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SA SHARK CONSERVANCY INTERNSHIP 2015/16

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http://www.sharkconservancy.org


DEAR SASC INTERN,

Welcome to the South African Shark Conservancy (SASC) Internship Programme Information and Application

Manual. The SASC Internship Programme is designed to be challenging and exciting. This programme is not

designed for tourists or holidaymakers but is aimed at delivering hands-on experience for students and post

graduates who want to gain holistic experience in the field of marine research and conservation.

SASC is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting the conservation and sustainable utilisation

of marine resources through research, education and outreach initiatives. While many researchers focus on

charismatic mega-fauna, such as the great white shark, SASC has identified a lack of research directed toward

commercially exploited elasmobranchs as well as the ecosystems in which they live.

Since its inception in 2007, SASC has developed partnerships with academic and conservation organisations

around the globe, and has become well-known for its inclusive and holistic approach to conservation and

ecosystem-based research. We welcome you to be a part of this growing network of marine conservation

scientists who dedicate their life’s passion to understanding complex marine processes and the people who

rely on them.

As a SASC intern you are in a position to contribute to conservation, education and research initiatives in a

location unlike any in the world. We hope that your time with SASC will inspire you to enter your chosen

career with confidence and continue to be involved in conservation, research and sustainable use of natural

resources.

SASC endeavours to make your internship a personal and career building experience. Please read the

document below thoroughly and, if you have any questions as you prepare for your journey to South Africa or

about the internship programme in general, contact our Intern Coordinator, Ruth Harries

([email protected]).

We look forward to hearing from you soon and trust that you will have an unforgettable experience in

beautiful South Africa and as a member of the SASC family.

Sincerely,

Meaghen McCord

Founder/Director

The South African Shark Conservancy

A MESSAGE FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN SHARK CONSERVANCY

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.sharkconservancy.org/


TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE #

1. GENERAL INFORMATION 4

2. THE SA SHARK CONSERVANCY MARINE ECOLOGY RESEARCH PROGRAMME (MERP) 5

2.1 CETACEAN MONITORING 5

2.2 ELASMOBRANCH SURVEYS 7

2.3 BAITED REMOTE UNDERWATER VIDEO (BRUV) RESEARCH 10

2.4 ESTUARINE MACRO-INVERTEBRATE SURVEYS 11

2.5 MARINE DEBRIS SURVEYS 12

3. LABORATORY BASED RESEARCH 13

4. HUSBANDRY & FACILITY MAINTENANCE 14

5. EDUCATION & OUTREACH PROGRAMMES 14

6. APPLICATION, ACCEPTANCE & WORK AT SASC: 15

6.1 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 15

6.2 DURATION OF INTERNSHIPS 15

6.3 SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATOIN 15

6.4 INTERSHIP FEES & REQUIRED DEPOSIT 15

6.5 ACCEPTANCE INTO THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME 15

6.6 AIRPORT COLLECTION & DEPARTURE 16

6.7 ARRIVAL IN HERMANUS 16

6.8 SASC PROGRAMME ORIENTATION & TRAINING 16

6.9 IMPORTANT ITEMS TO PACK 16

6.10 WORKING HOURS & DAYS OFF 17

6.11 IMPORTANT SASC RULES 17

7. INTERN ACCOMMODATION, MEALS & AFTER HOUR ACTIVITIES 17

7.1 INTERN ACCOMMODATION 17

7.2 MEALS 17

7.3 ACTIVITIES IN AND AROUND HERMANUS 18

8. SOUTH AFRICAN TRAVEL TIPS 18

8.1 RSA VISA REQUIREMENTS 18

8.2 TRAVEL & MEDICAL INSURANCE 18

8.3 RSA VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS 18

9. BEFORE YOU ARRIVE 18

Carefully read this entire document so you are able to fully understand the application process, your expected contribution to SASC as an intern and the outcomes you will be in a position to achieve through an internship with SASC.


