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Category: Collaborate

Tagged Fish Research Shows How Our Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are Saving the Species

Jessica Seath
| June 21, 2025
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| Collaborate

With marine life in rapid decline, urgent action is needed to protect ocean creatures and their habitats to ensure a healthy ecosystem and ocean survival. The establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is one way that this can be achieved, with research of fish species showing notable improvement. In the build-up to MPA Day celebrations on 1 August, a passionate South African scientist has shared his findings that show the value of these ‘nature reserves of the sea’. “MPAs provide many benefits for both ocean health and human activities,” explained Dr Bruce Mann, a Research Associate with the Oceanographic Research Institute in Durban. “One benefit is that they enable fish stocks to increase in abundance and biomass and, over time, these...

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Join the unified global call to save the ocean by supporting MPA Day this August 

Jessica Seath
| June 21, 2025
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| Collaborate, Conserve

“After living for nearly 100 years on this planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.” – Sir David Attenborough The ocean is the heart and lungs of the planet, supporting all life on Earth, but the health of the ocean is at risk. Across the world, scientists, governments, and citizens are calling for urgent intervention to limit unsustainable fishing practices, regulate the climate, and save the ocean. In South Africa, this global movement is supported by MPA Day on 1 August – a co-ordinated effort to support Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and save these ‘nature reserves of the sea’. “This year, we’ve noted a major increase in the global call for improved...

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Introducing Our Flagship White Steenbras Project

Jessica Seath
| July 2, 2024
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| Collaborate, Conserve, Educate, Research

We are excited to announce our new flagship initiative, the White Steenbras Project, dedicated to studying and preserving the White Steenbras in the Knysna Estuary. This project utilizes cutting-edge acoustic telemetry technology to monitor the movements and behaviors of these fascinating fish. What is the White Steenbras Project? The White Steenbras Project aims to uncover the mysteries of the White Steenbras, a crucial species in our estuarine ecosystem. By tagging and tracking these fish, we gather invaluable data on their migration patterns, habitat use, and environmental interactions. This research not only enhances our understanding of the White Steenbras but also informs conservation strategies to protect their natural habitat. Why It Matters The White Steenbras is a keystone species, playing a...

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Somewhere Beyond the Sea: SEAmester 2019

KBP
| September 1, 2019
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| Collaborate
SEAmester Knysna Basin Project

The SA Agulhas II loomed over the dock of Cape Town Harbour. For eleven days this 134 meter cargo holder, icebreaker, and astounding research vessel was my classroom, and home. SEAmester (https://seamester.co.za/) is an annual course, run by Prof Isabelle Ansorge of the oceanography department of UCT and coordinated by Tahlia Henry, aiming to bring hands-on ship based experience to South African and international post-graduate students studying marine science. (more…)

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