SAAMBR

SAAMBR South African Association for Marine Biological Research incl Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI), uShaka Sea World & uShaka Sea World Education

The South African Association for Marine Biological Research stimulates community awareness of the marine environment through education and promotes wise, sustainable use of marine resources through scientific investigation. SAAMBR fulfils this mission by operating the following three divisions:


• The Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI)

• uShaka Sea World

• uShaka Sea World Education Centre

Join SAAMBR for an exciting Marine Careers 1-Day Course specially designed for Grade 7 and 8 learners!Spend the day meet...
29/05/2026

Join SAAMBR for an exciting Marine Careers 1-Day Course specially designed for Grade 7 and 8 learners!

Spend the day meeting real marine conservation professionals and discovering what it’s like to work in the world of ocean science and conservation. Learners will interact with divers, aquarium biologists, geneticists, animal keepers, educators, and more, learning what they studied, what they do every day, and why they love their careers.

Date and Time: 14 July 2026 from 8:00 – 16:00
Cost: R149 per learner
Learners to please bring their own lunch

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this fun and inspiring opportunity to explore the amazing world of marine careers! Applications close on the 12th of June.

To reserve your seat, you will need to fill in the application form on our website https://saambr.org.za/marine-careers-guidance/

uShaka Marine World

Join the SAAMBR team this World Ocean Day for the uShaka Beach Clean-Up!This year’s World Ocean Day theme reminds us how...
27/05/2026

Join the SAAMBR team this World Ocean Day for the uShaka Beach Clean-Up!

This year’s World Ocean Day theme reminds us how important it is to protect the ocean that sustains us all. Every piece of litter removed makes a difference for marine life, our beaches, and our communities.

Bring your family and friends and help us keep Durban’s coastline beautiful while celebrating our shared love for the ocean.

Lucky draws and lots of ocean-positive energy await!

Where: uShaka Beach
When: 6 June 2026, 8am - 10am.
Please bring your own gloves, hats and sunscreen. Registration will be set up outside uShaka Marine World ticketing.

Together, we can turn the tide for our ocean.

uShaka Marine World EThekwini Municipality

26/05/2026

Porky’s big journey home!

Porky, the feisty young Southern elephant seal that stole hearts on the KZN South Coast last week, has now been successfully transported to Gqeberha and released on a quiet Eastern Cape beach with the assistance of Bayworld.

Before his release, seal expert Dr Greg Hofmeyr fitted Porky with rather beautiful flipper tags so that he can hopefully be identified again one day, whether back near Marion Island or perhaps during another unexpected visit along our coastline.

After a long day of travelling and even spending the night at the “Bayworld Hotel”, Porky wasted absolutely no time. The moment his crate was opened, he confidently headed straight for the ocean as if he knew exactly where he was going.

Although Porky is a healthy young male in excellent condition, he was given a precautionary rabies vaccination as part of an important biosecurity programme. In recent years, South Africa has recorded the world’s first known rabies outbreak in a marine mammal population, affecting Cape fur seals along parts of our coastline. Scientists believe the virus may originally have crossed from black-backed jackals to seals, and it is now known to spread between seals in colonies.

Vaccinating wandering seals like Porky helps reduce the risk should they come into contact with infected animals during their travels. It also highlights why stranded or resting marine wildlife should always be given space and handled only by trained authorities and stranding networks.

Releasing young elephant seals in quieter areas of the Eastern Cape has, over many years, shown a better chance of helping these incredible ocean travellers navigate their way back towards their true southern ocean home ranges.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in Porky’s rescue, care, transport, and release.

Safe travels little adventurer.

*Porky’s release" was filmed on a Bayworld staff member's phone. Some sections are at x3 speed.

uShaka Marine World KZN Marine Stranding Network Bayworld PE South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise - SCTIE Good Things Guy Coast Explore South Coast Herald

25/05/2026

Earlier this year, our team undertook an important research and conservation project focused on diamond rays along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. By surgically implanting acoustic tags into these animals, we are able to track their long-term movements and better understand their migration patterns, breeding behaviour, pupping areas, and the critical habitats they rely on for survival.

This year’s work also provided a rare opportunity to combine the tagging project with reproductive ultrasonography in the field. Using a rugged IBEX ultrasound machine capable of operating under challenging beach conditions, we were able to examine 11 female diamond rays, all of which were pregnant.

The ultrasound scans allowed us to visualise developing embryos and collect valuable data on embryonic growth, health, and gestation stages. This information is incredibly important for understanding the reproductive biology of these remarkable animals and will contribute to future population management and conservation strategies.