1. GENERAL INFORMATION: The South African Shark Conservancy (SASC) is based in Hermanus, Western Cape Province (South Africa)

and is roughly one hour from the Cape Town International Airport. Our institute is situated meters from the

sea in the Old Harbour Museum within Walker Bay, enabling us to have a fully operational saltwater

laboratory from which our education and research programmes are conducted.

Walker Bay was once a productive commercial fishing area until overfishing and a lack of fisheries

management led to declines in commercially important species. Walker Bay is now a seasonally closed

whale sanctuary dedicated primarily to eco-tourism enterprises. Elasmobranchs (sharks, skates and rays) are

commonly targeted by commercial fishers to cover expenses and sustain livelihoods.

The commercial abalone (Haliotis midae) industry which once supported the Walker Bay’s coastal

communities has been entirely overexploited and the subsequent reduction of quotas has led to high levels

of illegal harvesting (poaching).

Land-based aquaculture

industries now supply the

abalone export market and

many historical fishing

community members have had

to seek alternative incomes to

support their families. The

consequences of over-fishing

and illegal extraction in the area

are largely unknown, as are the

broader ecological impacts

caused by potential trophic

cascades.

Hermanus, as part of the Cape

Whale Coast, is renowned as the one of the best land-based whale watching destinations in the world.

Additionally Hermanus is a popular destination for SCUBA diving and serves as a gateway to the white shark

cage diving industry in neighbouring Gansbaai.

In 2014 SASC worked alongside Dr Sylvia Earle to declare the Cape Whale Coast Hope Spot. As Dr Earle

states: “We have the knowledge and the technology, what we need is the will to use it intelligently to ensure

an enduring place for ourselves within the natural system that keeps us alive”.

The SA Shark Conservancy has dedicated research programmes aimed at the development of biological

baselines to monitor seasonal changes in species diversity, abundance and habitat use, as well as

identifying anthropogenic impacts on marine habitats, within Walker Bay.

“This is an excellent programme with excellent people! You have inspired me! Because of what I have learned here I have the confidence to surge forward with my career” SASC Intern 2011


2. THE SASC MARINE ECOLOGY RESEARCH PROGRAMME: The SASC Marine Ecology Research Programme (MERP) encompasses various species-specific and ecology-

based research projects within Walker Bay, Hermanus. Although we all have our favourite focal research

species, gaining an understanding of overall ecological functioning is vital. As a member of the SASC Intern

Programme, you will be expected to participate in all areas of research, education and outreach while at

SASC.

Depending on the time of year you join the SASC Internship Programme, you will participate in the following

components of the MERP programme:

1. Cetacean monitoring;

2. Elasmobranch surveys;

3. Marine debris surveys;

4. Estuarine surveys;

5. Baited remote underwater video (BRUV) surveys.

2.1. CETACEAN MONITORING: RESEARCH MOTIVATION: The Walker Bay Whale Sanctuary was gazetted by the Department of

Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) in 2007. The Sanctuary is closed to motorised vessels from 1 July

to 30 November, and is aimed primarily at southern right whales (Eubalaena australis). There are five right

holders who have access to the seasonally closed area for the purpose of commercial boat-based whale

watching eco-tourism ventures. The delineation of the Sanctuary was gazetted to provide land-based whale

watchers with an unobstructed view of the whales, and was not based on scientific understanding of how

southern right whales use Walker Bay.

PROJECT AIMS & OBJECTIVES:

1. To develop and implement a cetacean research programme in Walker Bay, Hermanus;

2. To create a long-term database of individual sightings through photo-identification;

3. To study site fidelity, habitat use, behaviour and population dynamics of cetaceans in the bay.

4. To incorporate a holistic multi-species approach to further understanding of the ecology and

conservation priorities of Walker Bay;

RESEARCH CALENDAR: 01 June to 30 November

RESEARCH DAYS PER MONTH: 15 days per month shared among all interns.

