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. The program is suited to MSc-level students looking to write their thesis or internship report on an elasmobranch project and is a great opportunity to gain legitimate field experience in the process. You will have the full support of our experienced team to conduct the fieldwork and we can assist in finding a local co-supervisor/specialist if needed.
We understand that degrees vary widely around the globe and that each university has different requirements for its students, we are happy to discuss these requirements and meet them if possible.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
- Have a bachelor's degree in marine biology or equivalent
- Be registered at a university with a supervisor. (An additional co-supervisor/specialist can be sourced)
- Be self-motivated and well organized
- Good leadership skills (communication, delegation, empathy)
- Confident swimming ability and recent diving medical
- Advanced scuba certification (only if the project method requires diving)
- CV with references
- Minimum 3-month commitment
Projects:
Projects fall under the broader scope of the Sharklife Elasmobranch Assessment Study (see the full outline here), there are numerous studies for development, so depending on your area of interest a project topic can be outlined and available data assessed.
Current Projects:
| Working Title: | Student Name: | Level: | Institution: | Primary Method: |
| Investigating the influence of abiotic parameters on sightings of Carcharhinus humani in the Sodwana Diving Restricted Zone. (COMPLETED) |
Nico Booyens | Honors | UKZN | Mono Bruvs |
|
Elasmobranch species abundance and diversity (iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Area 1) |
Laylaa Sampaio | MSc/Thesis | UKZN | Stereo Bruvs |
|
Influence of habitat and depth in elasmobranch communities (iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Area 2) |
Jessica Ferrera | MSc/Thesis | Univ. Aveiro | Stereo Bruvs |
|
Movement and Distribution patterns of ragged-tooth sharks (iSimangaliso Wetland Park) |
Sara Cerqueira | MSc/Thesis | Univ. Aveiro | UVC/Stereo DOV |
|
To describe the ecology and population dynamics of non-nesting sea turtles. (iSimangaliso Wetland Park) |
Natalie Dos Santos | MSc/Thesis | NMU | UVC/RUV |
|
Sightings and population dynamics of manta rays (iSimangaliso Wetland Park) |
Michelle Carpenter | PhD | UCT | UVC/RUV |
|
Abundance and Diversity of elasmobranchs (COMPLETED) (iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Area 2, Winter Season) |
Julie Alberts | MSc/Internship Report | Univ. Miami | Stereo Bruvs |
|
Abundance and Diversity of elasmobranchs (iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Area 3, Winter Season) |
Sara Head | MSc/Internship Report | NE Univ. Boston | Stereo Bruvs |
|
Abundance and Diversity of elasmobranchs (iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Area 4, Summer Season) |
Klara Kaiser | MSc/Internship Report | Univ. Berlin | Stereo Bruvs |
|
Abundance and population structure of stingrays - myliobatiformes (iSimangaliso Wetland Park) |
Silvia Leva | MSc/Internship Report | Univ. Millano | Stereo Bruvs |
| Working Title: | Student Name: | Level: | Institution: | Primary Method: |
|
Elasmobranch species abundance and diversity. Deploying 50 stereo bruvs across a 15km area 15-30m depth range (iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Area 5) |
TBC | TBC | TBC | Stereo Bruvs |
Program Dates:
Depending on your project and data collection requirements you will need between 3 - 6 months.
Costs:
As with many training and experience-building programs, there are costs involved. This program is aimed at early career marine biologists looking not just for an internship or training program, but rather for the opportunity to produce a scientific report or thesis that they can use to kickstart their careers and get ahead of many other applicants in the field.
3 Month - $3995 USD ($332 p/w)
4 Month - $5295 USD ($330 p/w)
5 Month - $6595 USD ($330 p/w)
6 Month - $5995 USD ($250 p/w)
Included:
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation - 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 accommodation has a fully equipped kitchen to prepare your meals and there are daily trips to the 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
