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 April 09, 2025
The deep ocean contains delicate ecosystems that scientists currently understand the least...
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While out collecting elasmobranch egg cases for research 🦈, our students couldn’t ignore the litter scattered along the shore 🏖️. So they took action.
This wasn’t a beach cleanup — it was a moment of responsibility. Because marine science and conservation go hand in hand 🔬♻️. Plastics on the beach can entangle wildlife, break down into harmful microplastics, and disrupt coastal ecosystems — including the habitats of the very species we study.
Protecting the ocean doesn’t always start with a clipboard. Sometimes, it starts with a trash bag 🗑️.
#OceansResearch #ElasmobranchResearch #MarineConservation #ProtectOurOceans #StudentsForTheSea #ScienceInAction #PlasticPollution
May 11
🐋 Gray Whales Are Disappearing — and It`s a Warning We Can’t Ignore
Gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) were once considered a conservation success. But since 2016, their numbers have dropped by nearly 40%. Many are arriving emaciated—or not completing their migration at all.
Why?
These whales make one of the longest migrations on Earth—over 15,000 km—from warm breeding grounds in Mexico to cold, food-rich Arctic waters.
But in recent years, their Arctic feeding grounds have been changing fast.
🔬 Gray whales feed mostly on benthic amphipods, tiny crustaceans found in the seafloor sediments of the Arctic.
📉 As sea ice melts and ocean temperatures rise, these prey populations are declining, shifting deeper or disappearing entirely.
🧊 Warmer waters also affect nutrient cycling and ocean productivity, impacting the entire food web.
This isn’t just about one species.
Gray whales are what scientists call sentinel species—they reflect the health of the marine ecosystem.
When they struggle to find enough food, it signals something much bigger: our oceans are under pressure.
🌊 This is a call to action. For policy. For research. For awareness.
Because if the ocean isn’t healthy, neither are we.
📖 Read the full article:
👉 https://www.thecooldown.com/outdoors/gray-whale-population-migration-decline-emaciated/
#GrayWhales #MarineConservation #OceanHealth #ClimateChange #ScienceCommunication #OceansResearch #SentinelSpecies #VanishingGiants #ConservationMatters
May 11
📊 What Was Detected in Our Waters?
We recently completed a turnaround on the @atap_za Innovasea VR2AR Acoustic Release receivers in our Bay — and here’s what the data revealed! 👇
These underwater receivers are part of a national acoustic tracking network that detects marine animals tagged with coded transmitters. 🦈🐢
With support from @nrf_saiab, who managed the data downloads, we recovered and redeployed the receivers, giving us insight into the movements of tagged animals passing through our area.
👉 Swipe through to meet the species that pinged our receivers!
🔁 From bronze whalers to green turtles, every detection helps build a clearer picture of how animals use South Africa’s coastline.
💬 Which one’s your favourite? Drop it in the comments!
#MarineScience #ATAP #OceansResearch #Innovasea #AcousticTelemetry #TaggedSpecies #ConservationData #SharkTracking #SouthAfricaMarineLife #OceanMonitoring #MarineBiology #CoastalResearch
May 8
🦈 New Tag Alert: Welcome Maya!
We’re excited to introduce Maya, the newest addition to our shark tagging program — and yes, she’s named after our Director’s daughter! 💙
Our team spent a long 12 hours at sea, but it was one of those perfect days: no swell, sunshine all around, glassy water, and barely a breath of wind. The kind of day you wish every deployment had.
You’ll notice something interesting on the tracking map: one of our sharks (James) seems to be going for a stroll on land. Don’t worry — he hasn’t evolved legs. This is due to GPS error! Like your phone, these tags estimate location with a margin of error. Since sharks rarely lift their dorsal fins out of the water (sorry, Jaws fans), the tag sometimes estimates a location that ends up on land.
Also… has anyone noticed how Maya is hanging out very close to James? 🤔 Coincidence or friendship? We’ll keep watching to see if these two cross paths again!
A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this deployment possible — it takes teamwork, dedication, and a good splash of saltwater. 🌊💪
📸 @oceanangel_photography
#SharkTagging #MayaTheShark #JamesAndMaya #MarineScience #SharkTracking #FieldworkDays #OceansResearchInstitute #SouthAfricanCoast
May 5
Words from one of our recent students that truly touched us:
“This past month has been one of the most enriching, eye-opening experiences of my life. Being surrounded by passionate scientists, dedicated conservationists, and the awe-inspiring ocean has ignited something within me that I’ll carry with me always.
Thank you for trusting us to take part in such important work, for sharing your knowledge so openly, and for creating a space where learning, growth, and connection flourish. Every dive, every boat trip, every early morning, and every data session taught me something valuable — not only about marine life but about myself and what I want to pursue in this world.
