Marine Conservationists

Oceans Research is seeking Marine Conservationists in Mossel Bay, South Africa, to engage in projects involving marine species' population dynamics, ecology, and conservation. Responsibilities include conducting research, learning seamanship, and operating underwater equipment. The program runs monthly, with work from Monday to Friday. Costs vary by season and include accommodation and meals. Participants gain valuable skills and a certificate upon completion.
Projects and activities
- Population dynamics of white sharks, other sharks, dolphins and whales
- Trophic and movement ecology of sharks and marine mammals
- Predator-prey behavioural strategies of white sharks and Cape fur seals
- Shark stress physiology and behavioural studies
- Introduction to bioacoustics and how to analyse sounds
- Intertidal community assessment
- Surveys of plastic pollution
- Marine Mammal Stranding Response workshop
- Science Communication Course
Get a SCUBA OWD, AOWD or RD certification included
• Some projects are seasonal
Learning and skill sets
- Seamanship and crew in a research vessel
- Ethical fishing for research: how to best catch, tag & release to monitor fish populations
- Learn to deploy and operate Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) equipment, Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV) and drones, to subsequently answer specific research questions through analysis of video data
- Gain experience in how to best maintain research boats and scientific equipment
Program structure
- Arrival first of the month – any time
- second-third orientation and safety briefing
- 4th to month end – program activities
- Work conducted Monday through Friday
- Work hours from 7am to 6pm (dependent on weather, wildlife, and season)
- Weekends are left for resting and additional recreational activities
- Departure first of the next month
Program Cost Varies

(based on student affluence)
- Jun to Aug : 3,100 USD per month
- Sept to Nov : 2,800 USD per month
- minimum stay: 1 month
Price includes
- Research fee
- Dorm-style accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Local transport
- Local airport pickup/drop off
- Internet
Price excludes
- Airfare
- Medical Insurance (recommended)
- Travel insurance
- Laundry
- Tourism activities/excursions
- Spending money
- Additional Outputs
- Gain course credit
- Career development skills
- Certificate of completion
- Join a global alumni network
Further info
- Mossel Bay is safe for tourists as many towns in Europe
- There is no need of special vaccinations
- Our region is malaria free