Welcome to Oceans Research

Marine and terrestrial research and conservation organisation in Southern Africa.

About our company

Field Research Program

The Oceans Research's Field Research Program provides unparalleled research training opportunities for aspiring marine scientists and researchers

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Marine and Terrestrial Research in Southern Africa

Oceans Research provides and facilitates innovative and dynamic marine research
relevant to the management and conservation of Southern Africa’s wildlife.

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VEMCO Products

Oceans Research is now the VEMCO agent for the entire Africa

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Oceans 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 t6he 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

South African Tide Pooling Guide, Part 1

Written by on June 17, 2023

Part 1 of our comprehensive guide to tidepooling in Mossel Bay..

Read the full update

Connect with Oceans Research

oceansresearch

Exciting Insights from our past students

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Oct 24

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Exciting Insights from our past students Throughout this month, we’ve discussed skills and experiences that our students find most valuable during their time with us at the Oceans Research Institute. So far, we've explored the realms of seamanship, boat safety, confidence building, and data collection through various research methods. But today, we want to cover another experience our past students found valuable, equipment. In this video, we'd like to introduce you to the Innovasea’s VR-100 – a crucial piece of equipment used in acoustic telemetry. This device helps us detect acoustically tagged animals as they move through the bay, enabling us to follow and learn more about their swimming patterns. Telemetry is the science of animal movement (from ancient Greek, measuring something from afar), using acoustics (or sounds). Once an animal is tagged, the tag continuously "pings," giving us the ability to track it. The VR-100 is specifically used in boat-based tracking, but it doesn't stop there! This versatile piece of technology, also equipped with a transponder setting, emitting a signal that allows it to communicate with special receivers moored throughout the bay. Those receivers (VR2ARs) are equipped with acoustically-responding releases. This feature saves us from having to dive out to collect our receivers, making our research operations more efficient. We’re proud to provide our students with the hands-on experience of working with cutting-edge tools like the VR-100 and the VR2ARs. 🙌🔍 Stay tuned for more insights into the world of marine science, and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments. Together, we're making waves in the world of marine research! 🌊🤝 #marinescience #fieldwork #equipment #vr100 #experience #innovasea

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🌊 Join us for a day in the life of an Oceans ...

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Oct 21

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🌊 Join us for a day in the life of an Oceans Research Institute student. . . . . . #fieldwork #whitesharks #sharks #sharkscience #population #southafrica

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🦈 Taking a Stand for Shark Conservation
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Oct 19

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🦈 Taking a Stand for Shark Conservation For the first time ever, The IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) takes a stand over shark control programs and urges governments and the general public to reconsider lethal shark control programs for better alternatives. While only a few shark species pose any risk to humans, most of them are risking extinction. Non-lethal approaches are the ONLY way forward in dealing with human-shark conflicts. Lethal methods of controlling shark numbers include shark culls but also shark nets and drumlines which are not protection devices but outright fishing devices designed to decrease the number of sharks in an area close to zero, thus as close as possible to extinction. Those have not only significant environmental but also economic costs. Instead, governments should embrace non-lethal alternatives such as swimming enclosures and advanced detection systems, already available also in South Africa, to keep both humans and sharks safe. Let's protect our oceans and their inhabitants. Encourage safer water user behaviors and a better understanding of these remarkable creatures. We need our sharks to keep our ocean healthy! @iucnshark @redlist_of_ecosystems @sharkspotters #sharkconservation #sharks

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🌊📊🚤 Dive into the World of Marine Science...

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Oct 17

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🌊📊🚤 Dive into the World of Marine Science and Data Collection At the Oceans Research Institute, we believe in empowering our students with essential skills and real-world experiences. We recently asked our students to share their thoughts on their favorite obtained skills and what they found most valuable for their studies. We have already shared their opinions on boat safety and seamanship skills, but up next: Data Collection. Our students have gained an invaluable perspective on the data collection process, including the importance of recording concurrent environmental data and make note of anything different. All this can help when one is trying to interpret the data collected, by looking at the “context” of their findings. 🐠📝 We emphasize the importance of learning how to recall information accurately, a crucial skill that ensures the data they collect is reliable. Fieldwork can be intense, but the purpose is clear: to collect data methodically and make a difference. 🌏 Our students are out there, dedicated to this mission, and this commitment shows through their work. One of the most enriching experiences they mentioned is understanding that different research questions require the collection of various datasets and information. 🧐 Learning to collect data correctly, efficiently but also reliably for future inspection, gives our students a significant advantage, whether they're conducting their own investigations or interpreting data recorded by others. ⚓ With the skills they have acquired, they are equipped to make a positive impact in the field and improve their careers. #oceansresearch #data #fieldwork #valuable #skills

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Skills and Confidence Through Field Work: A ...

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Oct 12

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Skills and Confidence Through Field Work: A Glimpse into Our Students' Journey At Oceans Research Institute, each year we have the privilege of hosting students from around the world, providing them with a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on fieldwork and research methods. The aim of our training course is to equip these young minds with a skill set that will empower them to pursue their career goals and passions with confidence. Recently, we reached out to our students from the past year to find out which skills they found most valuable during their time with us, and one skill stood out among them all: boat safety and seamanship. Diversity is at the heart of our program, and our students come from various countries and walks of life. Some arrive with prior experience working on the sea, while others are complete newcomers to the world of boats and the open water. Regardless of their starting point, our dedicated training programs ensure that everyone leaves with a newfound appreciation for boat safety and seamanship. Our field months begin with a comprehensive introduction to boat safety, instilling in our students a deep respect for the unique challenges of working on the sea. From learning the ropes of basic navigation to understanding the principles of safe boat operation, our students start their adventure with a strong foundation in maritime safety. As the months progress, our students actively participate in crewing duties on research projects. This hands-on experience allows them to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice. The transformation is remarkable to witness. Many of our students reported that their comfort levels at sea grew exponentially throughout their time with us. The confidence gained in working on board extends far beyond the duration of our program. Our students leave us with a skill that transcends borders and industries. Whether they choose to pursue a career in marine biology, environmental conservation, or any other field, the ability to navigate an ocean craft with confidence is a priceless asset. #boat #skills #confidence #fieldwork #marinescience

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