Building on the South African Coelacanth Legacy

Transcription

Building on the South African
Coelacanth Legacy
Ebb and Flow
75
th
Relevance in a changing research landscape Anniversary
1938 - 2013
science
& technology
Department:
Science and Technology
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
agriculture,
forestry & fisheries
Department:
Agriculture, forestry & fisheries
SAEON
South African Environmental
Observation Network
environmental affairs
Department:
Environmental Affairs
ACEP’s Vision
Build the capacity to sustain the processes which support life
Editor: Picture Editor: Production:
Penny Haworth
Rose Thornycroft
CADAR Printers, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
www.cadar.co.za
Acknowledgements: ACEP wishes to thank all those who have
contributed to the conceptualising, writing, compilation and
production of this Brochure with special thanks to Helen Holleman
for her meticulous attention to the detail.
© SAIAB/ACEP 2013
The South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)
is a National Facility of the National Research Foundation,
established in terms of Act 23 of 1998
The African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP) is a flagship
programme of the Department of Science and Technology
M a k i n g Wa v e s : r e l e va n c e i n a c h a n g i n g s c i e n c e l a n d s c a p e
1
Building on the South African
Coelacanth Legacy
African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme 2001–2013
Contents
Executive Overview – by Angus Paterson........................................................................................................................................................................2
Finding ‘Old Fourlegs’: early history of the discovery of the coelacanth – by Mike Bruton...............................................................................................4
December 2000: Living coelacanths found off the South African east coast and the launch of the African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme
Discovery! – by Kerry Sink....................................................................................................................................................................................7
Launch! ACEP Inception 2000–2006 – Coelacanth - Window to the past: Door to the future – by Tony Ribbink...................................................7
ACEP Development 2007–2011 – by Tommy Bornman..................................................................................................................................................9
Towards a sustainable future – Results and Achievements from the ASCLME Project – by David Vousden ....................................................................13
ACEP Now! 2012–2015 - Competitive Access and Transformation – Introduction – by Angus Paterson........................................................................15
Transforming the marine science landscape – ACEP Phuhlisa Programme – by Garth van Heerden................................................................................16
ACEP Open Call Projects..............................................................................................................................................................................................20
• Suitcase Project – by Sean Fennessey and Mike Roberts......................................................................................................................................20
• Movement ranges and time scales in marine predators – acute and seasonal environmental drivers – by Malcolm Smale....................................21
• An assessment of benthic biodiversity on Walters Shoals – by Toufiek Samaai....................................................................................................22
• Bentho-pelagic mechanisms of inshore coastal waters – by Francesca Porri........................................................................................................23
• Bioregions as biodiversity surrogates in marine conservation planning – by Jean Harris.......................................................................................23
ACEP Marine Platform Overview – by Ryan Palmer.......................................................................................................................................................24
•R/V uKwabelana and R/V Kadouw – a shared marine resource...........................................................................................................................24
• Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) – an exciting new window for marine science..................................................................................................25
• Stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video System (SBRUVS) – candid camera captures life on the reef.................................................................25
• Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP) – Monitoring the movement and migrations of inshore marine animals – by Paul Cowley.....................26
• South West Indian Ocean Underwater Temperature Recording (SWIO UTR) Network – by Mike Roberts and Tammy Morris................................27
ACEP Environmental Education – Popularising the coelacanth and communicating the value of the marine and coastal environment –
by Bernadette Snow..........................................................................................................................................................................................28
75th Anniversary Expedition and Living Coelacanths of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park – by Kerry Sink.........................................................................29
The Coelacanth Genome Project – by Rosemary Dorrington with contributions from Adrienne Edkins..........................................................................32
ACEP Citizen Science Awards for contributions to coelacanth research.........................................................................................................................34
• Peter Timm........................................................................................................................................................................................................34
• Rik Nulens.........................................................................................................................................................................................................35
Into the Future – by Angus Paterson............................................................................................................................................................................36
ACEP OUTPUTS............................................................................................................................................................................................................38
Outreach products: 2004–2012.............................................................................................................................................................................38
Students: 2007–present.........................................................................................................................................................................................39
ACEP Publications: 2000–2013..............................................................................................................................................................................40
Research and mooring cruises: 2008–2013............................................................................................................................................................43
Acronyms....................................................................................................................................................................................................................44
Inside back cover: ACEP’s Reach
2
Executive Overview
Executive Overview
By Dr Angus Paterson
Managing Director South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
& African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme
T
he 75th Anniversary of the discovery of the coelacanth off the
Chalumna estuary in 1938 is a “proudly South African” event. The
discovery of the first specimen by Marjorie Courtney-Latimer, Professor JLB
Smith’s confirmation of its importance as the foremost zoological find of
the 20th century, his 14-year search for another (which was found on a
remote Indian Ocean island) is the stuff films and books are made of and
in fact, they have been! Add to the mix finding another species in 1997 off
Indonesia; then in a twist of fate, of South African tri-mix divers finding a
population of coelacanths off Sodwana Bay in 2000, ending a 62-year wait
for another specimen to be found in our waters, and finally, South African
scientists being part of a global team that unravelled the coelacanth
genome, and you have a “proudly South African” story of global relevance.
