When I approached the end of my MSc, I had a sad realisation. Though I was a three-time graduate, academic qualifications alone were not enough to enter the job arena. What would make my internship-slash-job hunt difficult was my lack of practical experience and skills. Imagine my surprise when I was accepted into the Graduate […]
Category: Research
A marine science graduates thoughts about the 7th International Marine Conservation Conference
For the first time ever the 7th International Marine Conservation Conference (IMCC7) was held in Cape Town in October 2024. Having the incredible opportunity to attend this conference it felt particularly special to me as it was the first time it was hosted on the African continent. The conference officially began on Monday, October 14th, […]
Shark Conservation with Shark Spotters
Hi! My name is Ingrid Martinson and I am the 2024 North American Scholar of the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society (OWUSS). I recently graduated with a BS in Marine Science from California State University, Monterey Bay. As an OWUSS scholar, I have a year-long travel fellowship to explore SCUBA diving and marine conservation around the […]
A cup of pool water and gratitude: recalling the journey to my commercial dive certification
Twelve of us gathered in the Oceanography Department’s parking lot — groggy, quiet, and carrying weeks of training on our backs. It was an early Friday morning in December 2024 and, I, for one, was sleep-deprived and nervous. The soft conversations around me matched the gentle light streaming through the oak trees overhead. Three tests […]
The IOI-SA Ocean Governance Training Programme: A Journey of Learning, Collaboration, and Marine Conservation
In November, I had the privilege of attending the International Ocean Institute – Southern Africa (IOI-SA) Ocean Governance Training Programme between the 4th and 29th. I was among participants from 12 different African countries, including early-career researchers, experts, and professionals in their respective fields. Throughout the program, we engaged in café sessions to share our […]
Eating shark meat might be riskier than you think…
Sharks are renowned as apex predators in marine ecosystems and are often depicted in a sinister light with their wide jaws, sharp teeth and swift movements. Despite their formidable presence, they are not immune to threats, including being hunted and consumed as a source of fish protein. Annually, over 1.4 million tons of sharks, including […]
Shark Spotters Honoured at the 2024 SANParks Kudu Awards
The South African National Parks (SANParks) Kudu Awards stands as a prestigious celebration of excellence, honouring organisations and individuals who go above and beyond in championing education, outreach, and conservation within South Africa’s national parks. Now in its 18th year, this event shines a spotlight on those who tackle critical conservation topics with unwavering passion […]
Transformation and progress require intention and care – the Shark Spotters Graduate Training programme (SS-GTP) after a year
With the barriers to entry into the marine sector becoming steeper seemingly every three to five years, what sacrifices does one need to make to land one’s dream job? Has hard work and determination become just the bottom rung on the ladder to employment, while access, luck, and privilege now act as the jetpack that […]
When There Are Sharks…: Monwabisi Sikweyiya 20 Years Later
Monwabisi (Monwa) Sikweyiya is a devoted field manager at Shark Spotters, often seen driving along the breathtaking coastline from Kogel Bay to Fish Hoek daily. Armed with a warm smile, his responsibilities include supporting the team, providing spotters with equipment, and ensuring they execute their tasks effectively. This year, Monwa celebrates 20 years of service […]