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 - $385
- PADI Advanced Diver Course - $385
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 free diver 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
Sodwana Bay is a small rural town that borders the pristine world heritage site known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
The park includes South Africa's largest coastal Marine Protected Area, spanning 280 km of coastline, and is one of the top ten dive destinations in the world. The coral reefs contain over 1,200 species of fish as well as a variety of underwater seascapes and marine megafauna. The warm tropical waters (20-27C, 60-80F) year-round and good visibility make for awesome research conditions!
Sodwana Bay is also a short drive from a selection of Big 5 Game Reserves which you will visit on your days off.
“The wetland park must be the only place on the globe where the world’s oldest land mammal (the rhinoceros) and the world’s biggest land mammal (the elephant) share an ecosystem with the world’s oldest fish (the coelacanth) and the world’s biggest marine mammal (the whale).” Nelson Mandela 2001.
Please note: MAX AGE is 28 as we can only accommodate volunteers between 18 and 28 years old.
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