Pioneers of Change

Ralph Watson
Past Marine Biologist
Ralph Watson completed his PhD at Rhodes University in South Africa, focusing on the movement behaviour and trophic ecology of endemic catshark species using Baited Remote Underwater Video Stations (BRUVS), gastric lavage, and acoustic telemetry. His research has significantly contributed to understanding South Africa’s marine biodiversity and ecological dynamics.
Through the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and Marine Dynamics, Ralph has been involved in diverse marine conservation efforts, including white shark research, cetacean studies, seabird conservation, marine pollution mitigation, environmental monitoring, mark-recapture studies, and data analysis using R and GIS.
Ralph holds an MSc in Applied Marine Science from the University of Cape Town and a BSc in Applied Science from Saxion University. He is a certified PADI Advanced Open Water diver and holds a SAMSA Category E skipper certification.
He was the Scientific Lead of the Marine Dynamics Academy and coordinated various international students during their Skils-based Scientific Internship.
With scientific publications to his credit, Ralph continues to advance marine ecology and conservation knowledge. His work integrates international insights with local conservation efforts, reflecting a global perspective on marine stewardship.
Ralph is currently a Post-doctoral fellow at the University of Cape Town.
Discover more about our shark tour
Conservation Partners

Dyer Island Conservation Trust

African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary

Department: Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Cape Nature

Overstrand Municipality

Plastics SA
Tourism Partners

Fair Trade Tourism

SATSA

Cape Town Tourism

Cape Country Routes

Gansbaai Tourism
