Research

The Turtle Conservation Centre of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation actively rescues, rehabilitates, and releases stranded turtles. The rehabilitation team collects crucial data (including size, diagnostics, feeding, treatment, plastic ingestion, and movement following release). These findings have been used and analysed in post-graduate studies and publications.

Tagging plays a significant role in the research generated by the Turtle Conservation Centre: Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT), satellite, acoustic, and flipper tagging methods have been used. In collaboration with the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)'s Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP), several turtles have been acoustically tagged for research into the coastal movements of juvenile green and hawksbill turtles. 

Our team collaborates with national and international rehabilitation facilities, contributing to the growing global knowledge base for turtle rehabilitation and treatment. 

The Two Oceans Aquarium displays 12 of the 160 sharks and rays found in southern African waters. The Aquarium regularly collaborates with academic institutes on in-situ elasmobranch biology and ecology projects, especially if they include species exhibited in the Aquarium. 

As part of a collaborative research project, the Two Oceans Aquarium Trust and its Foundation, Shark Spotters (SS), and the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)'s Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP) have engaged in a partnership to address the knowledge gaps for priority species on display in the Aquarium. The results from this study have direct implications for the spatial management of vulnerable chondrichthyans that inhabit False Bay, especially concerning Marine Protected Area (MPA) effectiveness and understanding the level of anthropogenic overlap experienced by each species.

The Two Oceans Aquarium has rescued, exhibited, and released several sunfishes found trapped in the basins of the V&A Waterfront. The Aquarium assisted with capturing, safely handling, and satellite tagging four sunfishes in 2004 with National Geographic researcher Dr Tierney Thys. 

We are committed to research on sunfish, generating improved knowledge, and contributing towards their conservation. In collaboration with the University of Cape Town, we have an ongoing research project to determine species diversity and distribution along the southern African coast. This involves biological data collection and building awareness for these iconic animals through citizen science and communication, contributing to improved management of various sunfish species.

The V&A Waterfront is an incredible area where recreational, industrial, and residential use overlap with marine wildlife. The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation team lead wildlife management in the V&A Waterfront precinct, aiming to enhance human-animal co-existence in this Blue Flag Harbour. Wildlife monitors patrolling the area on foot record daily data on the presence and movement of various species of marine wildlife, particularly the Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus), Cape clawless otters (Aonyx capensis), and different species of seabirds. 

Projects include an ongoing collaboration on seal disentanglement with the Department of Fisheries Forestry and the Environment (DFFE). We undertake regular rooftop checks of all the buildings within the V&A Waterfront precinct to ensure that no seabirds or chicks are at risk. Research on the local Cape clawless otter community is ongoing. Through their monitoring and rescue efforts, our team records data used for welfare and plastic pollution research.

The Two Oceans Aquarium conducts water quality analysis daily. A large database has been established and is being used to determine seasonal water quality trends, assist with monitoring our intake pump systems, and provide insight into our filtration systems. The Two Oceans Aquarium regularly hosts the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 3^rd Year Work Integrated Learning students. Projects have investigated the presence of microplastics within the V&A Marina and in Aquarium exhibits. Using water, selected fish species, and invertebrates, we can assess levels of metals and chemicals within the Aquarium. This is critical research as anthropogenic activities in the Waterfront precinct increase.

With the University of Cardiff, we are leading the first Ocean Literacy survey in Africa, the results of which will help us establish a national network and guidelines for Ocean Literacy best practices. Our Behaviour Change research is growing as we tackle critical issues such as plastic pollution and food waste. 

Research to provide evidence of our contribution to conservation through raising awareness and supporting behaviour change in visitors has been initiated. Early work in visitor research has assisted us in designing signage and presentations of several animal species, including African penguins and ragged tooth sharks.