Sharklife Research Assistant

Established in 2005 as a non-profit organization, Sharklife works to address the alarming exploitation of both shark populations and ocean fisheries in South African waters. Our marine internship programs aim to nurture shark conservation ambassadors through knowledge development, hands-on training, and many hours on the ocean encountering a multitude of marine wildlife. 

"The overall goal of the program is to imprint a deeper understanding of the shark species in the minds of participants" 

The Sharklife Research Assistant program provides a unique platform for students and volunteers to gain field experience working on shark research projects in South Africa's largest coastal Marine Protected Area. With direct involvement in all the research components, you will build your skill base through knowledge development, practical training, and many hours on the ocean. 

There is a maximum of 6 research assistants at any time allowing for more valuable experiences in the field and increased personal development. 

Sharklife has been driving shark conservation initiatives since 2005 and has a wealth of experience to offer enthusiastic research assistants. So whether you are an early career marine biologist, student, or passionate volunteer we need you to help drive our shark research projects!

Please note: All our data collection methods are non-invasive, and not harmful to the animals we study, and there is no catching, handling, or feeding of sharks in this program. In addition, we dive in small groups to limit the disturbance of marine wildlife. 

The core goal of this program is to develop your fieldwork experience and watermanship skills. During this month you will steadily practice freediving, clock-up scuba dives, and learn routine boating tasks. A series of workshops focused on shark ID, behavior and biology are given during this month to enhance your understanding of the animals you are researching. You will also be introduced to the data collection, input, and analysis methods used in the projects we are conducting at the time.  

Scuba Diver Training: Optional extra, completed in the first week of your stay.

If you would like to complete one of the following courses whilst you are here, please specify it in the inquiry form.

• PADI Open Water Course - $350
• PADI Advanced Diver Course - $350

 These courses are delivered through our PADI 5 Star scuba training partner.

 Highlights:

• 10 - 20 boat-based research trips
• Shark encounters
• 30 - 60hrs in the field 
• Research freediver training (5 - 10m)
• 5 -10 research scuba dives (if certified)
• Shark workshops

 Duties:

• Prepare the boat and dive gear
• Prepare research equipment
• Assist with crewing the boat
• Perform water data collection tasks
• Maintain dive gear and boating equipment
• Data collection, input, and analysis

 Deliverables:

• 1 page (500 words) blog article on a relevant conservation topic
• A 10-minute presentation on an elasmobranch species you encountered here
• Short structured report on research findings for the month 

Your days will be divided into land days and ocean days, depending on weather conditions.

1. The most popular free-time activity is a day trip to the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve. The park is home to Africa's big five: elephant, rhinoceros (black/hook-lipped and white/square-lipped), Cape buffalo, lion, and leopard.
2. You can just relax on the pristine beaches of Sodwana Bay.
   
3. There are also quad bike tours of the local lake systems and forests. 
   
4. You can scuba dive on the world-renowned reefs of Sodwana Bay.