RESEARCH VESSEL: Southern Right Charters eco-tourism whale watching vessel Miroscha

INTERN TRAINING & DUTIES: As a SASC intern you will be trained to collect behavioural data, log geographic

location of cetaceans in the bay and record photographic identification (where applicable) of cetaceans in

Walker Bay. Upon return to the SASC facility interns will enter data and compile basic reports when required

for the cetacean monitoring project. Interns must write one blog describing their experience with Southern

Right Charters who provide the vessel for SASC research purposes.

http://www.southernrightcharters.co.za/




CETACEAN MONITORING RESEARCH SPECIES:

Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis):

A baleen whale reaching approximately 15m, this whale is easily distinguished from other whales by the

callosities on its head, a broad back and lack of dorsal fins. Named the Right Whale by commercial whalers

due to their high blubber content,

relative slow movements and

because the carcass floated on the

surface after harpooning, there are

now approximately 10 000 southern

right whales in the Southern

Hemisphere. These whales migrate

3000 km from their Antarctic feeding

ground and, after an approximate

eight week journey, arrive in Walker

Bay to calve and mate. The female

whales use the inshore areas of the

bay (often right outside the SASC

facility) to calve. It is not uncommon

to see groups of mating whales,

albino calves and whales frolicking

from the SASC facility and research boat. Seasonal aerial whale counts have recorded individual numbers

exceeding 150 in the bay at one time. IUCN STATUS: Least concern

Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera edeni):

Bryde’s (pronounced Broodus) are medium sized baleen whales easily distinguished from the southern right

whale by their prominent dorsal fin. Bryde’s whale are spotted in Walker Bay throughout the year, usually in

pairs or individually. Bryde’s whales have a cosmopolitan distribution, occurring in tropical and warm

temperate (such as Walker Bay) around the world. There are insufficient data to determine the genetic

markers and population trends of the Bryde’s whale. IUCN STATUS: Data Deficient

Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae):

A baleen whale reaching up to 16 meters in length, common offshore but occasionally spotted from the

research vessel. The humpback whale has a distinct body shape and long pectoral fins. Found in oceans

around the world they are known to migrate up to 25 000km to subtropical waters to give birth and mate.

IUCN STATUS: Least Concern

Other cetacean species:

The following species are not focal species in the cetacean project although data is collected when sited

from the from the research vessel:

Indo-Pacific bottlenosed dolphin (Tursiops aduncus)

Long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus capensis)

Killer whale (Orcinus orca)

Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis)


2.2. ELASMOBRANCH SURVEYS:

RESEARCH MOTIVATION: As apex predators, elasmobranchs help regulate the health and integrity of marine

ecosystems. Using rock and surf angling, this shore-based elasmobranch survey focuses on demersal

endemic shark species using mark-recapture methods. Interns will target demersal endemic elasmobranchs

using a rod and reel, tag with a conventional spaghetti tag, collect biological data and genetic samples.


1. To establish the diversity, seasonal distribution, abundance and habitat use of endemic demersal

inshore elasmobranchs in Walker Bay.

RESEARCH CALENDAR: Year round

RESEARCH DAYS PER MONTH: Eight research days (07h00 – 13h00) shared among all interns

RESEARCH VESSEL: Currently shore-based research. Boat-based angling surveys are planned pending funding

goals achievable in 2015.

INTERN TRAINING & DUTIES: Interns will be trained to fish with a rod and reel from the shore, to collect

biological data, conventional spaghetti tagging methods, genetic sample collection, ethical angling and

handling techniques and local species identification. Upon return to the SASC facility, interns will enter data

and clean and maintain research gear.


ELASMOBRANCH SURVEY RESEARCH SPECIES: COMMON SPECIES DESCRIPTION, THREATS & STATUS # TAGGED

Dark Shy Shark (Haploblepharus pictus)

Elongated with no nasal barbels. Brown with

about seven dark saddles extending over the

head and body.

Maximum size: 60 cm total length (Female)

Distribution: Southeast Atlantic; Namibia to

Southwestern Cape Province.

THREATS: Habitat destruction, inshore

demersal fisheries

IUCN STATUS: Least Concern

62

Brown Shy Shark (Haploblepharus fuscus)

No nasal barbels. Yellow-brown dorsally; small

light spot along with indistinct brown saddles

in some individuals.