The coelacanth captured the imagination of the world and resulted in extensive evolutionary,
anatomical, conservation and behavioural research. Interestingly, the coelacanth is
also a cultural icon and “Old Fourlegs” experts will testify that in their travels they
find images, sculptures and artefacts around the globe. Totally independent of the
Institute, the 2013 National Arts Festival, held in Grahamstown, had an exhibition
which included a life-size, multi-coloured, knitted version! The fascination and
depth of on-going research on the coelacanth raised the question of how to
celebrate the 75th anniversary since its discovery and it was decided to concentrate
on the legacy of the peculiar events that took place over Christmas in 1938.
The discovery of the coelacanth had a profound effect on a country, a town and a
University and has touched the lives of generations of South African ichthyologists.
While one may argue causality, and ask what would have transpired if “Old Fourlegs”
had not appeared, it cannot be disputed that the events in 1938 and 2000 have had
a major impact on ichthyology and South African marine science in general.
The 1938 find further cemented South Africa’s research and academic credentials
in the world arena. The news of the find was communicated far and wide in both the
formal scientific literature and popular literature. The importance of the discovery and the
profile that it enjoyed still amazes me when I look at the Institute’s archives. For example, a
1938 edition of LIFE magazine has a full two-page article on the Coelacanth and includes a
leading article on possible concerns around the antics of Adolf Hitler in Germany.
Photos courtesy of the
Keiskamma Art Project, www.keiskamma.org
The search for the second specimen resulted in JLB Smith strengthening his position as
a leading ichthyologist and being given the latitude to dedicate his time exclusively to
Ichthyology. This resulted in many papers, and seminal books such as The Sea Fishes of
Southern Africa, published in 1949. In 1956 JLB Smith published Old Fourlegs - The Story
of the Coelacanth, which was translated into seven other languages. In 1946 JLB Smith was
appointed Professor and Head of the new Department of Ichthyology at Rhodes University
with a research grant from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) with
Margaret Mary Smith as his research assistant. In Margaret, JLB found a partner who shared
his enthusiasm for ichthyology but her uniquely personal touch resulted in the discipline
being nurtured and students being trained and mentored. After his death in 1968, Margaret
Smith persuaded Rhodes University and the CSIR to establish the JLB Smith Institute of
Ichthyology with Margaret Smith as its first Director. Smith’s collection of fish specimens
Executive Overview
Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science
Grahamstown is known as the city of saints
and sinners but really it should be the city
of saints, sinners and aquatic scientists
forms the nucleus of what is today the National Fish Collection at SAIAB. No doubt the
Smiths would be content with a job well done if they were able to see SAIAB and the
Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science that jointly employ over 60 staff, have an
undergraduate and postgraduate school of close to 100 students, and which are known
globally as centres of excellence in ichthyology.
Grahamstown is known as the city of saints and sinners but really it should be the city of
saints, sinners and aquatic scientists (who fall into both the previous categories). As the
Director of SAIAB, I frequently have to answer the question how a small rural, arid, inland
town became a world player in ichthyology, marine science, aquatic biodiversity and all
things watery. Much of the explanation I give centres around that fateful Christmas in 1938.
