Marine Field Research

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

Program Structure:

Arrival 1st of the month - any time

2nd - 3rd orientation & safety briefing

4th to month end - program activities

Work conducted Monday through Friday

Work hours are between 7 am and 6 pm

Some night/weekend work

-based on research needs

Weekends are left for resting & additional recreational activities

Departure on the 1st of the next month

We offer weekend trips to Cape Town, Big 5 Safaris, and Garden Route Adventures. You will also have evenings to enjoy a local dinner and spend time with friends.