Distribution: Southeast Atlantic: west of Cape

Agulhas to southern Natal


demersal fisheries

IUCN STATUS: Vulnerable

2

Puffadder Shy Shark (Haploblepharus edwardsii)

No nasal barbels. Sandy brown with 7 reddish-

brown saddles bordered by black, and

numerous small, dark brown and white spots

between saddles.



demersal fisheries

IUCN STATUS: Near threatened

29


ELASMOBRANCH SURVEY RESEARCH SPECIES continued....

COMMON SPECIES DESCRIPTION, THREATS & STATUS # TAGGED

Leopard catshark (Poroderma pantherinum)

Long nasal barbels. Highly variable color

pattern of black spots, rings and lines in

horizontal rows on a grey to whitish

background.



fisheries.

ICUN STATUS: Data deficient

18

Pyjama catshark (Poroderma africanum)

Elongate, with long nasal barbels. Longitudinal

black stripes extending along body onto head.

Maximum size: 100 cm


fisheries

IUCN STATUS: Near threatened

44


2.3. BAITED REMOTE UNDERWATER VIDEO (BRUV) PROJECT:

MOTIVATION FOR RESEARCH: Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) is a relatively new method used to

monitor and understand seasonal habitat use, species abundance and diversity in marine ecosystems. Using

standardised equipment and methods, the BRUV is a valuable tool used to attract and record organisms,

including cryptic

species which may

be disturbed by

traditional research

methods. Long term

BRUV provides an

efficient and reliable

method of ongoing

ecosystem

assessment that can

be used to inform

fisheries and

conservation

management.

From an educational

perspective BRUV

can be used as a

powerful outreach

tool offering the

public a fascinating glimpse into the rarely seen underwater world. This unique insight can be used to foster

a sense of stewardship amongst communities, encouraging responsible use of marine resources.


To measure species abundance, diversity and distribution across habitats and seasons in Walker Bay.

RESEARCH CALENDAR: Year round

RESEARCH DAYS PER MONTH: Average of 4 per month but may vary.

INTERN TRAINING & DUTIES: As a SASC intern you will be in charge of preparing and deploying the BRUV at

predefined locations in the Walker Bay area. Once retrieved, videos will be uploaded to the lab computer

where it will be the duty of 2 interns to identify all species captured by the BRUV during deployment and

enter data into the SASC BRUV database. Interns may be required to compile fun videos for the SASC

YouTube channel for outreach and awareness purposes.

BRUV RESEARCH SPECIES: All species that enter the view of the camera are entered into the BRUV database. Common species include

endemic sharks, octopus, rock lobster, teleosts and the list continues…..

https://www.youtube.com/user/SharkConservancy

https://www.youtube.com/user/SharkConservancy


2.4. ESTUARINE MACRO-INVERTEBRATE SURVEYS:

MOTIVATION FOR RESEARCH: Walker Bay has two ecologically important estuaries flowing seasonally into

Walker Bay. Estuaries are critical habitats for many marine species, providing nursery grounds or seasonal

feeding areas. Healthy estuarine ecosystems are essential to healthy marine ecosystems. The Klein River

estuary, a seasonally closed estuary, was, until recently, artificially opened due to river-side community fears

of flooding. A recently developed Estuarine Management Plan has identified the artificial breeching as a risk

to estuary health and the estuary is now left to open naturally. After years of anthropogenic interference,

SASC is collecting baseline biodiversity and abundance indices of macro-invertebrates as the system begins

to restore to its natural state. This exciting new research project is focused on identifying critical habitats

within the Klein River estuary and monitoring diversity and abundance of macro-invertebrates as ecological

indicators across these habitats.

RESEARCH CALENDAR: Year round depending on safety and accessibility to estuary.

RESEARCH DAYS PER MONTH: 1 day per week (subject to seasonal and project development changes).

RESEARCH VESSEL: Shore-

based but near future plans

to integrate boat-based

sampling into the project.

INTERN TRAINING &

DUTIES: Interns will be

trained and gain experience

in macro-invertebrate

collection techniques,

environmental data

collection and invertebrate

identification using

microscopes and species

keys.

