Shark & Marine Research Institute

16/03/2026

Seven species, one mission. 🦈 Each tag adds another piece to the puzzle of where these sharks go and how we can better protect them.

09/03/2026

Meet the fish you can catch but you can't buy! 🐟🚫

This week's spotlight is on the Blacktail (Diplodus capensis). While they might be one of the most common sights on our reefs, there is way more to these silver swimmers than meets the eye. Starting their lives as males, these hermaphroditic fish later transition into females as they grow!

Endemic to southern African waters, they are found from Angola to southern Mozambique. While they can grow up to 45 cm, the juveniles are famous for hanging out in our tidal pools and estuaries. Blacktail are highly resident, meaning adults usually stick to the same reef for life. 🪸

Even though they are classified as "Least Concern," it is illegal to commercially fish, buy, or sell Blacktail. They are reserved strictly for recreational or subsistence angling—and for good reason. Because they are slow-growing and stay in one place, local populations are very vulnerable to heavy fishing pressure. Recreational catch size limit on these fish are 20cm total length at 5 fish per person, per day. 🎣

Next time you're snorkeling or fishing, keep an eye out for their iridescent blue fins and that signature black spot by their tail! 🌊

🎥 Kayla Heuer

03/03/2026

Happy World Wildlife Day and welcome to our first species of the week! 🌍

Meet the Cape Yellowtail (also known as Yellowtail Amberjack), a powerful, torpedo-shaped predator built for speed. Recognised by its metallic blue-green back, bold golden stripe, and unmistakable bright yellow tail, this species is a true icon of our pelagic ecosystem. 🌊

Highly nomadic, they move between offshore reefs and follow baitfish like sardines and anchovies, sometimes even tracking the sardine run up the east coast. 🐟

They mature quickly (just 2-3 years), can exceed 1.4 m in length, and are a prized gamefish in South Africa yet remain sustainably managed and SASSI green-listed. ✅

20/11/2025

Cape fur seals are vital to our marine ecosystem, agile hunters and skilled divers, they spend most of their lives in the water. 🦭💦 Watching one leap into the ocean is a perfect reminder of the wild beauty we strive to understand and protect every day.

13/11/2025

Even on their off day, our volunteers can’t stay away from the ocean! 🐠💙 A trip to the aquarium to spot their favourite animals they’ve learned about with us, once an ocean lover, always an ocean lover!

10/11/2025

Every bronze whaler sighting adds to our growing database. From size to behavior and environmental conditions. 📊
Our team collects valuable data to better understand and protect these incredible sharks.
🌊 Join our research program and be part of real marine science in action.

15/10/2025

Spreading ocean awareness one mind at a time🌊Our Marine Minds outreach was all about inspiring the next generation to care for our oceans and the incredible life beneath the surface🦈

04/09/2025

27/08/2025

Making the most of the beautiful weather with a hike through Hermanus, and taking in the breathtaking views with our incredible volunteers! 🌿💚 Grateful for moments like these!

09/08/2025

Ocean Ramsey Joins the Call to Remove Archaic & Destructive Shark Nets in KwaZulu-Natal

World-renowned ocean conservationist Ocean Ramsey has joined the fight to remove the outdated and deadly shark nets still installed along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. These nets are indiscriminately killing our precious marine life — not only the endangered great white shark, but also dolphins, rays, turtles, and even migrating whales.

It’s time to replace these destructive systems with science-backed, modern solutions that protect both beachgoers and marine life.

South Africa was once the first country in the world to protect the great white shark, yet we are still killing hundreds of these slow-to-mature predators, pushing their already fragile populations closer to collapse.

While great whites face many other threats, the shark nets are one of the easiest problems to solve — by working together with scientists and communities to implement proven, non-lethal alternatives.

📢 You can help right now:

1️⃣ Sign & share this vital petition.
2️⃣ Donate any amount via the petition platform to help boost its reach.

A coalition of local and international businesses is forming to support this movement. If you would like to add your voice and your brand to this growing global stand for sharks, contact us at [email protected].

Together, we can protect bathers and the ocean’s most precious marine life.

Living for a cause All about sharks