pollution has severely affected marine life, and according to Condor Ferries, almost 1,000 species of marine animals are impacted by ocean pollution...
Marine Research - Education - Conservation South Africa | Oceans Research
Oceans ResearchOceans 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
Oceans Research provides and facilitates innovative and dynamic research relevant to the management and conservation of Southern Africa’s wildlife.
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.
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.
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
Written by on July 11, 2024
Ocean pollution has severely affected marine life, and according to Condor Ferries, almost 1,000 species of marine animals are impacted by ocean pollution...
Connect with Oceans Research
Oceans Research Institute collaborated on a cutting-edge novel genome analyses to white shark populations around the world for the first time, with their results published in the journal Current Biology. 🧬🦈
We found that there are three distinct geographic lineages which seldom interbreed; a southern Pacific Ocean population (Indo-Pacific), a northern Pacific Ocean population and a population in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean.🌍
The discovery means the global populations of white sharks are at greater risk of extinction than one mixing single population. Furthermore, the lack of interbreeding also suggests that cross-lineage matings may not be viable reducing the chance of outside "help" in a struggling population. 💀
Our findings suggest this population isolation, together with bycatch fishing, depletion of their food reserves, pollution, and poaching, could put this iconic apex predator in real danger of extinction.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982224008601?dgcid=coauthor
Jul 26
South Africa awaits a landmark court ruling on the future of fishing boats within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), shaping conservation policies and ocean sustainability.
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-07-23-landmark-august-12-verdict-expected-over-illegal-fishing-inside-marine-protected-areas/
Jul 24
🌊 One thing I’ve learned from working in the marine biology field is that it is much more accessible to the public than you’d expect. Anyone with the desire to learn and care for our oceans can be a marine scientist! 🐠 One way to start to do that is to become familiar with the species in your area. Detail is key! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve assumed a species and ended up being wrong because I didn’t look closely enough. 🦀 Let’s practice! Take a look at the pictures below and see if you can ID them by only the tiniest of details! I’ll give you a hint: all of these species inhabit the Mossel Bay area. 📸 Comment below what you think! 🌿
Posted by Oceans Research June student, Mariya Kemp.
Jul 21
Check out this stunning leopard catshark curled up like a doughnut, caught by our talented students! 🦈Definitely a favourite for this month`s cohort!
Found along the southern African coast and as far as Madagascar, these sharks thrive in the shallow coastal waters of the southern and western Cape regions. Leopard catsharks, which can grow up to 84cm in length, are known for their sluggish nature, spending most of their time on the sandy bottom near reefs. They feed at night on small fish, crustaceans, and squid. Unique features include a long barbel projecting from each nostril and the absence of a groove connecting the mouth to the nostrils. A fantastic reminder of the incredible biodiversity in our oceans. #OceansResearch #SharkScience
Jul 17
Howdy!! I’m Ella Bunting, a student here at Oceans Research Institute. During our day of sea fishing, I was able to learn how to properly and safely handle any of the small catsharks/shy sharks by safely pulling the shark on board and placing it in the bucket of water, allowing the shark to continue to breathe and stay cool while at least two students and one field specialists take measurements on the shark. This process enables ORI to collect important data on the species in a safe, controlled environment so that the species and the students can gain hands-on experience.
Jul 9
Hi everyone! My name is Gia, and I am a student at Oceans Research Institute! One of the projects done in June was an ethical fish biodiversity assessment. As a student, I learned how to properly and ethically tag a Pyjama Shark that I caught from a handline. The Pyjama Shark is remembered by its black and grey stripes that start at the tip of the shark’s nose all the way to its tail, as seen in the photographs above. Once the tag is inserted alongside the shark’s second dorsal fin, the tagging device must be sterilised with ethanol and freshwater. Tagging sharks is an important way of collecting data on sharks and helps scientists communicate conservation strategies surrounding this shark species. Tagging is a way of tracking the Pyjama Shark population. This was an amazing hands-on experience, and I learned so much more about the importance of ethical tagging. I am so glad I could tag my first shark with Oceans Research! It will be something I cherish forever🦈🩵
Jul 8
Our welcome movie All videos
Keen to learn more? Join us on Facebook