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Team

Table of Contents

  • Scientific Steering Committee
      • Prof Richard Barnes
      • Prof Janine Adams
      • Prof Charles Breen
  • Education administrators
      • Peter and Frances Smith
  • Board of Trustees

Scientific Steering Committee

The Scientific Steering Committee oversees all research endeavors within the Knysna Basin Project. Our aim is to promote research collaborations and to assist and support visiting researchers.

Prof Richard Barnes

Prof Richard Barnes, a brackish-water and invertebrate biologist, is an Honorary Professor in the Department of Zoology & Entomology at Rhodes University, an Emeritus Fellow of St Catharine’s College Cambridge, an Honorary Research Fellow of the Universities of Cambridge (UK) and Queensland (Aus), a Fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa and a member of the Cambridge Conservation Research Institute.  He is the author or editor of 13 books, mainly on estuarine, lagoonal and marine ecology, of over 100 scientific papers and of nearly 30 book chapters; was at one time the Chairman of the UK branch of the European Union for Coastal Conservation; and was for many years the Secretary of the Estuarine and Coastal Sciences Association.

His interests centre around the fauna of intertidal eelgrass beds and adjacent areas of bare sediment, and in the patterns in which their biodiversity varies from area to area.  These interests bring him to Knysna for the first three months of each calendar year, and he also studies equivalent areas in Moreton Bay in Queensland (during the last three calendar months), and until recently undertook further regular research trips to Seychelles, Indonesia and various sites in northwest Europe.  He has a large white beard and is often mistaken for ‘Father Christmas’. Further information can be obtained at www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/directory/richard-barnes.

Prof Janine Adams

Janine Adams is a professor in the Botany Department at the Nelson Mandela University, Director of the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research and a member of the Sustainability Research Unit.  Her specialist research field is on estuaries; their functioning, conservation and management.  She has published over 110 articles in rated journals and made a significant contribution to global knowledge on estuary ecology, aquatic botany and environmental water requirements. Janine is committed to research excellence and passionate about research training and capacity building.  She has successfully supervised 30 MSc and 16 PhD students. Eleven postgraduate students are currently registered.

Janine is past president of the Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists, she served as Chairperson of the Water Research Commission and is a fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa.  In 2013, she received the Nelson Mandela University researcher of the year award and in 2015 the silver medal from the Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists.  Current research focus areas are blue carbon ecosystems and response to climate change, mangrove and salt marsh ecology and water quality management of estuaries.  Past research has successfully linked science, policy and management through extensive collaboration and networking with different universities, institutes and government departments.

Prof Charles Breen

Charles Breen is an Emeritus Professor and Fellow of the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. He lectured at Rhodes University and the University of Natal (now University of KwaZulu-Natal) before being appointed Director of the Institute of Natural Resources where he served for twelve years. He served as Chairman of the Board of the Institute for Commercial Forestry Research for ten years and chaired the Board of the Midlands Community College for Further Education and Training. Breen holds a PhD in plant physiology from Rhodes University and has been a Visiting Professor at a number of institutions in the United States of America. He has devoted much of his life to research on aquatic ecosystems, including estuaries, and their relationships with society. His contribution has been recognized through award of a gold medal by the Southern African Association of Aquatic Scientists, a KwaZulu-Natal Conservation Award and the Mondi Wetlands Award for Wetland Science and Research.

Education administrators

Peter and Frances Smith

ShoreSearch coordinators

Frances is a zoology graduate with a deep interest in marine biology. Her main interest is the invertebrates that inhabit the inter-tidal zones. Now retired from a career in accountancy she now spends half the year in Knysna where she has developed and manages the ShoreSearch Project with the help of volunteer ‘citizen scientists’ and is involved in outreach programmes with the public and schools. Peter is an agronomist with experience of field research and of working with NGOs.

Board of Trustees

  • Danie van den Heever (Chairman)
  • Prof. Charles Breen
  • Mike Davies

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🐢🌍 Happy World Turtle Day! Today, we celebra 🐢🌍 Happy World Turtle Day! Today, we celebrate these ancient and fascinating creatures that grace our planet's waters. Let's take a moment to learn about turtles and the importance of their conservation. 

