Leading Marine and Terrestrial Research in South Africa

Mission statement

Oceans Research provides and facilitates innovative and dynamic research relevant to the management and conservation of Southern Africa’s wildlife.

Its research is interdisciplinary ranging from biological to socio-economic studies of marine and terrestrial resource utilisation in Southern Africa’s coastal society. Oceans Research specialises in investigating 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.

Oceans Research offers multi-disciplinary practical and theoretical training for aspiring researchers from internship to postgraduate levels in conjunction with partner schools, technical colleges and universities. In addition to the in-house research projects, the institute provides facilities for visiting marine scientists conducting a variety of projects throughout the major marine biomes of Southern Africa.

Oceans Research strives to divulgate its research finding not only to the scientific community but also, and even more importantly, to the general public, through its website, media releases, scientific and popular articles, and documentaries.

Research, Discovery, Educate, Conserve.

Leading Research Company in Mossel Bay, South Africa

A look at the events that have shaped Oceans Research
and the people who drive us forward.

Humble beginnings

We recognised the need for an organisation providing logistical... Read more...

Humble beginnings

We recognised the need for an organisation providing logistical support to South Africa’s post graduate students and for training in marine research for international students. The South African Marine Predator Lab (SAMPLA) was born.

2007
White Shark Research and Internship Start

After securing collaborations with South Africa’s renown universities... Read more...

White Shark Research and Internship Start

After securing collaborations with some of South Africa’s most renowned universities (i.e. UCT, RU, UP), professors and scientists, several white shark projects are started and the internship provides man power and funds for those projects.

2008
Expansion into Marine Mammals Research Projects

More research projects were established including Cape fur... Read more...

Expansion into Marine Mammals Research Projects

More research projects are established involving Cape fur seals, Bottlenose and Humpback dolphins and Southern right and Humpback whales. At the same time SAMPLA is rebranded Oceans Research.

2009
Expansion into Oceanography

Collaborative research provides more platforms including... Read more...

Expansion into Oceanography

Collaborative research provides more research platforms including monitoring oceanographic conditions in the Mossel Bay area, for habitat use studies of marine species but also in relation to the proposed South Africa’s biggest desalination plant in Mossel Bay.

2010
Strengthen International Collaboration

Oceans Research become official partner and site manager of the... Read more...

Strengthen International Collaboration

Oceans Research become official partner and site manager of the Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) positioning Mossel Bay as the second node active in Southern Africa.

At the same time Oceans Research was pivotal in setting up the biggest collaborative white shark research project in South Africa’s history: the Ocearch team provided logistics and funds for 30 leading South African and international shark researchers from more than 16 institutions worldwide.

2012
South Africa’s White Shark Research Group

Oceans Research promote the formalization of the South Africa’s... Read more...

South Africa’s White Shark Research Group

Oceans Research promotes the formalization of the South Africa’s white shark research group which includes South Africa’s top 5 non-governmental white shark research organisations.

2013
Expansion into Terrestrial Research

Oceans Research begin its new research endeavour focusing on... Read more...

Expansion into Terrestrial Research

Oceans Research begins its new research endeavor focusing on land and river wildlife. Similarly to its sister department, the Wildlife Research Unit’s model utilises its internship to provide funds and manpower to the different research projects.

2014
Shark-human interaction mitigation projects

Repel sharks to conserve them:... Read more...

Shark-human interaction mitigation projects

Repel sharks to conserve them: Oceans Research recognised the need for support from different research projects on shark repellent and human/shark mitigation, paramount for the conservation of these top predators.

2014
VEMCO sole distributor in Africa

Oceans Research offers tracking and monitoring equipment...... Read more...

VEMCO sole distributor in Africa

Oceans Research offers tracking and monitoring equipment which enables researchers to study the movement ecology of thousands of marine and freshwater animals over months and years and across vast distances.

2016
Expansion of the research internship

The internship has been expanded to include a wide variety of projects...... Read more...

Expansion of the research internship

The marine research internship has been expanded to include a wide variety of projects related to different field methods and equipment and based on a wide variety of species so that interns can make informed decision for their carrier paths and expand their backgrounds and skills for future postgraduate and/or job applications: follow this link

2018
Oceans Research partners with TechnoSmArt

Oceans Research now can also offer tracking and datalogging equipment...... Read more...

Oceans Research partners with TechnoSmArt

Oceans Research now can also offer tracking and datalogging equipment which enables researchers to study the movement ecology of both terrestrial and marine species.

2019
Oceans Research partners with Miyaru

The Miyaru program is a non-profit organisation working at the intersection of humans and sharks.... Read more...

