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 February 03, 2025
Present beneath serene ocean waters is a very cunning killer: noise pollution. Most people envision sea pollution in terms of plastics or chemical waste..
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How to Outsmart Seasickness Like a Marine Scientist
🐡 Keep Your Brain Busy—Motion sickness happens when your inner ear senses movement, but your eyes don’t match up. Staying busy—like tagging and releasing a Pyjama shark (Poroderma africanum)—helps override this mismatch.
🦈 Stay Social & Keep Your Eyes on the Horizon—Chatting with your research team while scanning the water for Great White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) helps your brain stay distracted. Plus, standing on deck gives your body a better chance to adjust.
🐋 Watch the Wildlife—Your best distraction? Breaching whales, seabirds, and dolphins racing alongside the boat. Fixing your gaze on moving objects outside the boat reduces sensory confusion.
Science-Backed Ways to Combat Seasickness
✅ Ginger Works (Seriously!)—Studies show ginger can ease nausea by regulating stomach activity. Try ginger gummies, cookies, or even ginger tea before heading out.
✅ Take Meds Before You Need Them—Motion sickness tablets (like meclizine or dimenhydrinate) work best when taken the night before and again in the morning for the first couple of times. Don’t wait until you feel sick—it’ll be too late.
✅ Hydrate & Get Fresh Air—Dehydration makes nausea worse, so drink small sips of water
✅Avoid heavy meals before boarding. Eat something small for breakfast, like dry toast with jam or peanut butter. Avoid drinking a lot of fluids in the morning, such as coffee, tea and water.
And if none of this works? Stay calm and lie down... You will not win.
#Seasickness #MarineScience #SharkTagging #CetaceanResearch #LifeAtSea
Feb 3
Not all white sharks are the same! 🦈🌍...Scientists uncovered THREE genetically distinct lineages of these apex predators—separated for over 100,000 years! 🌍❄️ What does this mean for conservation? And why does it matter? 👀 Dive into the details!👇 #SharkScience #ConservationMatters #GeneticMystery
Jan 29
Think you know sharks? 🦈 Think again! Here, we`re busting the biggest myths about these incredible animals. From `all sharks are dangerous` to `a shark can smell a drop of blood in an Olympic swimming pool`, it`s time to set the record straight. Let`s dive into the truth! 🌊 #SharkMythBusters #OceanConservation #SharkFacts
Jan 28
We`re unlocking the secrets of the pyjama shark’s diet 🦈🔬 Using stable isotope analysis (SIA), we traced the chemical fingerprints of what they eat. From juveniles favouring pelagic snacks to adults specializing in benthic prey, SIA reveals how these mesopredators shape marine food webs. 🌊✨ #stableisotopes #pyjamashark #trophicecology #marineresearch
Jan 24
Due to recent events and growing concerns about the values and decisions demonstrated by the owner of X, Oceans Research Institute is migrating to Bluesky from X. 🌐✨
We’re excited to connect with researchers, students, and conservation enthusiasts on a platform that aligns with true conservation values. Join us on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/oceansresearch.bsky.social
Let’s keep making waves for marine research! 🌊💙
#OceansResearch #ConservationMatters #Bluesky
Jan 24
💡 DID YOU KNOW?
Some ocean creatures have their own glow-in-the-dark tricks! Bioluminescence isn’t just for show—it’s used to communicate, attract prey, evade predators, and even light up the dark depths. Nature’s ultimate flashlight! 🌊✨
What’s your favourite glowing marine animal? Let us know! 🌟
#Bioluminescence #OceanFacts #MarineScience #GlowUp
Jan 22
Here at the Oceans Research Institute, it’s never just about one species. From identifying shark and ray egg cases 🐋 to tagging catsharks or stingrays 🦈 and everything in between, you’ll gain hands-on experience working with an incredible variety of marine life. Every day, you’ll be introduced to something new and useful for your CV! Ready to join our program? Jump in! 🌊🌍 #marinelifespotlight #oceanresearch #handsonscience
Jan 21
Fieldwork, friendships, and unforgettable moments—our students had a lot to say about their time with us! 🌊💙 Here’s what they loved most about diving into marine research with us. Think you’d fit right in? Let’s make it happen! 🦈✨ #StudentVoices #FieldCourseAdventures #OceansResearch
Jan 19
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