ESTUARINE MACRO-INVERTEBRATE RESEARCH SPECIES:

This project is a new addition to the

SASC MERP programme. To date

(March 2015) we have identified sand

prawn (Callianassa kraussi); mud crab

(Scylla serrata); Nematoda; tongue

worms; segmented worms and various

others which require species level

identification.


2.5. MARINE DEBRIS PROJECT: MOTIVATION FOR RESEARCH: Marine debris, in particular plastic, in the ocean has been widely reported in recent years. Phenomena such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch illustrate on a very visible scale the level of debris in the ocean and drive home the fact that rubbish discarded into the oceans doesn’t just disappear without impact. Every year tens of thousands of marine mammals die because of ingestion or entanglement in floating debris. Micro-plastics leach toxins in the water. Heavy metals such as methyl mercury may induce hormonal imbalances are a concern to both marine ecosystem food webs and human health. The SASC Marine Debris Project uses sampling protocols developed by the United Nations to quantify sources and abundance of debris over time. Funding for the expansion of this project to determine heavy metal trophic level bioaccumulation as a result of marine debris is required. INTERN TRAINING & DUTIES: As a SASC intern you will be trained to sample multiple transects at two predefined beach sites on two sample days per month. Sampling will be carried out using two methods: surface transects and core samples. All macro- and micro-debris collected is brought back to the lab to be identified, processed and weighed. Data collected is then entered into the SASC Marine Debris database. This project may require interns to assist with community cleanups and educational presentations to members of the public. RESEARCH CALENDAR: Year round RESEARCH DAYS PER MONTH: 2


3. LABORATORY BASED RESEARCH: SASC is situated on the shoreline of

Walker Bay - an ideal location to

maintain our wet laboratory equipped

with three open-system tanks. In the

past students and interns have

designed and implemented lab-based

research projects. If you are a student

interested in conducting a research

project at SASC, please indicate your

intention in the Internship Application

document. Students who wish to

conduct their own research must

compile a research budget which may

require external funding. The student

will be responsible, in most

circumstances, for securing funding their research. SASC will assist with research permit applications where

necessary.

Ongoing laboratory work which interns may be required to participate in:

Morphometric study of demersal endemic sharks to compare with genetic markers;

Isotope sample collection and processing for MERP;

Genetic sample database and storage maintenance.

Below are a few of the interesting research projects performed at the SASC Shark Lab over the past few

years:

Tonic immobility in demersal endemic sharks:

A pilot study designed and implemented by SASC interns to determine whether tonic immobility differs

between species (Scyliorhinids), maturity and sex of individuals. Guided by SASC scientists, interns were

responsible for investigative literature reviews, project design, data collection processes and database

management.

Instrumental learning in demersal endemic sharks:

This pilot project used operant conditioning to “teach” sharks to hit a target for a food reward. Data are

currently being analysed by Stephanie at Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences (Germany).

Behavioural response and detection thresholds of Scyliorhinid species to changing geomagnetic fields:

Piloted by SASC MSc student Matteo D’Angelo (Gothenburg University) and with assistance from the South

African Space Agency, an electromagnet was designed and constructed around the laboratory tank. Matteo

used the electromagnet to study changing in swimming behaviour of endemic Haploblepharus and

Poroderma species with varying strengths of magnetism directed at the tank.


Other laboratory student research has included:

Age and growth of Spearnose skates (Rostroraja alba): Sophie Edwards (Swansea University)

The diet of smoothhound sharks (Mustelus mustelus): Nicola Jackson (South Hampton University)

4. HUSBANDRY & FACILITY MAINTENANCE: As a SASC intern you will gain experience in collecting organisms for the facility touch tank, catching small

demersal sharks using snorkel gear (for educational and research purposes), elasmobranch husbandry, tank

system maintenance and general duties required in the facility. Interns are required to perform weekly

cleanups of the facility. Cleanups are scheduled into the weekly research calendar.

5. EDUCATION & OUTREACH PROGRAMMES: SASC is passionate about sharing research and conservation knowledge with the public. The SASC laboratory

is open to the public and offers tours of the facility. Tours of the facility are led by SASC interns and staff.