While the happenings in 1938 and 1952 started South Africa’s fascination with “Old
Fourlegs”, the events in 2000 further entrenched them. A team of South African tri-mix
divers finding a population of coelacanths off Sodwana Bay at 110 m opened a whole new
chapter of local and regional coelacanth research. The formation of the African Coelacanth
Ecosystem Programme (ACEP) in 2001 resulted in a South African-led regional marine
research effort from 2001 to 2007, which in turn, resulted in the GEF-funded Agulhas and
Somali Currents Large Marine Ecosystem programme (ASCLME 2007–2013). Since 2007,
ACEP has operated as the premier east coast, ecosystem-level research programme and has
resulted in over 100 post-graduate students receiving training, 18 dedicated research cruises,
and in securing new technologies such as ROVs.
Probably the most important aspect of ACEP has been the collaborative research and
platform provision provided by Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department
of Environmental Affairs (DEA Oceans & Coasts), Department of Agriculture, Forestry &
Fisheries (DAFF), ASCLME, the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON),
the National Research Foundation (NRF) and SAIAB which is so vital for inter-institutional,
trans-disciplinary and interdisciplinary research. Collaborative research that involves ships,
ROVs, students and researchers from multiple organisations is easier said than done. The
on-going support given by all the partners has resulted in an unparalleled level of interinstitutional cooperation. The key to ACEP’s success has been that it is based on transparent,
competitive access to research funding and platforms. This competitive access results in the
best research consortia being awarded programme support.
In another first, ACEP has recognised the slow pace of transformation in marine science and
initiated the Phuhlisa programme which is a dedicated, ring-fenced marine research redress
initiative at Historically Black Universities (HBUs). In short, finding the coelacanth population
off Sodwana resulted in a new era of east coast marine research which is going from to
strength to strength in terms of not only world-class research but, most importantly, also in
redressing the imbalances in our research demography.
We hope with this brochure to provide some insight into a range of research initiatives that
are directly linked to an odd-looking fish trawled off the Chalumna estuary in 1938. We
hope that it provides some light reading for coelacanth experts and, for the uninitiated, it
gives a new understanding of how a single, unexpected find can impact an entire research
discipline 75 years on.
SAIAB, Grahamstown
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4
Historical Overview
Finding ‘Old Fourlegs’:
early history of the discovery of the coelacanth
By Professor Mike Bruton
P
rofessor Mike Bruton was Director of the JLB Smith Institute of Ichthyology from 1980-1996. He took over from Professor
Margaret Smith who had established the Institute in memory of her late husband, Professor JLB Smith. Their life’s work, a
team effort, established modern ichthyology in southern Africa and laid the groundwork for the expansion of aquatic biology
throughout the region. Professor Bruton provides an historical overview of the discovery of the living coelacanth in 1938.
Before 1938 coelacanths were known exclusively from fossils, like trilobites and dinosaurs.
The Swiss-American palaeontologist, Dr Louis Agassiz, found the first coelacanth fossils in
1839 and coined the name Coelacanthus, referring to the hollow spines of the vertebrae
that connect to the bones supporting the caudal (tail) fin rays. Since then hundreds of extinct
coelacanths belonging to over 90 species have been described from all continents. Most
extinct coelacanths are small (< 1 m long) although some are huge (> 3 m). They are known
from freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats. The coelacanth fossil record stretches
back over 420 million years, which means they evolved over 170 million years before the
dinosaurs, and then outlived them by surviving the great Cretaceous extinction about 65
million years ago. Their fossil record ends then and there are no known fossils of the modern
species. This is why it was such a surprise to western science to discover a living coelacanth.
Professor Mike Bruton was
awarded an Honorary Doctorate
by Rhodes University in 2012
The external anatomy of coelacanths, as recorded in their fossils, changed little over time,
which is why it was easy for JLB Smith to recognise the first coelacanth. However, we learned
virtually nothing about their soft anatomy and lifestyle from their fossils. Paleontologists
often mused, if the skeleton is so conservative, would the soft anatomy, lifestyle and
behaviour also be unchanged over time? One of the most
important opportunities that a living coelacanth offered
was to answer these questions.
The first living coelacanth would likely have been
discovered by a traditional fisherman in the Comoros,
off the east coast of Africa or in Indonesia, as they have
been catching them for hundreds of years. However, the
re-discovery of coelacanths by western scientists in 1938
is what caught the world’s attention.
One of the great adventures in modern science started
with a simple phone call from a ship’s skipper, Hendrik
Goosen, captain of the Irvin & Johnson trawler Nerine,
to the young Director of the East London Museum,
Miss (later Dr) Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer. Having just
returned from a trawl off the coast near the Chalumna
River, he told her that he had an interesting collection of
fishes on board and invited her to see them.
