The South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) is a unique non-governmental centre for marine science, conservation and education. Founded in 1951, this independent and not-for-gain institution was established specifically to provide "knowledge and advice about the sea" to the general public and the government concerning the wise use and conservation of marine resources.

The activities of SAAMBR are driven by a VISION that will see:

The sea is an environment which sustains many of our nutritional requirements, economic aspirations and spiritual, social and leisure needs. Our well-being on earth is inextricably linked to the sea. Today the sea is under threat of degradation and its living resources are extensively exploited. We must awaken to an awareness of our marine world and the need for its care. If the sea dies, we die.

SAAMBR fulfills its Mission through operating the following divisions:

SAAMBR's divisions function as an integrated and cohesive unit, enjoying wide local, national and international support and relationships. The Association has professional affiliations with and memberships to a wide range of organizations and societies, including IUCN - The World Conservation Union; WAZA - The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums; PAAZAB - The African Association of Zoos and Aquariums; University of KwaZulu-Natal (ORI is academically affiliated to UKZN.

In 1947, the Natal Society for the Preservation of Wildlife co-ordinated a scientific expedition to Tongaland, that pristine coastal region just south of the Mozambique border. South Africa was in a phase of post-war depression and people were anxious to identify and utilise opportunities for food security and creating wealth. Food from the sea provided such opportunities and numerous fisheries were established throughout the country. The expedition members, impressed by the diversity of the marine creatures on the Tongaland coast, and struck by the complexity of their fragile and unresearched ecosystems, recognized the need for more knowledge.

One night, around a campfire, they resolved to establish a marine biological station in Natal. The idea was nurtured by a small group of enthusiasts which included Dr George Campbell, Prof. Bush, Mr Ian Garland and Mr Len Chiazzari. In 1949, Dr Campbell announced that a committee investigating the feasibility of establishing a marine biological station in Natal had expressed their intention of working towards the building of a public aquarium, the profits of which would be dedicated to marine research.

On January 30, 1951 the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) was founded, following a great deal of work by conservationists, academics and fishers. The Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) was established in 1958 and in June 1959 the Durban Centenary Aquarium was officially opened. Today SAAMBR, which incorporates the OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE (ORI), SEA WORLD AT USHAKA MARINE WORLD and the NPC SEA WORLD EDUCATION CENTRE, plays a leading role in ensuring the wise utilisation and conservation of our precious marine resources.

The Association is controlled by a Council of 28 members of whom two are nominated by the University of KwaZulu-Natal, two by the eThekweni council, and one by the Durban Marine Theme Park. The balance are elected from the SAAMBR members.

The executive functions of the Council are carried out by an Executive Committee, the members of which are the President, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Honorary Treasurer, Honorary Secretary, the Director and two other elected members of Council.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Association is the Executive Director who is an "ex officio" member of both the Council and the Executive Committee.

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