You will be trained by a SASC staff

member to deliver interesting and

educational information about SASC,

shark biology & ecology, threats to

sharks and marine ecosystems etc. to

visitors to the facility.

SASC regularly invites school groups and

other community members to the

facility. Interns are expected to

contribute to outreach and education

initiatives when required.

Please pay attention to the below

events scheduled during your

internship. Also note that other events

and education programmes may occur without prior notification.

ANNUAL EDUCATION AND OUTREACH DATES:

June: 40Fathoms Film Festival is held over one weekend each year, in celebration of World Oceans Day.

Interns at SASC will participate in organising the opening gala event, screening of films and breaking down

after the event. Interns may be required to secure films for the 40Fathoms Film Festival in the months

leading up to the event.

July: Mandela Day. An international day of service, SASC and members of the public donate 67 minutes of

their time in memory of Nelson Mandela. Interns assist with cleanups, public education, litter classification

and other duties as required.

September: International Coastal Cleanup Week (ICCW). SASC organises and co-ordinates various cleanup

initiatives in Walker Bay. Interns assist with organising, litter classification and data entry.

October: Hermanus Whale Festival is a local celebration attracting around 100 000 tourists to the area.

SASC conducts hourly tours of the facility including presentations, dissections and shark lab tours. Interns


are required to assist with the set up of the facility, distributing flyers to the public, delivering educational

information and other duties as required.

6. APPLICATION, ACCEPTANCE & ARRIVAL: 6.1 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Interns should be one of the following: (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.

University students who require evaluation during their internship must state so in their

application form. To apply for the SASC Internship Programme, interested applicants must complete and submit the Intern

Application Form together with a CV and reduced jpeg photo of the applicant. Upon receipt of your

application, SASC will review it and inform you whether your application was successful within 14 working

days.

6.2 DURATION OF INTERNSHIP:

Interns must spend a minimum of one (1) calendar month at SASC, and are allowed to stay for a maximum of

90 days from date of entry into the Republic of South Africa (RSA). Interns should arrive at the intern

programme on the 1st of each month to allow for ease of coordination.

Interns/Students who want to complete a research project will be required to stay with the programme for a

minimum of 90 days. A complete project proposal and literature review must be submitted prior to your

arrival at SASC. Research students are responsible for adhering to RSA visitor visa requirements.

6.3 SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION:

Please submit the Intern Application Form, your CV and a low resolution photo of yourself to:

[email protected] as well as [email protected]

6.4 INTERNSHIP FEES & REQUIRED DEPOSIT:

The cost of the internship is USD 1650.00 per month.

Interns are required to make a 20% non-refundable deposit upon acceptance to secure your position into

the programme. Your outstanding internship fees must be paid at least one month prior to your arrival.

Due to the nature of the SASC Internship Programme, we do not welcome cancellations or date changes.

Upon acceptance into the programme all dates are final; therefore ensure the dates chosen to participate in

the programme are suitable to your schedule and needs. All bank charges incurred are at the cost of the

applicant. Please note that, due to scheduling difficulties, no refunds will be issued for cancellations.

Intern fees cover the following activities and living related expenses:

1. A great white shark cage-diving trip per month with White Shark Projects (weather & availability

dependent);

2. Airport transfer to and from Cape Town International Airport;

3. SASC research project orientation and training;



http://www.whitesharkprojects.co.za/


4. Work related activities and research travel;

5. Accommodation, bed linen, electricity and water;

6. WiFi while at SA Shark Conservancy facility.

Intern fees do not include:

1. Airfare expenses to Cape Town International Airport from your country of origin;

2. Medical or Travel Insurance;

3. Social travel and activities;

4. Laundry facilities;

5. Meals.

6.5 ACCEPTANCE INTO INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME:

If you are accepted to the SASC Internship Programme you will receive an acceptance letter from the SASC

Intern Coordinator. Please continue to correspond with your intern coordinator regarding flight arrival and

departure, etc in the months leading up to your internship.

