Marine Biology Field Research Training Course

South Africa's premiere marine biology field research training course

About our Training Course

Oceans Research's Marine Biology Field Course enables aspiring scientists and conservationists to work in conjunction with leading marine biologists as they undertake groundbreaking research on the marine fauna of southern Africa, including great white sharks.

Our research training program has been recognised by many international universities providing up to a full semester credits for one month with us due to the intensive experience obtained by the students.

Oceans Research Institute’s Marine Biology Field Research program provides a first-hand practical experience in marine research and conservation. Anyone with an interest in marine biology, conservation and/or education can benefit.

The research of our Institute is interdisciplinary ranging from biological to socio-economic studies of marine and terrestrial resource use in southern Africa’s coastal society. For example, our shark field course focuses on long-term research projects like the population assessment of white sharks or the habitat use of many other shark species. But also bioacoustics of marine mammals, as well as different approaches to biodiversity assessments. Similar projects work in conjunction on teaching research skills to our students, like how to use BRUVs, ROVs or drones in marine research and monitoring projects. We also teach practical skills, from what to do when a boat engine does not start, to how to fish responsibly in order to tag sharks. Furthermore, the possibility to apply the research knowledge our students obtain into our various conservation and awareness programs in local schools adds to the diversity of skills and experiences which can be obtained.

Projects & Activities

Population dynamics of white sharks, other sharks, dolphins and whales
Trophic and movement ecology of sharks and marine mammals
Predator-prey behavioural strategies of white sharks and Cape fur seals
Shark stress physiology and behavioural studies
Introduction to bioacoustics and how to analyse sounds
Intertidal community assessment
Surveys of plastic pollution
Marine Mammal Stranding Response workshop
Science Communication Course
Get a SCUBA OWD, AOWD or RD certification included

*Some projects are seasonal

Learning & Skill Sets

Seamanship and crew in a research vessel
Ethical fishing for research: how to best catch, tag & release to monitor fish populations
Learn to deploy and operate Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) equipment, Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV) and drones, to subsequently answer specific research questions through analysis of video data
Gain experience in how to best maintain research boats and scientific equipment