🐢 Turtles are incredible reptiles that have inhabited the Earth for millions of years. They come in various shapes and sizes, from the mighty sea turtles to the smaller freshwater turtles found in our local ecosystems. Their survival is a testament to their resilience and adaptability. 🌿🐢

🌊 Turtles play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems. As they forage for food, they help control populations of prey species, maintain seagrass beds, and even disperse seeds. Their presence is a vital indicator of a healthy and thriving environment. 

🌍 However, turtles face numerous challenges, including habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and illegal wildlife trade. On World Turtle Day, let's raise awareness about these issues and support conservation efforts to ensure their survival. 🙌💚
🌍🌿 Happy Biodiversity Day, Knysna! Celebrate 🌍🌿 Happy Biodiversity Day, Knysna! Celebrate the incredible diversity of the Knysna Estuary's wildlife. From the endangered Knysna Seahorse to the unique Siphonaria compressa, our estuary is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Let's protect and preserve our local habitat! 🌊✨

💚 On Biodiversity Day, let's celebrate and protect the precious biodiversity of the Knysna Estuary. By practicing sustainability, reducing pollution, and supporting local conservation efforts, we can preserve this natural gem for our community and future generations. 🙌🌍

📸 Share your photos and experiences of the Knysna Estuary's biodiversity. Inspire others to appreciate its wonders and join us in conserving our local habitat. Together, we can make a difference and ensure the beauty of the Knysna Estuary thrives for years to come. 📷🐾
🌍🐾 Happy Endangered Species Day! Today, we c 🌍🐾 Happy Endangered Species Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible diversity of our planet and shine a spotlight on the endangered species in the Knysna Estuary, including the mesmerizing Knysna Seahorse and the remarkable Siphonaria compressa. Let's learn about these fascinating creatures and why it's vital to protect them. 🌿✨

🐚 Let's start by diving into the world of the Knysna Seahorse, one of the most endangered seahorse species in the world. Found exclusively in the three estuaries, these enchanting creatures have adapted to freshwater environments, defying typical seahorse norms. Let's work together to ensure their future in this unique ecosystem! 🌊🌱

🐌 On our journey through the estuary, we encounter the Siphonaria compressa, commonly known as the Knysna Limpet. These marine snails, with their flattened shells, are endemic to the estuary and play a vital role in indicating a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Let's protect their home and preserve their existence! 🦀🌊

🦜 The Knysna Estuary is not only a haven for the Knysna Seahorse and the Knysna Limpet but also home to various other endangered species. The estuary provides shelter, food, and breeding grounds for these remarkable creatures. It's our responsibility to ensure their survival for generations to come. 🌳🐾

🌊 As we celebrate Endangered Species Day, let's raise awareness about the threats facing the Knysna Seahorse, the Siphonaria compressa, and their estuarine companions. Climate change, habitat degradation, and pollution pose significant challenges to their survival. Together, we can make a difference! 🌏💚

📢 Share their stories and inspire others to take action. Support local conservation initiatives, participate in beach cleanups, and promote sustainable practices. By working collectively, we can safeguard the estuary and secure a brighter future for these incredible species. 🙌🌍

📸 Join us in celebrating Endangered Species Day by sharing your favorite photos, facts, or personal encounters with the Knysna Seahorse, the Siphonaria compressa, and other endangered species in the Knysna Estuary. Together, let's raise awareness and inspire conservation action! 🌊📷
Hello friends, you can help us win with MySchool! Hello friends, you can help us win with MySchool! 20 MySchool beneficiaries with the highest percentage increase in swipes (across April versus May) will win R10,000. Select KBP s your MySchool beneficiary (you can have up to 3) and simply swipe your card at partner stores. We are so grateful for each and every swipe - every swipe counts! 💙

You can visit www.myschool.co.za to add us as your beneficiary, and for a list of partner stores.

#everyswipecounts #myschool #helpuswin #KnysnaBasinProject
Knysna you are spectacular, thank you for flat wat Knysna you are spectacular, thank you for flat waters and beautiful sunsets! 😍 We will be sad to watch summer go but do look forward to more winter sunsets.

#knysna #beautifulsouthafrica #sunset #KnysnaBasinProject
Fun facts this Friday on cephalopods living in the Fun facts this Friday on cephalopods living in the Knysna Estuary!