6.6 AIRPORT COLLECTION & DEPARTURE:

Once accepted into the Internship Programme you can book your return flight to Cape Town International

Airport. If you are leaving SASC and flying directly from Cape Town International Airport please ensure your

flight times correspond with the airport transfer arrival times, below. If the arrival/departure time of your

flight requires a long waiting time, or you would need to rent accommodation in Cape Town, this is at the

intern’s own expense. SASC interns are collected from and returned to at the airport on the 1st of the month

at the following times:

Airport transfer collection and departure time # 1: 12h00 (1st day of each month)

Airport transfer collection and departure time # 2: 20h00 (1st day of each month)

6.7 ARRIVAL IN HERMANUS:

Depending on the number of interns arriving, you will either be collected from the airport by a SASC staff

member or a reputable airport transfer company. The SASC intern coordinator will confirm the arrangement

prior to your departure from your country of origin. Upon arrival in Hermanus you will be welcomed by the

SASC Intern Coordinator who will show you around the accommodation, introduce you to your housemates

and assist with any shopping you may need to do to make your stay comfortable (toiletries, snacks, etc)

6.8 SASC PROJECT ORIENTATION AND INTERN TRAINING:

The SASC Internship Orientation is typically 2 full days of research and facility training. Although the

orientation is intensive, upon completion you will be fully versed in our projects as well as our expectations

of interns. On the first day of your internship you will be required to fill out indemnity forms, make a

certified copy of your passport and fill out emergency contact and medical insurance details.

6.9 IMPORTANT ITEMS TO PACK:

All interns are to bring a laptop for daily use. You will spend the majority of the work week in the field

conducting research. Pack sensible field gear that will reduce wind chill and possible out of season rainfall

conditions (see: World Weather). Old jeans; tops and shoes/boots to use on the boat; warm clothing; a wind

breaker jacket; good waterproof clothing; daily toiletries and required medications, factor 30+ sun block and

a wide brim hat/peak cap.

http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Cape-Town-weather-averages/Western-Cape/ZA.aspx


Please bring the following if you are able: Snorkel gear (excluding weight belt). Most divers use 7mm

wetsuits in the Western Cape as water temperatures can sink to 11 °C. Also bring SCUBA/Commercial diving

certification, and/or skippering licence, and/or VHF certificate.

6.10 WORKING HOURS & DAYS OFF:

Depending on research scheduled during your internship, you may be required to conduct lab or field based

research on weekends. Outreach, awareness and educational activities may require after hour/weekend

work. If possible, SASC interns will have at least one day off per week, although a full weekends off is not

unusual. Each month SASC issues a SASC intern activity calendar which will give you the opportunity to

plan social activities although weather conditions or arising issues may alter the calendar with short

notice.

6.11 IMPORTANT SASC RULES:

The SASC has a zero tolerance policy regarding illegal substance use or failure to attend work due to alcohol

consumption. Failure to comply with the above will result in expulsion from the programme without

refund. Interns who break RSA laws will not be supported in any way by SASC and your next of kin will be

notified immediately of any contravention.

7. INTERN ACCOMMODATION, MEALS & AFTER HOUR ACTIVITIES: 7.1 INTERN ACCOMMODATION:

Interns stay at the SASC intern accommodation in the holiday village of Onrus, approximately 8.5 km (15

minute drive) from Hermanus and the SASC facility. Transport to and from the facility and work related

activities is provided. There are safe and reliable taxi services available for social activities. The intern

accommodation is a five bedroom house situated a few minutes from Onrus Beach. Bedrooms are shared

(maximum 6 per room) and may be unisex. The house encourages relationship building between interns

and there is no Wi-Fi available at the accommodation. As a holiday village, Onrus has many restaurants,

coffee shops and pubs which supply free Wi-Fi. A maid is employed once every two weeks to assist with

housekeeping. The house is equipped with hot water showers. As Hermanus is a water scarce area, interns

are to keep showers to a maximum of 5 minutes. Washing dishes and tidying up are considered a norm

when sharing a space with others. Interns are expected to keep the accommodation neat and tidy and will

be issued a weekly cleaning roster. SASC staff will ensure this rule is strictly adhered to at all times. SASC

interns use commercial laundry services in Onrus. Laundry is dropped in the morning and collected in the

afternoon.