Marge went to the harbour and found that they were
mainly sharks and rays. Then she noticed a strange fin and found “the most beautiful fish
I have ever seen”. She realised that the large, metal-blue fish was something special and
was determined to save the specimen and bring it to the attention of science. She sent
a letter with a drawing to Dr JLB Smith at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, then the
local authority on fishes. His knowledge of extinct fishes was sufficiently good for him to
recognise it as a coelacanth, but he was cautious. In an historic telegram he emphasized the
importance of the specimen, and urged Marge to preserve the soft anatomy.
Unfortunately, she was unable to preserve the soft organs because there were no
Historical Overview
preservatives or freezer facilities in East London. When JLB Smith eventually saw the
specimen 55 days later in February 1939, he confirmed its identity as a coelacanth and set
about publishing detailed scientific descriptions in South African and British journals.
He named it Latimeria chalumnae, in honour of Marjorie and the catch locality. Later it was
placed in the family Latimeriidae and the suborder Latimerioidei. The discovery caused an
international sensation and was equated to discovering a living dinosaur (although it was
much more important than that!).
The discovery of the first coelacanth put South Africa on the world ichthyology map. Smith
established the Department of Ichthyology at Rhodes University in 1946, the first research
institute in South Africa funded by the new CSIR, and set about finding a second coelacanth.
He predicted that it was a predator that lived over moderately deep, rocky reefs off the east
African coast. After the Second World War he carried out a series of epic expeditions up the
east African coast to survey marine fishes and search for coelacanths. These expeditions led
to unprecedented discoveries on Western Indian Ocean and southern African marine fishes
and the publication of the world famous Sea Fishes of Southern Africa and Fishes of the
Seychelles books.
During the expeditions Smith delivered lectures on sea fishes and distributed reward
pamphlets, offering a generous £100 to the first person to find a living coelacanth. Captain
Eric Hunt, the 38-year-old skipper of the trading vessel Nduwaro that traded between
Zanzibar, Madagascar and the Comoros, heard one of his lectures in Zanzibar and distributed
the pamphlets in the Comoros. Three weeks later he struck gold – he was notified of a
coelacanth that had been caught on 21st December 1952 off Mutsamudu on Anjouan
Island by a fisherman, Ahamadi Abdallah. Hunt notified Smith by telegram. Smith was in
5
6
Historical Overview
Durban at the time, having just returned from a fish-collecting expedition, and his mind
raced. How could he get to the fish in time, knowing that the Comoros is hot in December
and Hunt almost certainly didn’t have enough formalin? On 26th December 1952, in
desperation, he telephoned the South African Prime Minister, Dr DF Malan. He explained his
dilemma to Malan, who arranged a military plane within a few days. After the long journey
Smith examined the coelacanth and confirmed its identity. After a harrowing journey back
down the east African coast, he flew to Cape Town and showed the specimen to the Prime
Minister. Back in Grahamstown, Smith was at last able to examine and describe its internal
and external anatomy. Initially he thought that it was a different species, as it lacked a first
dorsal fin and extra tail fin, and he named it Malania anjouanae, but it was later found to be
the same species as the first.
The French authorities felt cheated by the ‘theft’ of the second coelacanth from the
Comoros, which they ruled at the time, and placed a moratorium on the removal of further
coelacanths. Subsequently, two French scientists, Drs J. Millot and J. Anthony, set about
describing the specimens caught by local fishermen and produced some of the most detailed
descriptions of any fish to date. The French ban on exporting coelacanths lasted until
Comorian independence in the 1970s.
Previously the coelacanth was not a prized catch in the Comoros, as its flesh contains oil
and urea and is foul tasting. Its Comorian name, Gombessa, means ’taboo’, but its value to
fishermen has increased since it has attracted interest in the West. By 2013, 214 coelacanths
had been caught off the Comoros. However, catches have not been limited to the Comoros:
they have also been caught off Mozambique (since 1991), Madagascar (1995), Kenya
(2001) and Tanzania (2003). In 1997, a second living species, Latimeria menadoensis, was
discovered in Indonesia by Mark Erdmann.
