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Category: Research

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
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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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Keurbooms: an update on our fishy tale

KBP
| July 24, 2019
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| Research

We live in a changing world - the tides, the seasons, and now even more importantly our climate. With the threat of sea-level rise, we hurry to protect our properties and within the Keurbooms Estuary, the threat of flooding is known only too well. To combat the erosion caused by floods artificial structures are placed along its banks but what does this mean for the creatures living amongst the mud and seagrass? (more…)

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Stormwater management for Ashmead Channel

KBP
| June 2, 2019
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| Research
Stormwater management for Ashmead Channel

The Knysna Estuary is often referred to as one of the most biodiverse and iconic estuaries in South Africa and is home to the critically endangered Knysna Seahorse. Poor land use practices, urban development as well as industrial and municipal discharge all contribute a significant amount of pollution to the Ashmead Channel which receives much of its runoff from urbanised and environmentally degraded areas such as the N2 roadway, Knysna CBD and the semi-formal settlements at the headwaters of the northern and eastern catchments of the estuary. Ashmead Channel is currently facing the brunt of the impacts of urbanisation, is considered eutrophic (high nutrient and low oxygen levels) and is host to a persistent algal bloom (dominated by Ulva spp.),...

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Jonas Haller shares his South African experience

KBP
| June 2, 2019
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| Research
Jonas Haller Knysna Basin Project

“All Life is an Experiment. The more Experiments you make the better!” (Ralph Waldo Emerson) My time in Knysna was one of the best experiences I had in my life. I can still remember the day when I stepped onto the plane, uncertain but expectant about my research project at the Knysna Basin Project. It was the first time that I travelled to South Africa, but now I can say it fulfilled my expectations completely. I directly fell in love with the beautiful landscape, the nature and also with the warm-hearted people. Everyone was so pleasant and helpful to me and I always had the feeling I am more than welcome in their country. (more…)

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Keurbooms: a fishy tale

KBP
| April 10, 2019
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| Research
Keurbooms Estuary

I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in zoology and ichthyology as well as my honours in marine biology at Rhodes University. The ocean has always been a special place to me, searching through rock pools and with an eye kept on the horizon for whales I spent many hours getting sand between my toes and salt in my hair. Recently I began my masters, through Rhodes University, and my passion for marine work has brought me to the Keurbooms Estuary. (more…)

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Knysna Estuary ShoreSearch Update

KBP
| November 8, 2018
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| Research

We have now completed at least 3 full assessments using transects and quadrats with the help of our volunteers on our 12 sites around the estuary, including a number on the western shore. So we have a mass of data to collate and analyse and I have spent a busy time during the long, hot English summer (we are ‘swallows’) pulling this together and I am aiming to start producing reports in the new year. (more…)

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