The Importance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Written by Enrico Gennari on October 08, 2024
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Welcome to Oceans Research
Marine and terrestrial research and conservation organisation in Southern Africa.
About our companyOceans 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 the 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
Connect with Oceans Research
🎙️ 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
🐧🚨 URGENT CALL FOR ACTION: The African Penguin is Now Critically Endangered 🚨🐧
Heartbreaking news—our African penguin, a true icon of the South African coast, has officially been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, inching dangerously close to extinction in the wild.
Here at Oceans Research, along with conservation partners across the country, we’re devastated but determined to take action to save this beloved species. We know what needs to be done, and we can’t do it alone. Now’s the time to act if we want to protect their future.
How You Can Help Right Now:
💌 Email South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment to urge action: https://bit.ly/465liSE
✍ Sign the petition to Save the African Penguin: https://bit.ly/4eZLfYs
🙌 Share this post—let’s rally as much support as possible!
💙 Get inspired by Dr Sylvia Earle’s mission with Mission Blue: https://bit.ly/4fefNpa
Your voice has power. Let’s bring the African penguin back from the edge, together. 💙🐧
#AfricanPenguin #SaveOurPenguins #OceansResearch #CriticalStatus
Oct 30
At Oceans Research, we teach students how to fish responsibly—not just to catch fish but to build a deep understanding of marine life and conservation. Our students gain insight into fish behaviour, health, and habitats by learning hands-on skills like tagging, measuring, and health checks.
🌊 They see the impact of sustainable practices firsthand, inspiring them to be the next generation of ocean stewards. Together, we’re not just studying the ocean but protecting it for the future! 🌎🐟
#marineconservation #oceanstewards #sustainablefishing #oceansresearch
Oct 29
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