A fully immersive marine biology internship programme based in South Africa.
The SharkWise Project Internship is based in Umkomaas, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa and is aimed at young students wanting hands-on experience in marine biology, focusing on shark research.
The interns work with Masters and/or PhD students that are registered at Stellenbosch University. The interns assist with data collection for the postgraduate research.
Our interns will be assisting with the current postgraduate research:
- Genetic sampling.
- Shark fin photo identification.
- Underwater photogrammetry.
- Reef biodiversity assessment.
Interns are expected to have a passion for the natural world and have a hands-on attitude towards academic research. Current or prior studies in the natural sciences are preferred.
Please forward your CV and a motivation letter to Walter walter@sharkwiseproject.com if you would like to join us and do not hesitate to ask should you have any questions!
Academic Director
Dr Sara Andreotti
Dr Sara Andreotti is a marine biologist specialising in shark research. She is a lecturer extraordinaire at Stellenbosch University Department of Botany and Zoology and co-founder of The SharkWise Project. She has been developing a management and conservation plan for great white sharks since 2009.
Sara also co-founded SharkSafe Barriers (Pty) Ltd, to provide an eco-friendly and shark-specific technology to keep swimmers and surfers safe from large predatory sharks, without impacting the marine environment. She is one of the four co-inventors of the SharkSafe BarrierTM: a patented technology that successfully bio-mimics the visual effects of a thick kelp forest, combined with a shark-deterrent permanent magnetic field.
Dive Guru
Walter Bernardis
Walter Bernardis is the founder and operator of African Watersports, an internationally renowned dive centre based in Umkomaas. Walter has been diving with large sharks for over 4 decades and has spent his life advocating for shark conservation and the preservation of all marine life.
Walter is well known for using the tonic immobility technique to remove hooks from the mouths of sharks. He is considered a pioneer of shark diving, the sardine run and Nile crocodile diving in the Okavango delta. Walter has also featured in several international documentaries, that focused on changing people’s perception of sharks.
PADI Divemaster
Jason Venter
Meet Jason Venter, an accomplished PADI Divemaster, renowned for guiding exhilarating dives with sharks at Aliwal Shoal. With extensive training and a deep commitment to ocean conservation, he brings years of experience to every dive, ensuring safe and unforgettable underwater experiences for divers of all levels.
Jason oversees the diving operations for African Watersports
“Not many people get the chance to meet those legendary people we look up to.
I recently got the chance to meet Mr Walter Bernardis (Mr. B). Legendary shark expert of Umkomaas, South Africa. Meeting and diving with Mr. B were 2nd only to the chances we got to talk with and listen to him.
I could listen to his experiences and learn from his knowledge all day, plus he is just an all out nice guy. Him and his fabulous team gave me some of the best experiences of my life and I will treasure our time together.”
Rebekah Ann Martin
“During a 3-month stay in Umkomaas, I had the opportunity to conduct multiple scientific dives with African Watersports. Especially I was able to dive with Walter Bernardis. He personally allowed me to improve my knowledge of scuba diving and how to be in the water with apex predators such as leuca sharks, tiger sharks, and blacktip sharks.
The diving skills of Walter Bernardis and his team of divers is very attentive to the welfare of the sea and these important predators within their ecosystem. Through my experiences with them I was able to develop a greater awareness of myself as a diver as well as how my person can be in the water with similar predators without having to dive inside a cage.
Given my great passion for this animal and the choice to base my scientific interest as a biologist on them, I developed techniques and knowledge that I could hardly have done elsewhere.
Beyond what I expressed above, Walter and his team has a great ability to make you feel at home even if you are thousands of miles away from your real home. A stay at African watersports is something that I not only recommend but think that if you are a lover of diving and sharks, it should definitely be done.”
Pietro Storelli