Oceans Research Institute’s field
research program provides a first-hand practical experience in marine research
and conservation. Anyone with an interest in marine research, conservation
and/or education can benefit. Our program focuses on long-term research
projects like the population assessment of white sharks or the habitat use and
bio-acoustics of marine mammals.
We have projects focused on teaching research
skills to our students, like how to use ROVs or drones in marine research and
monitoring projects. But we also teach practical skills from what to do when an
boat engine won’t start, to how to fish responsibly in order to tag sharks.
Furthermore, the ability to apply the research knowledge our students obtain
into our various conservation and awareness programs in the local schools, adds
to the diversity of skills and experiences.
Our program has been recognized 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.
Projects & Activities:
Population
assessments & trends of white sharks, humpback & bottlenose dolphins,
southern right & humpback whales and Cape fur seals.
Habitat
use of white sharks and marine mammals.
Population
structure, trophic and movement ecology of endemic benthic catsharks.
Predator-prey behavioral strategies of white sharks and Cape fur seals.
Shark
stress physiology and behavioral studies.
Intertidal
community assessment.
Ecological
monitoring of rivers.
Marine
Mammal Stranding Response workshop.
Science
Communication Course.
*Some projects are seasonal.
Additional Information:
Gain
course credit.
Career
development skills.
Certificate
of completion.
Getting Credit:
Approximately
150 to 200 working hours per month.
~
40-80 sea hours
~
20 conservation/education hours (beach clean ups and community outreach)
~
90-100 research hours
Each
student gives a research based presentation at month end
Datasets
for additional projects are available on request
Up
to 15 credits per month
-
to be coordinated through professor/university
-
Forms, MOUs, evaluations can be agreed upon.