An inventory of all coelacanths caught was started by Millot (1938–1971), continued by
McCosker (1972–1977) and Suzuki & Tanauma (1959–1983), and then expanded by Mike
Bruton and Sheila Coutouvides from the then JLB Smith Institute of Ichthyology (1984–1996)
through the journal Environmental Biology of Fishes edited by
Professor Eugene Balon. Today it is maintained by Rik Nulens
in the Netherlands and the most recent version was printed by
SAIAB as a Smithiana Special Publication in 2011.
The breakthrough in studying live coelacanths came when
Professor Hans Fricke from the Max Planck Institute in Germany
decided to study the fish using research submersibles. He had
been inspired by Smith’s book, Old Fourlegs, and was already an
established undersea explorer at the time.
His first submersible, the GEO, could only dive to 200 metres
so he designed a second, the JAGO, capable of reaching 400
Professor Hans Fricke
metres. But, after 22 dives off Grande Comoro he had not found
coelacanths. He consulted local fishermen who advised that he
should dive at night, and, within one dive, he found them. During 1987 and 1989, Hans
Fricke, Raphael Plante, Jürgen Schauer and Karen Hissman made multiple observations of
living coelacanths at depths from 117 to 253 metres and revealed intimate details about
their lives. They found that during the day coelacanths aggregate in caves in small, nonaggressive groups of up to 10 individuals. They tend to stay in the same area for at least
two years, but migrate between caves covering a home range which is over eight kilometres
across. They estimated the total population off Grande Comoros to be 150–210 individuals,
with a maximum of 370–510 individuals.
Professors Mike Bruton and Eugene Balon established the Coelacanth Conservation
Council (CCC) in April 1987 in Moroni, Grande Comoro, with the objective of coordinating
international efforts to conserve the coelacanth and to bring its precarious status to the
attention of the general public. Between them they gave over 60 talks in 18 countries on
coelacanth conservation. They also campaigned for the coelacanth to be placed on Schedule
1 of CITES (1989) so that it could not be traded for money, and to be declared ‘Vulnerable’
in the International Red Data Book on Fishes (1990). Since then, many international scientists
and organisations, both collectively and individually, have campaigned for, and implemented
coelacanth conservation measures.
Professor Hans Fricke’s submersible JAGO
AC E P – D i s c o v e r y & I n c e p t i o n
7
December 2000:
Living coelacanths found off
the South African east coast
and the launch of ACEP
Discovery!
By Dr Kerry Sink
On 28 October 2000, Pieter Venter, Peter Timm and Etienne le Roux were near the end of an
eight-minute Tri-mix training dive to 104 metres in the Jesser Canyon at Sodwana Bay which
is in the St Lucia Marine Reserve on the northeast coast of South Africa. As they were about
to ascend, Venter saw a large, pinkish eye reflecting the beam of his underwater light. He
approached and, underneath an overhang, he saw a fish some two metres long. Within a few
seconds he realized, to his astonishment, that the blue fish with its unusual lobed fins was a
coelacanth. He summoned Timm, and they saw what appeared to be two more coelacanths.
Peter Timm preparing for a dive with his range of
hi-tech trimix scuba gear required for such deep
diving. Each cylinder contains a specific gas mix for
breathing safely at different depths. Gauges and
dive computers monitor his dive and decompression
schedule in order to reach the surface safely. Each
dive is carefully planned to the last metre and
minute as there is little margin for error.
Photo: Barabara Brou
As the instructor, and concerned with the ascent part of their dive, Timm was pre-occupied
with his sightseeing students and unable to confirm that the three fish he saw really were
coelacanths. Later, however, after they had reached the surface, Venter convinced him that
the fish were coelacanths, and the divers decided to arrange an expedition with a video
camera to record the presence of this species.
Just a month later, on the 27th November 2000, the divers returned and planned a 115-metre
dive. They searched caves along the wall of the canyon for 12 minutes before three coelacanths
came into view and were filmed with a video camera at a depth of 108 m. The largest fish was
between 1.6 and 1.8 metres long and the two other coelacanths were about 1.5 and 1.0 metres.
The discovery was a thrilling climax to a search that had started in 1998, and the beginning of a
multi-institutional, multi-national, South African-led research programme that was soon to follow.
Excerpt from Eastern Province Herald
Launch! ACEP Inception: 2001 to 2006
Coelacanth – Window to the past: Door to the future
By Dr A J (Tony) Ribbink
D
r Tony Ribbink managed the first phase of the African Coelacanth Ecosystem
Programme which was established in response to the discovery of live
coelacanths off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal in 2000. He now runs the Sustainable
Seas Trust. Dr Ribbink provides an account of the launch of ACEP and its first
seven years of operation.
