Interdisciplinary Marine Biology Field Research

This internationally recognized course provides first-hand practical experience in marine research and conservation. It includes a wide range of projects and activities focusing on sharks, marine mammals, bioacoustics, marine debris and plastic pollution, and science communication. You will also develop skills in seamanship, ethical fishing for research, operating research vessels, and using scientific equipment such as BRUV and ROV systems.

The institute delivering the program follows an interdisciplinary approach, covering both biological and socio-economic aspects of marine and terrestrial resource use in Southern Africa’s coastal communities. It specializes in the biology and ecology of megafauna, including sharks, marine mammals, and terrestrial carnivores, and advises governmental and non-governmental organizations on conservation issues. The institute conducts its own research projects and offers multidisciplinary training for aspiring researchers—from internship to postgraduate level—in collaboration with partner schools, technical colleges, and universities. It also hosts visiting marine scientists working across Southern Africa’s major marine ecosystems.

Mossel Bay - an area exceptionally rich in marine life

Mossel Bay is exceptionally rich in marine life and is widely recognized as a premier destination for spotting the “Marine Big Five” (Great white shark, Southern right whale, Humpback whale, Bottlenose dolphin, Cape fur seal). Its coastal waters form part of a highly productive ecosystem, supporting a diverse range of fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.

The area is an important habitat for southern right and humpback whales (June–November), as well as for bottlenose, common, and humpback dolphins, which can be seen year-round. Mossel Bay is also known for sightings of great white sharks. In addition, the region is home to Cape fur seals and African penguins, and it offers occasional opportunities to observe orcas.

Knowledge and Skills You Can Gain

• Population and behavioral ecology: Study population dynamics, movement patterns, and feeding behavior of marine species such as great white sharks, other shark species, dolphins, and whales
• Predator–prey interactions: Analyze behavioral strategies of great white sharks and Cape fur seals
• Physiology and behavior: Investigate shark stress physiology; collect samples, tag animals, and study parasites
• Acoustic ecology: Learn bioacoustics and how underwater sound is used to study marine life
• Coastal ecosystems: Assess the health and composition of intertidal zones
• Marine debris studies: Conduct research on the impact of waste and plastic pollution
• Marine mammal rescue: Participate in a workshop on responding to strandings
• Advanced research equipment: Use BRUVs, ROVs, dedolights, and drones
• Science communication: Learn to present complex scientific topics to a wider audience
• Diving certifications: Option to obtain SCUBA Open Water (OWD), Advanced Open Water (AOWD), or Rescue Diver (RD) certification (included in the program fee)

Additional practical skills you can acquire include:

• Research vessel operations as well as the knowledge required to operate a watercraft safely, efficiently, and in an environmentally responsible manner, including technical handling, navigation, safety, meteorology, and teamwork.
• Ethical fishing for research (catch, tag, and release)
• Deployment and operation of BRUVs, ROVs, and drones, including video data analysis
• Maintenance of research vessels and scientific equipment

Please note that some activities are seasonal.

Practical Fieldwork at Sea

This course is highly practical—most of your time will be spent outdoors, on research vessels, in the water, or along the coast. Work is typically conducted Monday to Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., depending on weather, wildlife activity, and season.

Your role will be to collect data in the field and gain hands-on research experience.

The first three weeks focus on orientation and safety briefings. Regular program activities usually begin in the fourth week. For the best experience, we recommend a duration of 2–3 months. The program runs five days per week, leaving weekends free for personal exploration and relaxation. The local team can assist in organizing excursions.

The course is conducted in small groups of 6–10 participants.

Additional Perks

• Career development support
• Certificate of completion
• Access to a global alumni network
• You may be able to gain university course credits (subject to your university)
• Opportunity to collect data for a thesis or academic project

Booking Process

Please contact us first and let us know your preferred start date and duration (intakes are on the 1st of each month from March to October). We will confirm availability within 1–3 days.