One of the most extraordinary moments was being able to observe the embryos moving within the fluid-filled uterus, occasionally even turning upside down. These observations may help scientists better understand developmental processes and maternal interactions in rays.

Projects like this highlight how much there is still to learn about these elusive animals, and how critical long-term research is for ensuring their conservation into the future.

A special thank you to SAAMBR’s Rob Kyle and veterinarian Dr Francois Lampen, ORI Senior Scientist Ryan Daly, and Andy Coetzee for assisting with the fieldwork and for contributing some of the incredible footage captured during the project.

E.I. Medical Imaging uShaka Marine World EThekwini Municipality

23/05/2026

Celebrating World Turtle Day 💚🐢💚

21/05/2026

A rather unexpected visitor caused quite a stir on the KZN South Coast this week!

A young southern elephant seal, affectionately nicknamed “Porky”, came ashore near Port Shepstone after likely travelling thousands of kilometres from the subantarctic region near Marion Island and beyond. Despite being in excellent body condition (hence the name “Porky”) and showing no signs of injury or disease, this youngster clearly needed time to rest.

Unfortunately, repeated disturbance by beachgoers meant he was unable to settle peacefully, returning to the water several times before hauling out again. To ensure his safety and well-being, the KZN Marine Stranding Network and authorities requested that SAAMBR temporarily move him to the uShaka Sea World rehabilitation facility, where he could rest quietly while arrangements for his release are finalised.

Porky has since received his routine rabies vaccination as part of a broader biosecurity programme for “vagrant” seals and will be transported to Gqeberha tomorrow from where he will be released back into the ocean with the assistance of Bayworld Museum and Oceanarium and seal expert Dr Greg Hofmeyer. Over many years, experience has shown that releases in the Eastern Cape often give these young travellers the best chance of finding their way home.

Interestingly, sightings of elephant seals along South Africa’s coastline, particularly in the Western Cape, have become more common in recent years. These ocean wanderers occasionally haul out on beaches simply to rest, moult, or recover before continuing their remarkable journeys across the Southern Ocean.

We would like to gently remind everyone that wild animals on our beaches need space and quiet. While it is incredibly exciting to see these visitors up close, approaching them, crowding them, or trying to interact with them can cause stress and place both people and animals at risk. The best thing we can do is admire them from a distance and contact the Stranding Network or NSRI if assistance may be needed.

A huge thank you to the KZN Marine Stranding Network, NSRI, Wolf Pack Security, Laser Security, Mi7, the authorities, veterinarians, and every person who helped keep Porky safe on his unexpected KZN holiday. We can’t wait to see this feisty youngster continue his journey home.
Bayworld Museum Marine Mammals Bayworld PE South Coast Explore uShaka Marine World (📹 R. Kyle)

What an incredible few days of collaboration, learning, and inspiration at the first annual African Association of Wildl...
19/05/2026

What an incredible few days of collaboration, learning, and inspiration at the first annual African Association of Wildlife in Human Care (AAWHC) Conference, proudly hosted by SAAMBR at uShaka Sea World. AAWHC is a collaborative regional body representing Africa’s Zoological Gardens, Aquariums and Wildlife Institutions.

Our SAAMBR team delivered 12 presentations, an interactive workshop, and poster presentations covering themes such as animal welfare science, ethical governance, marine wildlife rehabilitation, conservation education, behaviour husbandry, sea turtle rescue, African penguin conservation, visitor engagement and staff development.

A special congratulations to our CEO, Larry Oellermann, on receiving the Bernard Harrison and Friends Award for Best Professional Practice in recognition of his contribution to capacity building, governance and professional excellence within the sector.

Most importantly, congratulations to every SAAMBR staff member, co-author, collaborator and specialist who contributed to this conference. Your passion, professionalism, and teamwork continue to strengthen an industry committed to advancing animal welfare, conservation science, and meaningful conservation education across Africa.

uShaka Marine World EThekwini Municipality African Association for Wildlife in Human Care

This World Turtle Day weekend (23rd/24th May) we are celebrating more than 60 years of turtle conservation, rehabilitati...
19/05/2026

This World Turtle Day weekend (23rd/24th May) we are celebrating more than 60 years of turtle conservation, rehabilitation and release at uShaka Sea World, a journey that started with Myrtle the rescued turtle and very first resident of the original Durban Aquarium.

