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Category: Conserve

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

Jessica Seath
| June 21, 2025
| No Comments
| 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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How do you connect to the Knysna Estuary?

Jessica Seath
| June 13, 2025
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| Conserve

Creative Competition Call-Out How do you connect to the Knysna Estuary? Is it the stillness of the water at dawn? The rustle of saltmarsh reeds in the wind? The flash of silver as fish dart below the surface? Is it a source of food, a place of work, of worship, of childhood memory — or a lifeline passed down through generations? We want to feel that connection through your eyes, your hands, your words. We’re launching a Creative Competition to celebrate the Knysna Estuary — our home, our heritage, our Hope Spot. Whether you're an artist, photographer, or poet, we want to see, read, and experience how you connect to this incredible blue space. Our connection to nature shapes our...

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World Oceans Day: Why the Future of Fishing Starts in the Estuary

Jessica Seath
| June 7, 2025
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| Conserve, Educate

June 8 marks World Oceans Day – a time to celebrate the ocean’s beauty and commit to protecting its future. The 2025 theme, “Sustainable Fishing Means More,” reminds us that healthy fisheries start with healthy ecosystems. At the Knysna Estuary Research Foundation (KERF), we work within the Knysna Estuary—a vital nursery for coastal species like the endangered white steenbras. Estuaries like this are the starting point for many marine life cycles. When they thrive, so do our oceans. 🌊 Why Estuaries Matter for Fisheries Estuaries aren't just scenic—they are essential nursery grounds where juvenile fish grow before heading out to sea. For species like white steenbras, these areas are irreplaceable. Without them, fewer fish survive to adulthood, directly threatening our...

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Unveiling the Mysteries of the White Steenbras: Our New Conservation Project

Jessica Seath
| July 24, 2024
| No Comments
| Conserve, Research

The White Steenbras (Lithognathus lithognathus) is an iconic fish species native to the coastal waters of South Africa. Known for its distinctive silver body and a golden hue along its sides, this species is not only a prized catch for recreational anglers but also plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of our marine environments. However, due to overfishing and habitat degradation, the White Steenbras population has been in decline. Our new project aims to address this pressing issue through comprehensive research and conservation efforts. The Importance of White Steenbras: Ecological Role: The White Steenbras is a key species in the marine food web, helping to regulate the population of smaller fish and invertebrates. Economic Value: Recreational fishing...

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Introducing Our Flagship White Steenbras Project

Jessica Seath
| July 2, 2024
| No Comments
| 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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Jaap Se Bay

KBP
| August 22, 2017
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| Conserve

Jaap Se Bay at Brenton on Sea is a ‘secret’ cove – around the corner from Castle Rock but tricky to find and a long climb down. But a climb well worth doing as Frances and Peter Smith found when they were introduced to it by Dave and Hannah Edge (Brenton Blue butterfly). At low tide there are rocks after rocks covered in huge brown mussels (Perna perna) and others closely packed with redbait (Pyura stolonifera ) – amazing sights. Sheltering in with the redbait were brightly coloured sponges and sea squirts. Around the bases of the rocks were large sandy anemones that close up into sand covered doughnuts and multi-coloured sea anemones including the striking purple knobbly anemone (Bunodosoma...

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An Artful Waste Challenge

KBP
| August 1, 2017
| No Comments
| Conserve
Artful Waste Challenge by Knysna Basin Project

The Knysna Basin Project launched the Artful Waste Challenge during last year’s Knysna Oyster Festival. What does this challenge entail, you might ask? First, an estuary clean-up takes place, where teams walk along the Knysna estuary and collect litter (or shall I say art materials) lying around. Once this is done, teams use the litter collected to find their artistic side and create pieces of art with an environmental message. The teams with the best artworks are then rewarded with awesome prizes from our sponsors (Metelerkamps, Ocean Odyssey and Knysna Elephant Park). (more…)

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