Oceans Research partners with Miyaru

Miyaru (shark in Dhivehi) aims to conduct and support interdisciplinary research and conservation initiatives focused on the shark species of the Maldives and wider Indian Ocean. For more info : https://miyaru.org/about-our-ngo

2023
Future in the making

Meet the team

Dr Enrico Gennari
Director of Research
Founder Oceans Research; Research Associate SAIAB, Rhodes University

Dr Enrico Gennari

Enrico has been studying sharks for over 15 years. Researcher by aspiration and educator for passion, he has specialised in the eco-physiology of the white shark but his interests are currently focusing on animal movement ecology and the mitigation of human/shark conflict.

He is a Honorary Research Associate of the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Research Associate at the Rhodes University’s Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science (DIFS), invited member of the Shark Advisory Group by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs, member of the South African White Shark Research group and member of the Southern Africa Movement Ecology group.
Lacey Williams
Program Coordinator & Head Field Specialist
MSc

Lacey Williams

Lacey has followed her passion for South Africa’s sharks since 2001 when she first watched the Air Jaws documentary. After completing her B.A. in Biology and French in 2016 at Colgate University, she visited South Africa where she met Chris and Monique Fallows and Dr. Neil Hammerschlag and was able to collaborate with them on several research projects on South Africa’s threatened and endemic sharks, including her master’s research on the predator-prey behavioral ecology between the great white sharks and Cape fur seals around Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay. After completing her Master of Science in Ecosystems and Society with Dr. Hammerschlag at the University of Miami in 2022, Lacey began her position as Head Field Specialist with Oceans Research.

As Head Field Specialist, Lacey runs the marine field skills training program in Mossel Bay, teaching new and emerging marine scientists how to conduct field research across a variety of techniques through the program’s long-term monitoring and citizen-science based research projects. She also manages the Oceans Research databases and is actively working to process the 24-year dorsal fin-ID database for great white sharks in Mossel Bay to contribute to ongoing research regarding individual identification and population dynamics.
Dr Paul Cowley
Research collaborator
Principal Scientist (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity)

Dr Paul Cowley

Dr Cowley’s research interests deal primarily with the movement behaviour, habitat use patterns and ecology of coastal fishery species with the aim of improving management and ultimately the abundance of declining fishery resources.

He is a member of the Ocean Tracking Network’s (OTN) International Scientific Advisory Committee, and led to the development of national acoustic telemetry platform called the Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP).
Prof. Les Noble
Research collaborator
Professor of Aquatic Biosciences, Nord University, Norway

Prof. Les Noble

Prof. Noble has been investigating expression analysis of resistance genes, population genetics, phylogenetics, and in some species their identification and evolution, for more than 20 years.
Prof. Nathan Hart
Research collaborator
Professor of Comparative Neurophysiology at Macquarie University

Prof. Nathan Hart

A/Prof. Hart is a comparative neurobiologist specialising in vertebrate sensory systems, including vision, hearing, electroreception and the mechanosensory lateral line.

His research aims to understand how animals gather information from the world around them, how they process this raw sensory information in diverse neural circuits and what selection pressures have shaped the evolution of these underlying neural mechanisms. Using a sensory-based approach, A/Prof. Hart and his team are exploring new ways to deter sharks from attacking humans.
Dr Neil Hammerschlag
Research collaborator
Executive Director (Shark Research Foundation )

Dr Neil Hammerschlag

Dr. Neil Hammerschlag is a marine ecologist based out of Nova Scotia, Canada. He is the founder and Executive Director of the newly formed Shark Research Foundation and President of Atlantic Shark Expeditions, an organization dedicated to providing opportunities for the public to experience, discover, and help protect sharks through ecotourism and citizen science. Neil is an investigator with the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network, Science Faculty with the Black Girls Dive Foundation, and a courtesy faculty member at Oregon State University. Neil’s research centers on the behavioral ecology of marine top predators under global change.

Neil received a B.S. in Ecology from the University of Toronto, Canada, in 2002, and his M.Sc. in Marine Biology from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, in 2004. He completed his Ph.D. in Marine Biology & Fisheries from the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science at the University of Miami in 2009.

