SASC Shark Research Internship Programme

  South Africa

Rural Areas

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Winter 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: From the first of each month

Description: SASC is based in Hermanus, Western Cape Province, South Africa, just one hour from the Cape Town International Airport. Our institute is situated meters from the sea in the Old Harbour Museum, enabling us to have a fully operational saltwater laboratory from which our research programmes are conducted.

SASC is more than a research institute, however, and our focus also includes public and fisher training and awareness programmes designed to promote stewardship for South Africa's living marine resources.

The SASC Internship Programme is designed to be challenging and exciting. This programme is not designed for tourists or holidaymakers, and requires significant scientific and practical understanding. Our aim is to provide training to those interested in pursuing a career in marine biology and/or biological sciences, and thus requires interns to meet certain requirements.

Please note our programmes focus on the biology and ecology of commercially exploited shark species, and do not include research on great white sharks.

Highlights: For prospective interns, your work will focus not just on research, but will also include in-depth exposure to the day-to-day operation and management of a non-profit organisation. The following activities and training are offered:

Outreach:
* Assisting with educational programme delivery for fishers, SCUBA divers, school children and the general public
* Development of educational material
* Assisting with the development and publication of SASCs quarterly newsletter
* Website maintenance
* Awareness-raising and fundraising for SASC

Research:
* Tagging and sampling of demersal (bottom-dwelling) shark species, including regional endemics
* Manual acoustic tracking of sharks
* Photo identification of sevengill cowsharks
* Dissections of sharks from governmental research surveys
* Observations and data collection for shore-based shark monitoring programme
* Database development and data capture

Other:
* Laboratory maintenance, including maintenance of saltwater systems, feeding and care of live sharks, aquaria and touch tanks
* The occasional opportunity to partake in great white shark cage diving activities with some of our partner organisations in Kleinbaai (40 minutes from Hermanus)
* Other tasks which may arise during your internship period

Qualifications: Interns should be: (a) students currently enrolled at an academic institution and studying towards a science major; (b) graduated scientists with a minimum of a B.Sc. with a science major; (c) naturalists with proven experience in research, management and/or conservation; (d) educators with experience in environmental education. Provisions can also be made for families with children over the age of 13; however you must contact us to make arrangements.

Cost in US$: 850

Depending on each individual's habits and lifestyle, we suggest interns add an additional 150 to 300 USD to their monthly budget for souvenirs, excursions, entertainment and other personal daily needs.

Experience Required: yes

Interns should be: (a) students currently enrolled at an academic institution and studying towards a science major; (b) graduated scientists with a minimum of a B.Sc. with a science major; (c) naturalists with proven experience in research, management and/or conservation; (d) educators with experience in environmental education. Provisions can also be made for families with children over the age of 13; however you must contact us to make arrangements.

Typical Volunteer: Typical volunteers come from a range of backgrounds but have an interest in marine sciences, conservation and education.

Age Range: 19-60

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 3

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

South African Shark Conservancy (SASC)'s Mission Statement: Raise awareness about sharks and the marine environment through the development and promotion of a shark research facility and conservation campaign, including associated scientific initiatives and education programmes.

Year Founded: 2007