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The Shark Academy is more than just an internship or volunteer program. We focus on skills development, academic mentoring, fieldwork, science communication and professional portfolio development. Through our hands-on conservation and science programs, interns and volunteers gain in-depth experience in shark science and contribute to valuable research efforts through experiential conservation internships. This academic field school experience specialises in connecting undergraduate students, early-career scientists, conservationists and senior scientists.
LOCATION
The Shark Academy is based at SASC headquarters, the Shark Lab. We are located in Hermanus, on the shores of Walker Bay. This is a shark diversity hotspot where more than 60 species of shark, skate, ray and chimaera can be found.
EXPERIENCE
For more than 10 years we have worked with students, young scientists, conservationists and divers from around the world. At the Shark Academy, you will gain unparalleled experiences working with sharks and our passionate team of scientists and researchers.
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WHO IS SHARK ACADEMY FOR?
The 2 to 8-week volunteer program provides an excellent opportunity for conservationists and shark lovers to gain a sneak peek into the life of a marine biologist while contributing to shark conservation efforts. The 8+ week intern program is best-suited to undergraduate students, early-career scientists and conservationists interested in becoming a marine biologist. We also provide many research options for post graduates and senior scientists interested in collaborating with the South African Shark Conservancy scientific team.
LIFE AT SHARK ACADEMY
Are you a shark enthusiast and looking for ways to spend some quality time with these fascinating predators? How about a volunteering program with the Shark Academy and SASC? Our training and education program gives you an unparalleled hands-on experience in shark science – above and below the water. Our days are filled with fun, action, adventure and of course sharks. Watch our video to see what life is like at the SASC Shark Academy and Shark Lab.
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OUR RESEARCH
EXPERIENCE SCIENCE HANDS ON
Research at the Shark Academy and SASC is focused on biology and ecology, and aims to understand the role of sharks in ocean ecosystems. We combine field and lab-based research techniques to study more than 25 species of shark, skate and ray. Our holistic, ecosystem-based approach to all of our projects ensures our work has pragmatic conservation and management outcomes.
You will spend days at sea, assist with shark tagging and deploy baited remote underwater video (BRUV) systems. Additionally, you will help with ecological surveys, run focal surveys on marine megafauna, contribute to database management and data analysis, participate in lectures and workshops, and much more.
Training Fundamentals
Ocean & Coast in SA
Shark Evolution & Ecology
Sharks & Fisheries
Shark Population Dynamics
Science Communication
Trophic Ecology & Sharks
Field Work
Shark Diversity Surveys
Underwater Shark Census
Shark Tagging
Sharks After Dark
BRUV Deployment
Lab Activities
Shark Handling
Shark Husbandry
Data Entry & Management
Shark Dissection
Shark Sampling
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The cost includes:
Accommodation
Return transport from Cape Town Airport
Bi-weekly accommodation cleaning
Wifi at the accommodation and Shark Lab
Shark Academy welcome pack
Shark Academy orientation and training
Daily breakfasts
Weekly transport to the shops
Assistance arranging your own tours
Mentorship and academic skills development
Work-related activities and research travel
A Shark Academy fun and educational excursion
The cost excludes:
Flights
Visas (if required)
Medical/travel insurance
Laundry
Lunches and dinners
Non-work related travel (which we can arrange for you)
Social activities
Spending money
Why are you paying to Volunteer?
Like most other NPOs and conservation programs out there, our organization is 100% reliant on external contributions to finance our ongoing research and conservation efforts. Your fees support our operational costs for boats, transportation, shark tags, lab equipment, housing and more. From the smallest light bulb to the biggest shark tank, we couldn’t run our activities without you, so this is as good a time as any to say “Thank you”.
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PACKAGE COSTS
ARE YOU A RESIDENT OF AFRICA?
You qualify for a 20% discount – all year long!
Volunteer
If you are time constrained but searching for an incredible hands-on experience working with sharks, this is for you. No scientific background needed. A minimum of two weeks is required.
$700/ week
Intern
If you are a gap year student, trying to leave a positive conservation footprint, or a marine biologist looking for an internship placement – this is your chance. A minimum of eight weeks is required.
$600/ week
Post Grad Student
If you are a marine biologist looking for great research facilities, strong mentorship and excellent scientific infrastructure for your MSc or PhD, we should talk. A minimum of six months is required.
Fees Available on Request
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ARE YOU READY TO EMBARK ON AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY? APPLY NOW.
Starting your volunteering or internship program with the Shark Academy is very easy and works in just two simple steps. Step 1 is getting in touch with our Bookings Team who will happily answer all of your questions and guide you through the application process. Step 2 is designed to make your online reservation and booking as simple as possible.
Step 1
Make ContactStep 2
Apply NowOur Cancellation Policy is strict and very important. We advise that you read through it before committing to a program.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
See what past and present interns and volunteers experience at the Shark Academy.
YOU CAN HELP SUPPORT US
You can’t join the Shark Academy? No problem; we offer several research sponsorship opportunities for people who would like to contribute to our work. We are open to other forms of donation too, so get in touch if you would like to contribute in other ways.