He has published over 150 scientific articles and has projects currently underway in Nova Scotia, Florida, Bahamas, and South Africa.
Dr Sara Andreotti
Research collaborator
Extraordinary lecturer at Stellenbosch University,

Dr Sara Andreotti

Dr Sara Andreotti is a marine biologist and extraordinary lecturer at Stellenbosch University, specialized in global shark management and conservation. Her pioneering research, including genetic analysis and population assessments, led to the first national evaluation of South African white shark population. As a supervisor and researcher, Sara fosters academic growth, overseeing multiple postgraduate projects. In 2022 she co-founded the SharkWise Project Marine Internship program, to provide the needed platform and logistics to her students. Passionate about shark conservation, she also co-founded SharkSafe Barriers (Pty) Ltd. The company’s flagship product, the SharkSafe BarrierTM, employs eco-friendly technology mimicking kelp forests to deter large predatory sharks. Sara, one of the co-inventors, envisions the barrier promoting peaceful coexistence between humans and sharks, revitalizing coastal ecology and tourism. Currently, she serves as the Chief Operating Officer and a Founding Director, driving the company’s mission forward.
Dr Simon Elwen
Research collaborator
Namibian Dolphin Project Director

Dr Simon Elwen

Dr Elwen completed his PhD on the ecology of Heaviside’s dolphins in the Western Cape in 2008.

He is interested in a broad range of ecological and behavioural aspects of cetacean biology, particularly in the behavioural adaptations these top predators (can) make to different environmental conditions and human impacts.
Prof. Charlie Huveneers
Research collaborator
Flinders University

Prof. Charlie Huveneers

Dr Charlie Huveneers leads the Southern Shark Ecology Group research lab at Flinders University. The group’s research examines the ecology of sharks and rays to improve assessments of their vulnerabilities to human, environmental and climatic impact, and investigations of their movement dynamics and residency patterns using various tracking tools including acoustic telemetry and satellite tagging.

Charlie started his PhD at Macquarie University in 2003 on the biology and ecology of wobbegong sharks in relation to the commercial fishery in NSW. In 2007, he took up the position of Technical Officer in the Animal Tracking Facility of the Australian Federal marine infrastructure initiative (Integrated Marine Observing System, IMOS). In this position, he deployed acoustic receivers around Australia and created a national network of acoustic telemetry users. He joined Marine Innovation – South Australia through a joint position between SARDI – Aquatic Sciences and Flinders University where he acted as shark ecologist and Lecturer between 2009 and 2014. Since 2014, he has been at Flinders University full-time and is now Senior Lecturer.
Prof. Shaun P. Collin
Research collaborator
University of Western Australia

Prof. Shaun P. Collin

Professor Shaun P. Collin is a WA Premiers Research Fellow and Professor at The University of Western Australia.

He heads a large Neuroecology Group that investigates the neural basis of behaviour in both invertebrates and vertebrates, with special emphasis on sensory systems and vision.

Using a range of cutting edge techniques, his Group investigates the impacts of environmental cues (light, odors, sound and electrical fields) on biodiversity, sustainability and health in a large diversity of aquatic animals, especially in sharks and their relatives. Professor Collin’s research on shark mitigation is receiving global attention with respect to using knowledge of shark sensory systems to test existing deterrents and develop novel methods of protecting both humans and sharks. Prof. Collin has published over 240 scientific papers, including 9 books, and sits on the Editorial Boards of 5 international journals. He has previously chaired the Biological Sciences and Biotechnology panel on the College of Experts for the Australian Research Council (ARC) and is currently a member of the Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (TIAC) for the WA State Government.
Prof. Marthan Bester
Research collaborator
University of Pretoria

Prof. Marthan Bester

Prof. Bester specializes in trophodynamics of pinnipeds in particular prey identity and its consumption, numerical abundance, population trends, and body growth patterns of pups that reflect availability of food within the at-sea foraging range of their mothers.
Dr Malcolm Smale
Academic Oversight
Bayworld Aquarium

Dr Malcolm Smale

Dr Smale is one of Africa´s most renowned elasmobranch scientists, focusing on food and feeding ecology of fish, as well as focused research on the spotted ragged tooth shark. Structured community participation is used to gain valuable information for this project

His research focus is on species such as the raggedtooth, tiger and whale sharks. He is currently collaborating with us in the supervising Jack Hollins’ project to assess stress related to recreational angling on sharks.
Zurike Marais
Field specialist
UKZN - MSc student

Zurike Marais

Zurike graduated with a BSc in Marine Biology in 2022. She then completed an Honours degree in 2023, focusing on non-charismatic shark species in Mossel Bay.

Now pursuing a Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Zurike is dedicated to researching the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in South Africa using Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVs). Her research aims to quantifying the benefits of MPAs for sharks and rays.

In February 2024, Zurike joined the Oceans Research Institute as a Field Specialist and Social Media Manager. In this role, she brings together her fieldwork expertise and digital communication skills to promote marine science and conservation efforts.

Her passion for marine science and conservation shines through in her continuous efforts to study and protect marine ecosystems.

