General Info
This is a programme for interns working in the unique marine environment at the tip of Africa - home to one of the densest populations of Great White Sharks in the world. It is the breeding area of the endangered Southern Right Whale and home of one of the threatened colonies of the African Penguin, as well as resident populations of Dolphins, Seals and thousands of Seabirds.
"Look into the mouth of this ocean predator ... it's as big as a delivery van.
Great White Shark cage diving is incredible!"
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Unique year-round opportunities to work with Great White Sharks, Southern Right Whales (from July-December) and the other marine species in the seas at the southern tip of Africa. These programmes include significant time spent on our three boats (see photos on right). Every boat is accompanied by a resident marine biologist. The ocean around Dyer Island offers significant opportunities for research as it is home to the most dense population of Great White Sharks. Also from July-December each year the bay is a vitally important breeding habitat for large numbers of the endangered Southern Right Whale. Additionally, there are resident populations of thousands of seals and sea-birds as well as resident dolphins.
We offer two different programmes working with the Conservation Trust and MD, it's eco-tourism partner, and being involved in Marine Research and Conservation, one for Interns and one for Volunteers. The Internship and Volunteer schemes offered on this project are unique in this marine area as they offer specific opportunities to Research Interns working on specific academic projects and who wish to stay for a longer time, and to Volunteers who are seeking short-term experience.
Research interns have significant boat-based opportunities for data collection and are offered a curriculum specifically adapted to their individual needs. All Research Interns are mentored by marine biologists from the team who are working with a number of universities.
Volunteers work with the resident team of marine biologists and experienced boat captains in eco-tourism and on a number of on-going research projects involving sharks, whales, seal, African Penguins and dolphins. See here to read about our volunteer programme.
The number of places on both schemes is limited to ensure that every participant gains the most from their time with us.
THE MARINE RESEARCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
The Conservation Trust, a registered charity working to protect and conduct research in this unique marine environment, and its eco-tourism partner, MD Tours, has developed a unique photographic record of thousands of dorsal fins of Great White Sharks allowing the identification of individual animals. This will now be incorporated in the worldwide database being developed by Bristol University, UK.
Further on-going research projects include the tagging of African Penguins to study their feeding habits and ranges as well as studies looking at their breeding habits. These results are being used to inform decisions about the development of marine protection areas. We assist with other studies on the large colony of Cape Fur Seals; the Southern Right whale and the dolphin population. We also provide a rescue service for birds, seals and marine animals in the area.
An individualised programme is developed for each participant. Our programme offers different learning streams to interns primarily here to gain field research experience. The Internship programme is a minimum of 1 month that will start on the 1st of each month. You'll work the same hours as the Marine Biologists and will also be working mainly on the research boat with a shorter time on the shark cage diving vessel. You'll work with all the marine animals and mammals, not just the Great Whites, but the majority of your work will be with Great Whites). You'll assist with tagging and tracking. With tracking you might be required to be on the boat for 24 hours to 48 hours at times (however long it takes to track the shark). You'll also participate in all lectures. After trips, you'll be doing data and photo identification. In brief...
Majority of sea time spent aboard Lwazi (the dedicated research boat) conducting white shark research with some time also spent aboard Shark Fever (cage diving vessel) collecting data and dorsal fin ID’s on sharks sighted.
Tracking of white sharks which may involve sleeping at sea (tracking is a 24hr+ process) will be involved as a part of the internship.
The research vessel will launch when conditions allow and you will be scheduled for at least one of those trips.
If there is space on the cage diving vessel then you may be scheduled on it for the time you are not on the research boat.
You'll be expected to help in collecting and entering data on sharks sighted/tracked on both boats to ensure the research database is kept up to date.
The internship is tailored to your research objectives and data collection, and your mentor from the research team will help you ensure your research objectives are achieved.
CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS
Currently, the research programme into Great White Sharks includes studies of:
Population dynamics within the area and the effect of changes in the marine environment throughout the year
Feeding habits
Comparisons between the habits of the Great White Sharks in the Atlantic area of Klein Bay and those in the Indian Ocean near Mossel Bay
Interactions between Great White Sharks and the breeding population of diverse cetaceans.
This research is being conducted together with university departments and institutes in South Africa including the Universities of Cape Town, Pretoria and the North West. We work closely with scientists from Oceans and Coasts, the government’s national co-ordinating coastal management agency.
New programmes will be added now that the dedicated research boat Lwazi has recently been launched and as funds become available.
Previously unstudied environmental parameters affecting Great White Shark movement patterns and utilisation of their environment in South Africa.