One of our latest success stories is Andy, the rescued Green sea turtle who turned out to be a true KZN South Coast local. After his rescue from the uMzimkhulu Estuary and release with a satellite tag, Andy spent 6 months between Umtentweni and Southbroom, never venturing far from shore and remaining within a 30 km stretch of coastline.

Adult Green turtles are vegetarian grazers, and the algae-rich rocky reefs of the South Coast clearly provided Andy with the perfect “staycation” destination. Even within this small range, he still travelled more than 700 km while exploring local feeding areas.

Tracking Andy was especially important because we rarely get the opportunity to study adult male sea turtles. His movements showed us that some turtles are perfectly happy to stay ‘local’ rather than travel vast distances.
A huge thank you to the KZN Marine Stranding Network, Andy Coetzee, the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, and everyone who helped make Andy’s journey possible.

If you are able to visit uShaka Sea World this weekend, we have planned some fun turtle awareness activities and look forward to celebrating these incredible ocean travellers with you.

uShaka Marine World KZN Marine Stranding Network Two Oceans Aquarium Coast Herald South Coast Explore

Late on Friday afternoon, the KZN Marine Stranding Network sprang into action after a young African Penguin washed up e...
18/05/2026

Late on Friday afternoon, the KZN Marine Stranding Network sprang into action after a young African Penguin washed up exhausted and underweight at Port Edward, far from its normal home range. A caring member of the public alerted the team, and within minutes an incredible relay effort was underway.

Led by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Santosh, members of the network from different ocean conservation groups coordinated a rescue mission across the South Coast, with volunteers meeting each other along the route to safely transport the young penguin to the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) at uShaka Sea World.

Wrapped in a soft towel and little more than “a bag of feathered bones,” the juvenile penguin, affectionately named Benny, arrived dehydrated and thin after likely spending around 10 days at sea without feeding. Thankfully, SAAMBR veterinarian Dr Caryl Knox found no major injuries, and after fluids, vitamins and a warm night’s rest, Benny surprised everyone by eagerly devouring fish the very next morning.

Just days later, Benny is already swimming, preening and regaining strength, with her weight increasing from 1.51 kg to 1.92 kg. Once she is fully recovered, she will continue rehabilitation at SANCCOB saves seabirds before hopefully returning to the ocean where she belongs.

This rescue is a reminder that conservation truly takes a village. When most people were winding down for the weekend, this remarkable network of passionate individuals showed up for one little penguin. Thank you to every person who played a role in Benny’s rescue and recovery. Together, we are giving her a second chance.

uShaka Marine World EThekwini Municipality Port Edward Classifieds Mpenjati Conservancy KZN Conservancies

Lets get moving for turtles World Turtle Day which aims at encouraging global action to protect turtles and their habita...
15/05/2026

Lets get moving for turtles

World Turtle Day which aims at encouraging global action to protect turtles and their habitats is being celebrated on Saturday 23rd May 2026. As this year's theme is "Dancing Turtles Rock", we decided to celebrate these magnificent, ancient reptiles by combining conservation with some early morning fun and exercise along the promenade.

We would love it if you could join us and the rest of the Point Park Run team on Saturday 23rd May. The Point Parkrun starts at the Marine Lifesaving Club outside Surf Riders at 8am and everyone is welcome.

To add a touch of turtle to the morning, why not dress up in a turtle inspired outfit.

We look forward to seeing you on the promenade.

uShaka Marine World KZN Marine Stranding Network Durban Point parkrun

As we celebrate SAAMBR’s 75th Anniversary, we’re also honouring an extraordinary milestone, Sir David Attenborough’s 100...
08/05/2026

As we celebrate SAAMBR’s 75th Anniversary, we’re also honouring an extraordinary milestone, Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday.

Few individuals have shaped global understanding of the ocean quite like Sir David. His incredible ability to bring science to life, ignite curiosity, and deepen our awareness of the natural world has inspired millions of people to care about the ocean.

To mark these moments, our talented friend, artist, and ocean champion Giffy has created an amazing new mural at our entrance. The mural which was inspired by a beautiful photograph by Linda Ness depicts the phenomenal sardine run which is often referred to as the greatest shoal on earth.

We proudly dedicate this mural to Sir David Attenborough, in gratitude for a lifetime spent making the wonders of the ocean accessible to all.

Happy 100th Birthday, Sir David, and thank you for inspiring generations of people around the globe.

uShaka Marine World Sir David Attenborough Fans Giffy

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1 King Shaka Avenue
Durban
4001

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+27313288222

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