Overview:
Through its post-graduate program Sharklife aims to augment its research goals by connecting with a global network of upcoming scientists. Projects are conservation focused, designed to fill knowledge gaps and inform management policies.
Prerequisites:
Students having a bachelors degree must be enrolled at a university with a supervisor. Depending on the topic a suitable co-supervisor can be sourced through the Sharklife network.
Project Co-Supervisors and Collaborators:
- Dr. Jennifer Olbers - WildOceans
- Dr. Lauren De Vos - WildOceans
- Dr. Ant Bernard - SAIAB
- Mr. Geremy Cliff - Natal Sharks Board
- Mr. Craig Mulqueeny - KZN Wildlife
- Prof. Ronel Nel - Nelson Mandela University
- Ms. Michelle Carpenter PhD(c) - University of Cape Town
Current Projects:
Current projects will fall under the broader scope of the Sharklife Elasmobranch Assessment Study, there are numerous studies for development, so depending on your area of interest a project topic can be outlined and and available data assessed.
Elasmobranch Assessment Study (see full outline here)
The study objectives are to assess elasmobranch species within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park:
- diversity
- relative abundance
- distribution patterns
- habitat associations
- sizes
| Working Title: | Student Name: | Level: | Institution: | Primary Method: | Status: |
| Investigating the influence of abiotic parameters on sightings of Carcharhinus humani in the Sodwana Diving Restricted Zone. |
Nico Booyens | Honors | UKZN | Mono Bruvs | In Progress |
|
Elasmobranch species abundance and diversity (iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Area 1) |
Laylaa Sampaio | MSc | UKZN | Stereo Bruvs | In Progress |
|
Influence of habitat and depth in elasmobranch communities (iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Area 2) |
Jessica Ferrera | MSc | Univ. Aveiro | Stereo Bruvs | Start Scheduled 2022 |
|
Habitat associations and seasonal abundance of elasmobranchs (iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Area 1/2) |
Julie Alberts | MSc | Univ. Miami | Stereo Bruvs | In Progress |
|
Movement and Distribution patterns of ragged-tooth sharks (iSimangaliso Wetland Park) |
Sara Cerqueira | MSc | Univ. Aveiro | UVC/Stereo DOV | Start Scheduled 2021 |
|
Abundance and population structure of stingrays (myliobatiformes) (iSimangaliso Wetland Park) |
Silvia Leva | MSc | Univ. Millano | UVC/Stereo DOV | Start Scheduled 2022 |
Program Dates:
Depending on your project and data collection requirements you will need between 3 - 6 months. Start dates will also be relevant to your studies seasonality requirements and tailored to your project.
Costs:
3 Month - $3995 USD
4 Month - $5295 USD
5 Month - $6595 USD
6 Month - $5995 USD
Included:
The majority of the program cost goes towards the implementation of your research project.
- Airport transfers
- Private room
- Dive gear
- On-site supervisor and mentor
- Office and communication expenses
- Data collection field trips and support
- Basic research equipment (gopros, bruv stations, temp loggers, current meters, etc)
Excluded:
- Scuba Courses: (PADI OW $350 or PADI ADV $250)
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Meals *
- Vaccinations
- Weekend Activities: These can be scuba diving or field trips
*Meals - The research camp has a fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare your meals and there are daily trips to the local supermarket where you can purchase food. Alternatively, there is a restaurant on site where you can order lunch and dinner from a large menu.
Would you like to conduct a project with us? let us know! Give us 24hrs to respond
