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 Enrico Gennari on January 08, 2025
Oceans comprise over 70% of the earth's surface and play an essential role in the viability of life on our planet. They regulate weather, manufacture oxygen, and serve food to billions. ..
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2024 has been one for the books—literally!
At Oceans Research Institute, we’re thrilled to have contributed in impactful studies for the conservation of our ocean. From groundbreaking insights into global white shark genomics to new orca-white shark predatory behaviour but also around the trophic ecology of less charismatic, but as important, pyjama catsharks endemic of South Africa. We also questioned the theory of the white shark population in southern Africa by providing our alternative theory, which is more in line with a precautionary approach to the management of this species. To finish with an international collaboration on how we could reduce white shark bites on people learning from how these species see the world around them.🦈🐟
Here’s to a year of teamwork, discovery, and conservation-driven science. A big thank you to our incredible collaborators for helping us make these achievements possible! 💙
📖 Explore our 2024 publications online: https://www.oceans-research.com/projects/publications/ #2024Highlights #MarineScience #OceansResearch #SharkEcology #ScientificPublications #MarineConservation"
Jan 17
🎥✨ What a year!
As we look back on 2024, we are so grateful for the incredible students who joined us for our field courses!🌊🐟 Here’s to another year of diving deeper into research, learning together and making more waves in marine conservation!💙🌎
#thankyou #oceansresearch #marineeducation #fieldworkadventures #gratefulforyou
Jan 13
🎙️ Why Saving Great White Sharks is Essential 🎙️
Listen to Fred’s powerful interview with Dr. Enrico Gennari, director of our Oceans Research Institute, on the urgent need to protect Great White sharks from extinction. 🦈 Dr Gennari discusses why these apex predators are crucial for marine ecosystems and how we can help push back against harmful practices like longline fishing, drum lines, and shark nets set up by the KZN Sharks Board.
Discover what can be done to advocate for responsible practices and help secure a future for Great Whites and our oceans. 🌊
🎧 Don’t miss this call to action: https://iono.fm/e/1500109?fbclid=IwY2xjawGbBphleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHa-N4UUomxbaegRXjhaqaCquYgQqUsn_BjhKPo-woEH3-XdyztpqmMP0Hg_aem_TVL_0K0Y6zyGtM8s5yZP3g&sfnsn=scwspwa.
#SaveTheGreatWhite #MarineConservation #SharkProtection #OceansResearchInstitute
Nov 13
🌊 Nature-Inspired Innovation: New Research on Counterillumination and Shark Deterrence! 🌊
A recent study by our director, Dr Enrico Gennari and his team, published in Current Biology, takes a cue from nature’s camouflage tricks to explore new ways of deterring shark attacks. 🦈✨ The research focuses on counterillumination—a strategy some marine species use to blend into brighter waters by emitting light from their undersides.
Using seal decoys equipped with LED lights, the team discovered that counterillumination disrupts the typical silhouette sharks look for, making the decoys less recognizable to Great White sharks. This approach could pave the way for innovative, non-invasive shark deterrent technology, helping reduce shark bite risks in open waters!
Read more about this groundbreaking work here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.10.042
Nov 12
At Oceans Research Institute, it`s not just about the groundbreaking research—it`s about the incredible bonds we form along the way! Seeing our students become lifelong friends while tackling conservation challenges is truly heartwarming. These connections are the backbone of our work, fueling our passion and enhancing our efforts to protect our oceans. Together, we create a supportive, collaborative environment that drives real change. 🌊💙
#oceansresearch #friendshipgoals #conservationheroes #teamspirit #togetherfortheoceans
Nov 9
On Tuesday, the Oceans Research Institute had the privilege of releasing a young seal pup back into the wild at Seal Island, Mossel Bay! 🏝️
Rescued and rehabilitated by the amazing team at SMART (Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team), this little one was given all the care it needed to recover. Together with SMART, we made sure the pup had a safe journey back to its colony, where it’s now splashing around with friends once more! 🐾💙
A big thank you to SMART for their dedication and collaboration—it takes a team to protect our oceans and its incredible animals. 🌊💪
Nov 7
Our very own Dr. Enrico Gennari recently had the chance to speak at a seminar about something very close to our hearts: the decline of the great white shark population. 🦈
Enrico shared how this decline is affecting our small town of Mossel Bay and talked about the main causes, including the demersal shark longline fishery and the KZN Sharksboard.
We`d love to hear from you! How do you think we can help protect our great white sharks and support our marine ecosystem?
Drop your thoughts and ideas in the comments below. Let`s make a difference together! 💬
#OceansResearch #GreatWhiteSharks #MarineConservation #MosselBay #SaveOurSharks
Nov 5
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