#DidYouKnow 
🐙 This group includes octopuses, squids, nautiluses and cuttlefish.
🐙 Cephalopods are a type of mollusc known to be advanced and sophisticated, and are the largest invertebrates.
🐙 They are all capbable of changing their colour very quickly.
🐙 They have a centralised brain, highly-developed eyes and sense organs as well as a mantle used for propulsion by sucking in water and expelling it.
🐙 The largest cephalopod – called the colossal squid – is longer than a city bus! While the smallest – the pygmy squid – could fit on your finger nail!

#cephalopods #amazingcreatures #facts #marinescience #KynsaBasinProject
Knysna Basin Project is steered by four pathways: Knysna Basin Project is steered by four pathways: Research, Educate, Conserve and Collaborate. Read about the work we do in each of these areas on our website.

#research #educate #conserve #collaborate #KnysnaBasinProject
There is no surer sign of an animal thriving than There is no surer sign of an animal thriving than spotting it pregnant and ready to bring an entire new family into the world 💙🌍

As we know, our seahorse is a member of the Syngnathidae family which is a diverse group of pipefishes, seahorses, seadragons and pipehorses in which male pregnancy is experienced. This occurs when our female seahorse deposits eggs into the brood pouch of the male who nourishes these embryos until they are ready to be birthed.

This pregnant male seahorse was just photographed by our friends at DiGO.

#seahorse #marinebiology #marinescience #KnysnaBasinProject
Jessica and Professor Richard Barnes enjoying thei Jessica and Professor Richard Barnes enjoying their time in the lab after some benthic invertebrate sampling in the Keurbooms estuary 🔬 We are looking at comparing these macroinvertebrate species in the Knysna, Keurbooms and Swartvlei systems to look for differences and similarities - stay tuned to find out more about our results!

#scientificresearch #invertebratesampling #estuary #research #KnysnaBasinProject
The Knysna Basin Project has been around in Knysna The Knysna Basin Project has been around in Knysna for many many years with the help of numerous students, professors and volunteers contributing to the research, conservation and public education of our beautiful Estuary 💙

We love what we do, we are beyond passionate about our work and more than anything we count our lucky stars that we get to contribute to conserving one of the most beautiful estuaries in our country.

As an NGO we rely on donations to keep our heads above (and below) water. If you have seen some of our journey and support the work that we do for our Estuary, we would be so grateful if you were able to donate a small monthly fee to help us continue doing so: https://knysnabasinproject.co.za/donate/

#KnysnaBasinProject #conservation #NPO
We thoroughly enjoyed having a student here from S We thoroughly enjoyed having a student here from Stellenbosch University, Bianca Boshoff, who is doing her masters thesis on microplastics in the Knysna Estuary and the way that seagrass may or may not be acting as a sink for these microplastics 🤩📝
 
Research was collected from a few sites around the estuary and we so look forward to seeing the results of this fantastic work. 

To find out more about some of the work that she has published on the presence of microplastics in the Knysna Estuary, please take a look at her journal article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X22010852

#research #microplastics #thesis #KnysnaBasinProject
Heart urchins are generally concealed from our sit Heart urchins are generally concealed from our site as they burrow down into fine sand with their paddle-shaped spines. This oval or heart-shaped urchin eats detritus (dead organic material) and is different from other urchins in that it has a distinct frontend (for its mouth) and backend (for its anus). The detritus that they eat is transported to their mouths via their tube feet, which are also used for movement and respiration. Isn't is amazing? 💙

#urchin #heart #marinediversity #KnysnaBasinProject
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About KBP

The Knysna Basin Project is an NGO based in Knysna, South Africa, focused on coastal system research – particularly how these systems change and how communities can and should live within these systems. Our research is applied and aimed at guiding and facilitating management of our local systems, whilst developing novel conservation approaches for coastal systems in general. The Knysna Basin Project is based on four pathways: Research, Educate, Conserve and Collaborate.

Recent Posts

A Post-Graduate Research Project on fish diversity in the Knysna Estuary
Jessica SeathApril 7, 2022
Educator Empowerment Project – Knysna Basin Project
Jessica SeathMarch 23, 2022

Contact Info

Want to find out more or collaborate – get in touch.


Email: hello@knysnabasinproject.co.za

Website: https://knysnabasinproject.co.za

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