7.2 MEALS:

The cost of meals is not included in your internship fee. SASC recommends you pack lunches and eat

breakfast before departing the intern accommodation each work day. There are a number of restaurants

situated in Hermanus town centre; therefore you can purchase your meals during the course of a work day if

necessary. Coffee and tea are available at the office.

7.3 ACTIVITIES IN AND AROUND HERMANUS:

Social activities and travel in your spare time is not covered by SASC and must be planned by the intern.

Hermanus is considered a prime tourist destination with many exciting sightseeing opportunities in and

around Hermanus. SCUBA diving, kayaking, surfing, visits the Stony Point Penguin colony and hiking are a

http://www.neptunedivers.co.za/

http://www.walkerbayadventures.co.za/


popular intern activity during time off. Please visit Hermanus Online to view the many popular activities

Hermanus has to offer. Hermanus is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes away from the beautiful

cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. Cape Town offers an array of activities from cable car or hiking trips up

Table Mountain (voted one of the new 7 Wonders of the World), the Two Oceans Aquarium, SCUBA diving,

superb wine farms, Robben Island Museum boat trips, and excellent night life in the renowned and vibrant

Long Street. SASC encourages interns to make time before, during (work permitting) or after their stay to

visit the Mother City at least once. Please consider the 90 day visitor visa when planning your before/after

SASC internship activities. For more information regarding what to do in Cape Town visit:

www.capetown.travel

If you would like to hire a car for social purposes you must have a valid drivers licence and credit card.

8. SOUTH AFRICAN TRAVEL TIPS: 8.1 RSA VISA REQUIREMENTS:

South African law allows visitors to remain in the country for 90 days using a holiday visa. Most tourists are

issued with a 90 day Tourist/Visitor visa upon entry in South Africa. We do recommend that you contact the

South African Embassy or Consulate in your area to confirm your specific country of origin visa

requirements. Do not leave this enquiry for too late. If you plan to travel within South Africa prior or after

your internship for a period exceeding 90 days, you will have to make alternative provisions for your visa.

Due to recent changes in RSA visitor visa law we recommend you consult a travel agency or RSA consulate.

8.2 TRAVEL & MEDICAL INSURANCE:

Travel and/or medical insurance are not included in the SASC internship fee and are the responsibility of the

intern. Upon arrival at SASC you will be required to sign a waiver releasing SASC of any responsibilities

related to your time in South Africa. You will not be covered for accidents or illnesses, so please purchase

your own medical and health insurances. Hermanus is fully equipped with reputable medical facilities.

SCUBA divers must be insured by the Divers Alert Network (DAN).

8.3 RSA VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS:

The Western Cape (including Hermanus and Cape Town) is far from Malaria zones and there are no strange

“African diseases” which you could contract during your time in RSA (that is if you respect the same safety

rules as anywhere else in the world). If you plan on travelling to other areas of South Africa before/after

your internship, you should speak to your local health practitioner to make appropriate arrangements.

Please check with your local travel agency for reliable updates on disease outbreaks and recommended

precautions in the RSA. There have been no diagnosed cases of the Ebola Virus in South Africa to date (11

March 2015).

9. BEFORE YOU ARRIVE: Please be familiar with all the information in this document before you arrive at SASC. Try not to inundate

the intern coordinator with information that is already clearly explained herein.

To stay up to date with what’s happening at SASC, please join our Facebook group and like our Facebook

page. Upon acceptance into the programme you will be invited to join our SASC Intern Community so you

can ask past and present interns how they enjoyed the programme as well as get to know other interns who

will be present at SASC during your stay.

http://www.hermanusonline.co.za/

http://www.aquarium.co.za/

http://www.robben-island.org.za/

http://www.capetown.travel/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/4268426844/?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/pages/South-African-Shark-Conservancy/210072175681376?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/pages/South-African-Shark-Conservancy/210072175681376?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/groups/141346576040784/?fref=ts


PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT YOUR INTERN CO-ORDINATOR WITH ANY QUESTIONS NOT

COVERED IN THE DOCUMENT.

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