Comparative studies of the sharks’ behaviour in our area versus other shark populations in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
There are also a number of ongoing studies from which data has already been published including:
Identification of individual sharks by their dorsal fins
Wound healing
Environmental factors affecting shark sightings during cage dives
Movement patterns of dolphins
Previous interns have gained much knowledge from their internships on this programme which has assisted them with their studies. As a result of this research and the comparatively easy and predictable access to the Great White Sharks, a number of TV crews work with the researchers and the boats regularly host camera crews from the US, Europe and Asia with resulting documentaries being broadcast on the BBC, National Geographic and other well-respected documentary channels.
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE AND WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT DURING YOUR INTERNSHIP:
Experience at sea, on research and eco-tourism boats
Photographing dorsal ID’s and observing behaviour
Identification of individual animals through newly discovered dorsal fin recording, measurement and markings
Where possible, tagging of sharks from a research vessel. (Note: Tagging will be done by a professional but interns will be fully involved in the methods used to attract the sharks.
Manual tracking of sharks over several days
Boat safety and seamanship – learning how to maintain standards and equipment needed for the operation as well as basic skippering experience.
Monitoring of other marine animals in the area, and learning about hierarchy in the ecosystems
Participating in animal rescue when required
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Research Interns have mentored learning about:
Shark behaviour and biology in lectures and demonstrations such as dissections
Assessing and recording animal behaviour
Learning about climatic conditions and seamanship
Recoding environmental conditions
The history of shark behaviour
Photographing and documenting marine wildlife
Ocean conservation
YOUR TIME AT SEA:
Every effort will be made to maximise your time at sea collecting data and conducting research from Lwazi and the two other vessels of our eco-tourism partners including:
Tracking White Sharks: 24-hour tracking shifts follow sharks for as many days as conditions allow and data collection requires. Tracking needs you to spend a night at sea as shifts are rotated between crews. As part of a tracking team you will handle the VR100 and directional hydrophone (the equipment that picks up and processes the signal from the tagged sharks) as well as controlling the boat (while overseen by the skipper). Tracking of sharks is a unique experience allowing you to follow the shark as it patrols, rests and, most excitingly, as it hunts.
Note: Participation in tagging and tracking cannot be guaranteed as this is dependent on various factors.
Cage Diving: Cage diving is a vital aspect of white shark conservation when professionally conducted under guidance from marine biologists. Responsible cage diving minimizes the impact on the shark’s behaviour and promotes their conservation. From this experience you will help our international guests learn about white sharks in their natural environment. As a crew member you will be expected to assist clients into wetsuits, explaining the methods of cage diving as well as chumming and decoy handling. You will also log each shark and record behaviour as well as photographing dorsal fins and other identifying characteristics such as scarring.
‘Chum Trips’: Chum trips assess populations of sharks by bringing them close to the boat. The methods involved are the same as those employed by cage diving vessels. By attracting sharks we collect dorsal fin IDs, and tag sharks with acoustic transmitters. During chum trips aboard a research vessel your tasks will include chumming (being in charge of the fish oils used to attract white sharks), photo identification, data collection, bait handling and decoy handling.
Other Work at Sea: Opportunities will arise to work with the other marine life including whales, dolphins, African Penguins, Cape Fur Seals and numerous sea birds.
LAND-BASED DUTIES:
At the end of a day’s field research you will electronically capture data. Interns also play a part in the day-to-day upkeep of records and write blogs. The research team is always available to discuss collaborations on projects and publications.
LEISURE TIME:
Our Research Intern programme is not a holiday. It is designed to provide you with the opportunity to gain as much experience and knowledge as possible from your time with us. The nature of the sea requires maximum flexibility in scheduling.
On “no-sea days” the diverse local environment offers opportunities for field trips to nature reserves, research centres and interaction with local research organisations. Additionally, there is a vibrant social life and opportunities for tourism to local seaside vacation centres. Cape Town is about 2½ hours away by road.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
*An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and the many diverse cultures in South Africa
*The enormous satisfaction of knowing that your work is contributing to marine conservation.
*New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
*An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
*And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!
LOCATION:
The program runs out of Gaansbaai, South Africa. Fieldwork will take place around Dyer Island and possibly other shark locations. Dyer Island (known as Shark Alley!) is possibly the best place in the world to see Great Whites. Gaansbaai is a seaside village, which depends on fishing and tourism for its survival. It is situated approximately two hours south east of Cape Town.