You have built something beautiful here, and I am so grateful to have been even a small part of it.”
To all our past students: thank you for bringing your energy, passion, and curiosity. You are what makes this journey so meaningful.
May 4
New ROV Shift at Oceans Research Institute — Let the Exploration Begin!
We’re excited to launch test runs with our new Fifish V-EVO ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) as part of a dedicated shift at Oceans Research Institute! While this is a compact unit, it`s a powerful tool for learning how to explore and observe the underwater world safely and non-invasively.
Why use ROVs in marine science?
Even small ROVs open up big opportunities. They allow us to explore shallow reefs, harbor structures, kelp forests, and other nearshore environments that might be hard to access on scuba. We can capture footage of marine life and habitats without disturbing them, offering a new perspective on familiar ecosystems.
How can this help conservation?
ROVs let us document changes in the environment over time, observe species behavior without interference, and spark curiosity and awareness about marine ecosystems. In education and outreach, ROV footage can inspire future marine stewards and support community science.
Why is this great for your CV?
Learning to pilot an ROV builds confidence in marine tech, navigation, and field operations — all valuable skills in modern marine science. It shows adaptability, initiative, and a willingness to engage with innovative tools used across research, conservation, and industry.
We’re just getting started — follow along as we learn, explore, and expand our view beneath the waves!
May 3
🚨♻️ April Results Are In! Who’s Climbing the Recycling Ranks? 🏆🌍
The leaderboard just shifted — and it’s time to celebrate the changemakers! The Captain Fanplastic Interschool Recycling Competition saw major moves this April, with Erica Primary climbing the ranks in a BIG way! 💚📈
At the top? Isalathiso Primary and Ridgeview Primary are still holding strong — but the race is FAR from over! 💥
From cartons to cans, papers to plastics — every piece of recycling counts. ♻️ And YOU are turning waste into impact 🙌
Let’s keep that energy up! There’s still plenty of time to shift the game, rise up the rankings, and become the ultimate Recycling Champion 🏆🌿
🙏 A massive THANK YOU to the organizations making this possible:
🌱 Earth Legacy Foundation
🌊 Mossel Bay Rotary Club
🎲 Garden Route Casino Trust
Together, we’re building a cleaner, greener legacy for the Garden Route 🌍✨
#CaptainFanplastic #AprilRecyclingResults #EcoSchoolsChallenge #RecyclingChampions #GreenSchoolsSA #EricaPrimaryRising #PlasticFreeFuture #AllRecyclablesMatter #SchoolEcoChallenge #YouthForChange #SustainabilityInAction #EarthLegacyFoundation #RotaryMakingChange #GardenRouteRecycles #MosselBaySchools #WasteWarriors #EcoChampions #EveryPieceCounts #RecycleAndRise #EcoLegacy2025
May 2
Ahoy, Young Ocean Heroes!
Before we dive into our Captain Fanplastic mission, we get the crew warmed up with games that bring the giggles!
One of the kids` favorites? Captain Says!—a twist on “Simon Says” where only the Captain can give the orders!
And then there’s our special call-and-move game. The kids sing a catchy response with a fun move to match—think teamwork, rhythm, and a whole lot of laughs!
These playful moments help break the ice and build the perfect energy for a day of learning and protecting our precious ocean.
Watch the magic in the video—future ocean protectors in action!
#CaptainFanplastic #PlasticWise #FunWithPurpose #OceanCrew #LearningCanBeFun #EcoChampions #CallAndMove #CaptainSays
Apr 29
ATAP Receiver Swap Completed!
This week, our Oceans Research team headed out to swap the acoustic receivers for the Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP).
These receivers collect vital tracking data on tagged marine animals along South Africa’s coastline, and swapping them ensures the research continues smoothly.
Great work by the team on a successful and efficient operation!
#OceansResearch #ATAP #MarineResearch #FieldTraining #AcousticTracking #fieldwork
Apr 27
Dive Into Cetacean Tracking with Our Field Research Training Course
At Oceans Research, cetacean tracking has long been an essential part of our Field Research Training Course.
Through land-based surveys overlooking Mossel Bay, our students gain real-world experience monitoring dolphins and whales, using scientific equipment like theodolites to collect valuable movement and behavior data.
This hands-on training not only builds essential field research skills but also contributes directly to marine conservation efforts along South Africa’s coastline.
If you’re passionate about marine science and ready to take your skills to the next level, our Field Research Training Course is where your journey begins.
Find out more: www.oceans-research.com
#OceansResearch #FieldResearchTraining #MarineBiology #CetaceanTracking #HandsOnScience
Apr 26
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