Talk of the Town Tuesday

About the Initiative

Welcome to the Talk of the Town Tuesday Series, a monthly event hosted at the Knysna Yacht Club in collaboration with KERF and Ocean Odyssey. Our mission is to disseminate cutting-edge research to our community, featuring topics on the ecology and biology and environmental status of the Knysna Estuary…and beyond!

Our Mission

We believe in the power of knowledge and its ability to inspire change. By attending our talks, you are not only enriching your understanding of the local environment but also contributing to the education of underprivileged students in our area.

How It Works

For a fee of R70, you can attend an engaging talk by a leading researcher. The funds collected from these events are used to sponsor the same talk at a local high school. This initiative aims to reach students, particularly those studying biology and science, to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Upcoming Talks

• 29 October: Rabies in Cape Fur Seals – Chanel Visser, Senior Marine Field Ranger for CapeNature, Plettenberg Bay presents “‘Uncovering the Hidden Threat: Investigating Unprovoked Aggression in Cape Fur Seals.” Recent observations have revealed a disturbing trend of unprovoked aggression in Cape Fur Seals in South Africa, sparking concerns of a potential endemic. Chanel will share insights into seal/human conflicts, investigate possible causes and consequences, and discuss Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for addressing and managing the issue, drawing from a National workshop which was held in Cape Town in July 2024 and from her expertise and firsthand experience in marine research and conservation.

Talk of the town Tuesday October

• 26 November: Knysna seagrass and its estuarine invertebrate fauna. Professor Richard Barnes studies the macrofaunal assemblages that dominate intertidal seagrass beds, mangrove swamps, and bare expanses of sand and mud in a variety of geographical regions. This talk will examine the nature of ‘seagrass’, its importance in and to Knysna and look at the patterns in which the abundant small worms, snails and crabs that live in it are distributed through the estuary and what that tells us about the health and ecology of the system.

Why Attend?

• Learn from Experts: Gain insights from researchers at the forefront of their fields.
• Support Education: Your attendance helps fund talks for underprivileged schools, making quality education accessible to all.
• Build Community: Join a community of like-minded individuals passionate about the environment.

Get Involved

Ready to make a difference? Join us at the Knysna Yacht Club for our next talk. Your participation not only enriches your knowledge but also supports local education. Together, we can make a lasting impact. Alternatively, every cent goes a long way to help us bring these talks to our school and previously disadvantaged communities.

Past talks

• 21st May 2024: “Dive into the World of the Blue Stingray!” Join us for an exciting talk about the Blue Stingray (Dasyatis chrysonota) in the Knysna Estuary! Discover fascinating facts about these graceful creatures and the ongoing research in their natural habitat. Did you know that blue stingrays can grow up to 75 cm in disc width and often give birth to 1-5 pups at a time? They have a unique reproductive strategy where the embryos feed initially on yolk and then receive additional nourishment from the mother via specialized uterine structures​. These stingrays are key predators in their ecosystem, feeding on a variety of benthic organisms, including crustaceans and mollusks​​. Their gentle nature makes them harmless to humans, yet their role in the marine food web is crucial.
• 25th June 2024: “The white steenbras and the future of the Knysna Estuary”: Join us as Alan Whitfield, Kyle Smith, and Jessica Seath shed light on the endangered white steenbras in the Knysna Estuary. Discover the fascinating history, current status, and critical conservation efforts for this iconic species.
• 30th July 2024: “Whales and human culture – a deep dive into our connections”. It’s with great excitement that we are welcoming back Dr. Deborah Robertson-Andersson. She is a renowned expert in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture and has shifted her focus towards promoting human connection with nature. In recent years, she has been dedicated to educating communities along the Southern African coastline about the majestic humpback whale. Her mission is to raise awareness about their migration patterns, historical significance, current conservation status, and the importance of preserving their existence for future generations.
• 20th August 2024: “Coastal Research Expedition: Mapping Ocean Plastic Waste and ALDFG in the Southern Cape,” will delve into the critical issue of marine pollution along our coasts. The Strandloper Project’s recent expedition meticulously mapped out the presence of ocean plastic waste and Abandoned, Lost, or Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) in the region, highlighting the alarming impact of these pollutants on marine ecosystems. Join us as we explore the findings, discuss the methodologies used in this vital research, and understand what steps can be taken to mitigate the environmental damage in the Southern Cape. This talk will provide an in-depth look at how our coastlines are being affected and what can be done to protect them for future generations: