Mission Statment

TO CREATE, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY, A CONSERVATION MODEL IN PLETTENBERG BAY TO SUSTAIN MARINE & COASTAL RESOURCES THROUGH IMPROVED MANAGEMENT, RESEARCH & EDUCATION

“We protect only what we love”
Baba Dioum (Senegalese philosopher)

Overview

The O.R.C.A. (Ocean Research Conservation Africa) Marine Foundation is located in Plettenberg Bay on the world famous "Garden Route" of South Africa. It is home to some of the world's most fascinating marine species, including southern right whales, humpback whales, bryde’s whales, bottlenose dolphins, humpback dolphins, common dolphins, orca whales, and great white sharks. The project is focused on creating a practical conservation model for the sustainable utilization of marine, coastal and estuarine habitats and returning these habitats to a pristine condition by combining education, conservation, community development, science, tourism and a viable business model.


Experience the ultimate in Eco Tourism with Orca & OCEAN BLUE ADVENTURES

Together with Ocean Blue Adventures, South Africa's leading whale and dolphin watching operators, you will enjoy regular trips to sea (in boats and kayaks) to view these magnificent animals up close and personal. The town of Plettenberg Bay, which is dependant on eco-tourism, has benefited significantly from the O.R.C.A. program through development of the impoverished part of the community, through information gathered from the O.R.C.A. researchers on the condition of the Bay, and the attraction of eco-tourists to one of the most beautiful places in the world.

O.R.C.A., in cooperation with Ocean Blue Adventures, was honored with the 2004 International SKAL Award for Eco-Tourism and the 2001 WWF Green Trust Award.

Click here to view the latest from our tourism based operation

We are the specialists in offering Gap Year experiences in marine conservation | Experience adventure and make a difference and in your gap year or working holiday | Join other volunteers in marine conservation projects in southern africa in the beutifull bay of Plettenberg Bay | or teach underprivileged children | Research projects like the Aspects of the ecology of selected offshore linefish species in the South Eastern Cape | Employment in conservation in South Africa | Volunteer work and service programs in plettenberg bay | Work wanted and jobs offered in southern Africa | To introduce students to Plettenberg Bay's marine and coastal environment including marine resources and the consumptive and non-consumptive use of such resources in the Bay and surrounding areas | To show students how the Bay and its resources are currently being managed | To introduce students to Marine Protected Area MPA management perspectives and how current research is geared towards providing recommendations for a management plan for the Bay | An understanding of: the cultural diversity in the coastal community | The considerations and practicalities in beach management and public safety, Gaining further insight into the problems faced by resource managers as a result of illegal operations | To have an unforgettable experience learning by doing in one of the most beautiful outdoor classrooms in South Africa | SASSI | consumer awareness and education campaign to increase awareness on conservation issues|

Marine Conservation
There are also conservation jobs in South Africa in the marine environment if the sea attracts you. Salaries are low & a love for the overall cause of marine conservation is a must. Marine conservation is a very broad field & some of duties are:

-Monitoring the catches of the commercial fishing industry
-Policing the large recreational fishing industry
-Management of South Africa's 11 harbors
-Education of the communities
-Data collection
The marine conservator must be able to h& le conflict situations, have stamina & should be willing to work after hours. There isn't a minimum qualification to become a marine conservator in South Africa, though a diploma in Nature Conservation is recommended.