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 Dr Enrico Gennari on January 07, 2026
Balancing science, public safety, and conservation through a precautionary lens..
Connect with Oceans Research
Great white population assessments are about a lot more than seeing sharks.
On these trips, students learn practical seaman skills, but just as importantly, they learn how to act and react around these animals. We talk through shark behaviour around the boat, what we’ve noticed over years of working with them, and how small changes in movement or body language can tell you a lot.
We also teach bait roping — not just how to do it, but why we do it the way we do. Every decision on the boat has a reason behind it, from safety to data quality to minimising stress on the animal.
It’s hands-on learning, built on observation, repetition, and learning to stay calm and aware around one of the ocean’s most iconic predators. 🦈⚓
Jan 23
Intertidal biodiversity surveys aren’t just about what we find — they’re about building skills. 🧠🔍
At first glance, everything can look the same, or even like nothing at all. But the stiller you are and the closer you look, the more life you start to notice on the shoreline 🌊🪨
Our invertebrate intertidal surveys focus on developing practical identification skills. Students learn how to work methodically, pay attention to small details, and become more confident in telling species apart — even when differences are subtle 📋🐚
The work is repetitive. Quadrat after quadrat, recording the same species again and again. That repetition is a key part of the learning process. It trains observation, reinforces IDs, and helps patterns stand out over time 🔁👀
And every now and then, something different appears — and you notice it because you’ve learned what “normal” looks like ✨
These surveys are about learning how to observe, record, and think scientifically — skills that apply far beyond the intertidal zone 🧪🌍
Jan 21
And on today’s agenda at Oceans: preparing for tomorrow’s ATAP receiver turn-around 🪢⚙️
Knot-tying might seem simple, but in marine fieldwork it’s a critical skill we actively train and reinforce. These acoustic receivers stay underwater for up to 8 months, so every knot must be able to withstand constant tension and prolonged friction.
Because the receivers are deployed using steel railway sleepers, the knots we use are specifically chosen to cope with abrasion against metal while remaining secure over long deployment periods.
Building strong science isn’t just about collecting data — it’s about building capacity, passing on practical field skills, and making sure the next generation of researchers knows how to do things properly, safely, and reliably.
Jan 19
Week 1 done and dusted — and what a way to kick off the month!
What a great (and very busy) first week with our @flindersuniversity group.
Here at Oceans, we don’t believe in easing you in 😉
After orientation day, we throw you straight into the field to start getting hands-on experience where it really matters.
From early mornings to full field days, this group hit the ground running and embraced every opportunity to learn, observe, and get involved. If this is just Week 1, we can’t wait to see what the rest of the month brings!
Welcome to fieldwork — Oceans style 🌊🦈
Jan 18
Ocean finds never disappoint 🤍🌊
Another fascinating discovery during our elasmobranch egg case collection — a partial elasmobranch skeleton washed ashore.
Elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, and skates) don’t have true bones; their skeletons are made of cartilage, which is why finds like this are so rare and intriguing. Features like the flattened skull and elongated rostrum give us clues about life on the seafloor, but coastal remains like this can be tricky to identify to species.
Any guesses on what species this could be and why you think so?
Jan 16
Halfway through week 1 and our field days have been nothing short of epic 🌊
In this short while we`ve done ethical fish biodiversity assessments, cetacean surveys, great white population surveys, ROV skills, elasmobranch egg case collections and intertidal biodiversity surveys — long days, big learning, and even bigger energy.
Stay tuned to see what we get up to next!
Jan 14
Day one with the next @flindersuniversity crew ✔️
An introduction and orientation day focused on boat safety, vessel familiarisation, and basic skills. A solid and important start before the real fieldwork begins early tomorrow mornimg!🌊⚓
Stay tuned for a month of learning and fun! 🌊🦈
Jan 12
This month’s front page of SevenSeas, a travel and conservation magazine, features our Director, Dr Enrico Gennari. The issue includes an in-depth interview highlighting his work as a marine biologist and white shark researcher, known for pushing science beyond publications toward tangible conservation impact. 🦈
📖 Read all about it here:
https://sevenseasmedia.org/dr-enrico-gennari-cover-conservationist-january-2025/
Jan 10
Are South Africa’s white sharks really stable?
South Africa was the first country in the world to protect white sharks, applying a precautionary approach long before population data were available. Today, multiple independent lines of evidence suggest this population may be declining.
While predator–prey dynamics, including orca predation, are a natural part of marine ecosystems, human-induced sources of white shark mortality remain significant and — importantly — manageable.
The growing body of scientific evidence suggests that waiting for absolute certainty may come at a cost that both the white shark population and South Africa cannot afford.
👉 Swipe through to understand what the science shows.
📖 Read more here: https://www.oceans-research.com/white-sharks-in-south-african-waters-what-the-evidence-really-tells-us/
https://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2025/58/n058p409.pdf
#WhiteSharks #MarineScience #OceansResearch #PrecautionaryPrinciple #SharkConservation #EvidenceBasedPolicy
Jan 7
As our @flindersuniversity students head home tomorrow, we want to say a very special goodbye.
This group brought so much enthusiasm, kindness, curiosity, and hard work into every day — from early mornings in the field to long hours learning, questioning, and growing as marine scientists. It’s been a privilege to watch your confidence build and your passion for the ocean deepen.
Thank you for the energy you shared, the laughs you brought, and the genuine care you showed for the work we do and for each other. You’ve left a lasting impression on our team, and we’re incredibly proud of how far you’ve come.
Safe travels, and remember: you’ll always be part of the Oceans family 🌊
Dec 14
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