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 May 28, 2026
This is the report of a short expedition focused on white sharks in Chintsa during May 2026..
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🏴☠️ Meet the pirate of the Southern Ocean! 🐦
If you’ve been spotting more Subantarctic Skuas along our coastline lately, you’re not alone.
These large, powerful seabirds breed on subantarctic islands, including South Africa’s Prince Edward Islands, before dispersing across the Southern Ocean and into South African waters outside of the breeding season. This seasonal movement means they become much more noticeable along our coastline at certain times of the year.
But what makes skuas so famous?
They’re opportunists. Subantarctic Skuas will hunt, scavenge, steal food from other seabirds, and take advantage of almost any meal they can find. Their bold behaviour has earned them a reputation as the pirates of the bird world!
With their sturdy build, dark plumage, and fearless attitude, these birds are hard to miss once you know what to look for.
💡 Fun Fact:
Skuas are known for a behaviour called kleptoparasitism — a fancy word meaning “stealing food.” They will sometimes chase other seabirds in mid-air until the bird drops its catch, allowing the skua to swoop in and claim the meal for itself!
Have you spotted one of these feathered pirates along the coast recently? Let us know where👇🌊
#seabirds #subantarcticskua #southernocean #marinewildlife #birding
Jun 7
A field sketch is more than just a drawing ✏️🌊
Whether documenting an unusual egg case, recording key identification features, or capturing details that photographs may miss, field sketches remain an important tool in marine research.
By carefully observing shape, patterns, proportions and adaptations, researchers can create a lasting record of their observations while developing a deeper understanding of the species they encounter.
In an age of digital technology, the simple act of sketching continues to play a valuable role in science: encouraging patience, attention to detail and a closer connection to the natural world.
Have you ever tried keeping a field notebook during your time outdoors?
#marinescience #fieldsketch #oceanresearch #marinebiology #fieldwork
Jun 5
Not all egg cases are created equal! 🥚🌊
Sharks, skates and chimaeras may all belong to the group of cartilaginous fishes, but their egg cases have evolved in remarkably different ways.
🦈 Shark egg cases are often elongated and equipped with tendrils that anchor them to seaweed, reefs or other underwater structures.
🦈 Skate egg cases, commonly known as “mermaid’s purses”, are usually rectangular with horn-like projections at each corner that help secure them to the seabed.
🦈 Chimaera egg cases are perhaps the most distinctive. These long, spindle-shaped capsules are adapted for life in deeper waters, where they protect developing embryos in a challenging environment.
Each egg case provides a safe nursery pouch for the next generation, offering protection while the embryo develops before hatching.
Have you ever come across an egg case on the shore? Share a photo with us in the comments!
#marinescience #sharks #skates #chimaera #mermaidspurse
Jun 3
🦝 The sticker is not even the biggest problem in this picture.
Most people notice the raccoon first.
But look closer.
Scattered throughout the beach wrack are plastic fragments, rope fibres, foam pieces, and tiny plastic particles that have become almost indistinguishable from the natural environment around them.
That’s what makes microplastic pollution so concerning. It doesn’t always arrive as a bottle or a bag. Over time, larger plastic items break down into smaller and smaller pieces, becoming woven into coastal ecosystems and hiding in plain sight.
This beach should be made up of seaweed, shells, driftwood, and sand.
Instead, plastic has become part of the landscape.
The sticker catches your attention. The thousands of smaller pieces around it are what should keep it.
🌊 Every piece of plastic has a story. The problem is that most of them last far longer than we do.
How many pieces of plastic can you spot in this image?
#microplastics #marinedebris #oceanconservation #marinescience #plasticpollution
Jun 1
Some people dream of travelling the world. Others dream of working in marine conservation.
What if you could do both?
At Oceans Research Institute, students and interns from around the world have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in marine research while living and working on South Africa`s spectacular coastline. From boat-based fieldwork and species identification to data collection and conservation projects, every day offers a chance to learn something new.
You`ll work alongside passionate professionals, build practical skills that employers value, and become part of a community united by a love for the ocean.
The experience extends far beyond the workplace. Sunrises over the bay, unforgettable wildlife encounters, lifelong friendships, and views like this become part of your everyday life.
Marine science is more than a career path—it`s an adventure.
Could this be your next office? 🌊✨
May 31
From tagging expeditions to unforgettable sightings, our latest fieldwork in Chintsa, Eastern Cape offered a closer look into the movements and behavior of white sharks along South Africa’s coastline 🦈🌊
During the expedition, the team documented six white shark encounters along the Eastern Cape coastline, with repeated sightings concentrated close to shore. We were able to photographically identify individual sharks and collect observational data on size, behavior, and habitat use. The expedition highlighted Chintsa as an active aggregation area for juvenile and sub-adult white sharks during the autumn season, providing important baseline information for ongoing long-term monitoring and conservation research.
#SharkResearch #MarineConservation #WhiteSharks #OceanResearch #EasternCape
May 29
POV: You go out to survey tidal pools and end up with an unexpected visitor 🐙
Our team had a surprise encounter with a large octopus during fieldwork this week. Hidden among the rocks and tidal pools, these animals are masters of camouflage and can be surprisingly difficult to spot.
Rocky shore ecosystems may look quiet, but there is always something happening beneath the surface.
Can you spot where it was hiding? 👀
May 25
🚨 When enforcement falls short, people step in.
The recent case of foreign trawlers operating in Algoa Bay raises ongoing concerns about illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing — and whether current monitoring and enforcement measures are enough.
But ocean protection doesn’t rest on authorities alone.
Research being presented at the International Conference on Sharks by Enrico Gennari highlights a critical reality: public participation is a key tool in strengthening Marine Protected Area (MPA) enforcement.
From tracking vessel activity and reporting suspicious behaviour, to documenting evidence and supporting accountability — everyday ocean users can play a direct role in protecting marine ecosystems.
Because without eyes on the water, even well-managed MPAs are vulnerable.
🔗 Read more: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-04-28-the-mystery-of-the-chinese-trawlers-arrested-at-sea-amid-fishing-activity-in-algoa-bay/
Apr 29
This juvenile Shortfin Mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) was reported stranded along the Mossel Bay coastline. By the time we were informed, the animal had already passed away. 🦈
The specimen was carefully examined as part of a structured training opportunity for our students, focusing on foundational marine science techniques used in shark necropsies. 🔬
Students were guided through key procedures including accurate morphometrics, sex determination, external and internal anatomical identification, and systematic documentation. 📏🧠 Where possible, observations were also made to help assess potential indicators related to cause of death.
Beyond anatomy, the exercise builds critical field skills: attention to detail, ethical handling of marine specimens, and proper scientific recording methods used in research contexts. 📝
Opportunities like this are approached with respect for the animal and are used solely for education and to strengthen applied marine science training. 🌊
Apr 27
This week kept our students on their toes—with one of those rare days where everything just lined up 🎣🌊 From teleosts and baitfish to our endemic pajama and leopard catsharks 🦈, the catches just kept coming.
There’s a reason the phrase goes “it’s called fishing, not catching.” Most days aren’t this generous. Conditions change, species move, and effort doesn’t always equal reward. That unpredictability is part of working in the ocean—it builds patience, sharpens observation, and reminds you that you’re dealing with a constantly changing system 🌊
Days like this are a reminder of what’s out there… and why we keep going back 💙
Apr 25
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