Shark & Dolphin Field-based Research & Conservation Training

My experience with Oceans Research was incredible and the memories and friendships I made will be treasured for a lifetime! I absolutely loved learning about all the marine life and marine ecosystems in South Africa and being able to have hands on research experience in another country was truly life changing.

My time with oceans was an incredible experience that I’ll never forget. The wildlife we witnessed and the fieldwork were inspiring and grew a deep passion for the South African marine ecosystem in all of us. The friendships I made will last a lifetime and I will definitely be drawn back to the South African waters.

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Trying to keep it short is almost impossible. Getting a glimpse of what marine biology research can look like and how it works is already a super awesome experience. But I learned so much more I never expected I’d learn there. From socialising with people from so many different backgrounds, to planning a trip to another continent by myself, to living together with a big group and sooo much more. This experience had been nothing short of irreplaceable and I’ll never ever forget it.

I learned an incredible amount while participating with this program. From seamanship skills to different research methods pertaining to an array of marine wildlife, and shark population dynamics pertaining particularly to great white sharks, this program was one of the most educational things I've even completed.

I was a part of Ocean research’s internship in October 2024. My time with Oceans was fun and I learnt a lot. I saw mermaid’s purses for the first time. I tagged my first ever shark. I learnt scientific analysis methods. Went tide pooling, did beach clean ups. Deployed BRUVS, collected the data and analyzed all the fish species in several areas of Mossel bay. We caught and researched several species of sharks and rays. Had a nurdles collection competition. I won it ofcourse haha! 5 days a week with people who are deeply passionate about conservation, sometimes at sea or at the light house spotting humpbacks at the point- it was really amazing. And to really complete it all, there’s a lot of excursions on weekends. I’m taking all the research methods with me home where I can teach others and further the ongoing shark research and conservation projects I’m a part of in the Maldives.

Oceans Research Institute is a fantastic organization nestled in the heart of Mossel Bay, South Africa where the ocean is teeming with everything from the tiniest nudi branches to the big Great White Sharks. Here you’ll work alongside the world’s leading marine biologists and it won’t take long for their passion to become your own. During my time working with Oceans Research Institute, I participated in collecting data for their ongoing research projects involving population surveys, behavioral studies, and human impact studies. Not only did I learn so much about the wildlife that inhabits the oceans of South Africa, but I learned about the major ecological impact humans can have on them. Oceans Research Institute possesses a deep level of care for the work they are doing. Everything they do is done with the truth in mind that learning about ocean is the only way to save it.

Oceans Research Institute not only teaches you the importance of marine life conservation but the skills necessary to peruse a career in the marine field. During my time with them I learned proper boat, data entry, species identification and mammal tracking skills. The team at Oceans Research is extremely patient, knowledgeable and caring about their students.

The ORI marine science volunteer program changed my life as a marine scientist and has provided me with invaluable work experience and skills, even after just one month. I learned so much from the staff and my fellow volunteers and the program had such a significant impact on me that I felt I had to come back as staff the following year to pay it forward. The connections I've made and the skills I've gained have altered the trajectory of my life, and for that I couldn't be more grateful to ORI.

The skills I learned during my three months with Oceans Research would have taken me years with other institutes to do. The experience I gained during my time at Oceans Research has definitely helped set me apart from other people in the same field.

My story is not unique, I am a product of Oceans Research and persistence. For all those on the fence about joining the internship I encourage you to apply. This program will set you on a pathway in life. Enjoy the ride!

Showing that you are willing and capable of collecting data in sometimes harsh conditions and demonstrating an understanding of how to begin analysing that data are practical skills that you may not learn in your university coursework. These are skills you can learn at Oceans Research and will put you miles ahead of your classmates. I’ve seen many interns go on to complete graduate degrees at very prestigious marine institutions, form their own successful conservation organisations, and form lasting friendships that may result in future collaborations down the line.