The discovery of live coelacanths by divers in Jesser Canyon, Sodwana Bay, in December 2000
stimulated the first study of coelacanths in South Africa. No coelacanth colonies anywhere in
the world were known to live in such shallow, readily accessible waters. South Africa seized
its opportunity to answer some of the fundamental questions regarding coelacanths that
8
AC E P – I n c e p t i o n
were originally asked by Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer and Prof JLB Smith in the 1930s and
1940s and which still remained unanswered.
The JLB Smith Institute, now SAIAB, was the lead organisation. A comprehensive planning
workshop, funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF), open to all South African marine
scientists and attended by 104 participants was convened by SAIAB and held at Rhodes University
in September 2001. Delegates at the workshop agreed that a multi-disciplinary, ecosystem
approach was essential to understand the coelacanth, its life-history and its ecological relationship
with other organisms, its evolution and zoogeography. Accordingly, marine geologists were
called upon to help map and define the physical, topographic habitat of coelacanths.
Dr Sylvia Earle, who gave the opening keynote
speech at the International Coelacanth Conference
in 2003 seen here with Dr Marjorie CourtenayLatimer, the guest of honour at the conference.
Dr A J Ribbink, who developed ACEP in its first
phase and Minister Dr B Ngubane who launched
ACEP in April 2002.
Dr Khotso Mokhele, President of the NRF, and Dr
Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer at the International
Coelacanth Conference in 2003
ACEP was officially launched by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, Dr Baldwin
Ngubane, at a celebratory function in Sodwana Bay in April 2002. Two kilometres offshore the
R/V Algoa and the submersible Jago, which was first used by Hans Fricke and colleagues to study
coelacanths off the Comores in 1987 and 1989, were ready to explore the underwater canyons
to seek coelacanths. In the Comoros, coelacanths were known to live in caves during the day.
Assuming that the South African coelacanths were also dependent upon caves it was agreed
that using acoustic bathymetry would be cost effective as this would identify in advance where
the mother ship (Algoa) and submersible (Jago) should focus their searches.
From the start, ACEP was a multi-disciplinary programme. There were already indications
from studies in the Comoros that coelacanths require well-oxygenated waters, avoid strong
currents and are intolerant of waters above 22°C, so oceanographers needed to define more
precisely the conditions of the watery medium in which coelacanths live, with a view to
determining coelacanth tolerance ranges. Biologists were keen to explore the relationship
that coelacanths have with other organisms in their environment. Through underwater
observation, films and collection of sessile invertebrates, they established which organisms
shared the environment with coelacanths. Stable isotope analyses added understanding
of the trophic relationships and energy flow. Tissue for stable isotope analyses, population
genetic studies and genome studies, and growth of coelacanth cells in the laboratory were
collected from coelacanth scales extracted underwater from the live coelacanths. Such an
approach necessitated collaboration among taxonomists, ecologists, population geneticists,
genome resource scientists and zoogeographers. Data from the different disciplines were
brought together for analysis on a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) platform.
Prof JLB Smith had questioned whether the coelacanth discovered off East London in 1938
was a representative of a resident Eastern Cape population or had it been washed down
from more northern regions by the Agulhas Current? To determine whether the South
African coelacanths are resident and represent the southern most, shallowest population yet
known required that the studies should extend beyond Sodwana Bay, into the Mozambique
Channel, to Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros and Kenya where coelacanths had also
been found. Minister Ngubane encouraged a multi-national approach to fulfil his vision of a
South African-led NEPAD programme. Accordingly, national management committees were
formed in the countries listed above and also in Mauritius, Seychelles and Tanzania. At the
time of the launch of ACEP, coelacanths had not been reported from any of these three
countries, but in September 2003, Tanzania announced the capture of its first coelacanth.
Then, within a few years, the greatest recorded destruction of coelacanths anywhere in the
world took place as Tanzanian fishermen caught over 100 specimens, most of which were
officially recorded. The decline of the shallow near-shore fishery in Tanzania had resulted in
the movement of fishing effort into deeper waters, where fishermen dropped their nets into
coelacanth habitats and caught coelacanths as a by catch.
