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 biomass 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.

Location

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