Terrestrial Research Unit

Everyone
Research
Technical
Admin

Dr Enrico Gennari
Director of Research - Oceans Research
Founder Oceans Research; Research Associate SAIAB, Rhodes University

Enrico is recognized as one of South Africa’s leading shark scientists due to his groundbreaking research on the thermal eco-physiology of the white shark. As the Director of Research he works closely with all programs. His land-related interests relates to movement ecology, animal personalities and social networks.

He is a Honorary Research Associate of the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Research Associate at the Rhodes University’s Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science (DIFS), invited member of the Shark Advisory Group by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs, member of the South African White Shark Research group and member of the Southern Africa Movement Ecology group.
Dr Paul Cowley
Academic Oversight
Principal Aquatic Biologist (SAIAB)

Dr Cowley’s research interests deal primarily with the movement behaviour, habitat use patterns and ecology of coastal fishery species with the aim of improving management and ultimately the abundance of declining fishery resources.

He is a member of the Ocean Tracking Network’s (OTN) International Scientific Advisory Committee, and led to the development of national acoustic telemetry platform called the Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP).

Previous Post-Grad students

Ph.D.

Sofia Gabriel – University of Tasmania (AUS)
Valentina Scarponi – Sussex University (UK)
Ralph Watson – Rhodes University (ZA)
Cory Robinson – Aberdeen University (UK)
Enrico Gennari – Rhodes University (ZA)
Chrysoula Gubili – Aberdeen University (UK)

M.Sc.

Caroline Lynam – Exeter University (UK)
Adam Trotter – Rhodes University (ZA)
Zara Prew – Bristol University (UK)
Lemone Sebastian – University of Western Cape (ZA)
Allison Haywood – University of Western Cape (ZA)
Samantha Grusd – University of Cape Town (ZA)
Gibbs Kuguru – Stellenbosch University (ZA)
Sara Stempel – Brussels University (BEL)
Tara Cox – Sussex University (UK)
Michael Barron – University of Pretoria (ZA)
Oliver Jewell – University of Pretoria (ZA)
Edith Mertz – University of Pretoria (ZA)
Rabi’a Ryklief – Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (ZA)
Dylan Irion – University of Cape Town (ZA)
Renae Logston – University of Cape Town (ZA)
Bridget James – University of Pretoria (ZA)
Monica Betts – University of Pretoria (ZA)
Tristan Scott – University of Pretoria (ZA)

B.Sc. (Hon)

Adam Trotter – Rhodes University (ZA)
Brett Johnstone – Rhodes University (ZA)
Ryan Findlay – Dalhousie University (CND)
Rachel Mullins – Rhodes University (ZA)
Storm van Tonder – University of Pretoria (ZA)
Michelle Thompson – University of Pretoria (ZA)
Reuhl Lombard – University of Pretoria (ZA)
Michael Mole – University of Pretoria (ZA)
Monica Betts – University of Pretoria (ZA)
Ricardo Marques – University of Pretoria (ZA)

Partners and associates

Collaborating with other recognised and respected organisations plays an integral role in ensuring Oceans Research continues to innovate.

Facilities

Oceans Research is based in Mossel Bay, within the Garden Route of South Africa.

Mossel Bay is situated along the southern coast of South Africa in a warm temperate marine biome which attracts numerous temperate water fish species.

The Mossel Bay Marine Lab also collaborates with a shark aquarium and research facility called “The Shark Lab” where we conduct studies on small captive shark species.

Research Logistics

Two research vessels (30ft and 26ft “Buttcats”).
Acoustic tracking equipment.
Acoustic monitoring equipment.
Accelerometers and tags.
SCUBA equipment.
Shark diving cage.
Motorized underwater shark cage

Aquarium Lab

Benthic and pelagic tanks

Land Facilities

Store rooms and cold storage space.
Conference facilities for small or large groups.

Humble beginnings

White Shark Research and Internship Start

Expansion into Marine Mammals Research Projects

Expansion into Oceanography

Strengthen International Collaboration

South Africa’s White Shark Research Group

Expansion into Terrestrial Research

Shark-human interaction mitigation projects

VEMCO sole distributor in Africa

Expansion of the research internship

Oceans Research partners with TechnoSmArt

Oceans Research partners with Miyaru

Marine Research Unit

Dr Enrico Gennari

Lacey Williams

Dr Paul Cowley

Prof. Les Noble

Prof. Nathan Hart

Dr Neil Hammerschlag

Dr Sara Andreotti

Dr Simon Elwen

Prof. Charlie Huveneers

Prof. Shaun P. Collin

Prof. Marthan Bester

Dr Malcolm Smale

Zurike Marais