On one of the main research sites, Dyer Island, many other wildlife species can be viewed from the boat. It is the breeding ground for Jackass Penguins, Cape Cormorants and Gannets, whilst Geyser Rock opposite, is a breeding mecca for Cape Fur Seals and currently home to approximately 20 000 seals. In season Whales and an occasional Dolphin can be spotted. This is a perfect habitat for the Great White.
The sharks have been awesome. The largest one I've seen so far was a 3.5m shark nicknamed "Slashfin" because her dorsal fin is cut. She looks a lot bigger up close, I can tell you! Got to see a "predation" as well - a shark take out a seal. Was all over in a matter of minutes, just a pool of blood on the surface to tell the tale. Also saw a Southern Right whale out on the water which was pretty cool. Andrew Burge
One of the exciting aspects of this project is that you may be fortunate enough to spot all the ‘Marine Big 5’ :
Shark – The Great White
Whale – Southern Right, Humpback and Brydes’
Penguin – African
Seal – Cape Fur
Dolphin – Bottlenose, Common and Humpback
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:
- 5-DAY OR 7-DAY SAFARI from Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route: taking in Dolphin and Whale Spotting, visits to many tourist attractions, such as a visit to a brewery(!), the Bloukrantz Bungy Jump (reportedly the highest in the world), and a guided tour of the Cango Caves.
- SURFING COURSES: In the buzz city of Durban.
- PARAGLIDING COURSE: Soar over the impressively beautiful Drakensburg Mountain. You'll get a licence at the end of the course which qualifies you to do solo paragliding around the world.
ACCOMMODATION
The "Great White House" Your accommodation will be in a large, comfortable and well-appointed house in Kleinbaai.
You will stay in a shared dorm room and you have the use of a bathroom, a kitchen, lounge area, and courtyard braai area. The house is situated within a short 10 mins walking distance from the ‘The Great White House’, which is the project office and meeting point for tourists. There is a shop and cafe as well.
Internet is available for you to use at the MD office at the Great White House. There are also two internet cafes in the town.
Food:
Food is not provided on this project. However, the local supermarket stocks a variety of food and there are kitchen facilities in the house for cooking. You'll need to take additional funds with you to cover the cost of meals. At the time of writing this, a very loose guide of how much you’re likely to need is R1,000 per month (roughly £100, eating sensibly and cheaply) to R1,500 (roughly £150, on which you should be eating fairly well). (These exchange figures correct at time of writing.)
On arrival you will be fully briefed and have the opportunity to meet the MD team, including a personal supervisor who will be available to you throughout your stay. Prior to your arrival you will receive your specially tailored itinerary and your supervisor will be available to answer questions or provide advice by email.
TRAVEL:
Typically, you'll fly into Cape Town where you'll be met at the airport by one of our staff. From the airport you'll be taken to a hotel in Cape Town to await your onward transfer to Gaansbaai the next day. Your hosts will introduce you to your accommodation and the people you'll be working with. Prepare yourself for an almost overwhelmingly friendly welcome!
You have the option to arrange your own flights or we can assist you with your flight arrangements. If you would like us to do this for you, we will liaise with you regarding available flights and dates to suit you. All arrangements for your flight bookings/payments will be fulfilled by Murray Rogers Travel Limited, ATOL No. 6856. Where possible, we arrange for two or more people to travel on the same flight and we will let you have the names and telephone numbers of other volunteers on your flight, so that you can chat to each other or even meet up before leaving for your placement.
VISAS: For many nationalities, visas are not required for a stay of 90 days or less. If you’re not sure whether you need a visa or not, please visit http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/visa_schedule.asp to see whether your country is exempt. If you do need a visa, we will assist you and help make the visa process as easy as possible.
Where possible, all flights we arrange for you have changeable return tickets because many of our volunteers choose to extend their stay once they are in their destination country. Changeable return tickets enable you to do so, within the limits of your visa and the level of your air ticket, of course. If you choose to book your own flights, you should endeavour to get a changeable ticket.
To read about the excellent Support & Backup we provide before you leave and during your programme, please click here.
We can also arrange your flight dates to give you additional time at the end of your project for travelling around and sightseeing - this is a fascinating and wondrous country!
Benefits:
Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £2,195 for four weeks.
Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).
You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.
Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.
Requirements:
Previous research experience or academic study is usual for individuals entering the programme, but it is also open to non-graduates who wish to develop their interest in the marine environment and its conservation.
Preference will be given to those who possess a science background and have related experience, but it is not a requirement for application.
Please Note: This programme is for enthusiasts committed to the Trust's ideals and, while a really wonderful experience, is not for individuals seeking a holiday
All our projects are open to all nationalities.
Unless otherwise stated, you need to be aged between 17 and 70+