The National Management Committees in each country managed the in-country aspects
of coelacanth research and made arrangements for the R/V Algoa to visit its waters and
for nationals to join the cruise for certain legs. Annually, senior members of the National
Management Committees met in Pretoria, usually hosted by the NRF, to develop regional
plans. One of the recommendations of the Regional Committee was that an International
Coelacanth Conference should be held.
East London was the venue chosen for the conference which gave visitors the opportunity to
see the holotype in the East London Museum and to meet Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer. The
conference was well attended by delegates from all of the African partner countries, Japan,
Singapore, the USA and Europe. Despite being early in the life of ACEP, the 2003 conference
led to 14 papers published in the South African Journal of Science (2006) and an additional
17 papers published in the conference proceedings.
AC E P – I n c e p t i o n & D e v e l o p m e n t
In 2005, after annual cruises involving partner countries, ACEP was recognised as a NEPAD
Coastal and Marine Programme. One of the features of the cruises was that, in addition to
inviting dignitaries and scientists from each port on board, ACEP also had school children
explore the ship and, in many cases, undertook educational activities on shore, giving
children a broader understanding of the sea, coasts and need for sustainability. Between
certain ports, students also joined the cruises and considerable effort was invested in
promoting marine science as a career.
Phase One of ACEP considerably furthered the understanding of Western Indian Ocean ecosystems
in every one of the disciplines studied. It laid the platform for the GEF-funded, United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) Agulhas and Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystem project
(ASCLME) to be hosted by SAIAB. It also indicated that the Comoros was an unusual habitat for
coelacanths and, through observation, increased knowledge of coelacanths. It became clear in
these early years that if the perennial questions about how it is that coelacanths have remained
relatively unchanged over millions of years, why they live mainly in tropics when they are averse
to warmer waters, details of their feeding, life-cycles, breeding, parental care and metabolism
are to be answered, then the scientific approach would need to be elevated from observation
and photography to experiment, and use modern-day technology for underwater measurement,
tracking and discovery.
By creating platforms for marine research through programmes such as ACEP, South Africa is
developing the capability and expertise to take a leading role in deep-sea science.
ACEP Development
2007–2011
By Dr Tommy Bornman
D
r Tommy Bornman was coordinator of the second phase of ACEP from 2007–
2011. He was responsible for the smooth running of the programme, which
included cruises and boat-based research as well as coastal research, education
and data management.The second phase of the programme was carried out in
collaboration with ASCLME. As Regional Coordinator he was responsible for
organising the research cruises of the Regional Cruise Coordination Working
Group, which consists of representatives from South Africa, Mozambique,
Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, Comoros, Madagascar, Seychelles and Mauritius. His
duties included coordinating, planning and executing all research cruises for
ASCLME, identifying suitable scientists, preparing cruise reports, databases and
all cruise meetings. In 2011 Tommy took over from Angus Paterson as Manager
of SAEON’s Elwandle Node for the coastal zone. Here he reviews ACEP’s
development in its second phase.
ACEP’s vision in the first phase was: “Build the capacity to sustain the processes which support
life”. The aim for the second phase was to build on the good work that had gone before
and ensure that the vision and objectives were achieved through high quality research. The
design of the second phase of ACEP was based on feedback from the DST and Department
of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) and the outcome of the 2005 Review of ACEP I.
The Review had indicated that the scope and output of ACEP I was significant, particularly
in the area of science awareness and education and it recommended the programme be
continued with certain provisos: funding should be secured in a more structured manner
ACEP 1 invested heavily in children by
promoting an interest in science on the
ship and on the sea shore.
9
10
AC E P – D e v e l o p m e n t
to ensure tenure security for students; an alternative management structure should be
implemented; more emphasis should be placed on scientific output and student training;
more emphasis should be placed on Southern African marine issues, and ACEP II should
form the key South African contribution to the larger ASCLME project.
The ACEP II programme took these provisions into consideration and implemented some
key changes. Unlike the block grants provided to ACEP I, the majority of the funding was
managed through the NRF and comprised student bursaries and individual programme
running costs. This enabled the programme to offer tenure security for students and more
MSc and PhD students to be enrolled.
With the retirement of Dr Tony Ribbink, the previous manager of ACEP, the entire ACEP II
management structure was changed to reflect the new funding structure. The management
team was reduced to key components. As the first phase of ACEP came to a close, ASCLME
began and, to some extent, evolved as a result of the activities and networking that had been
created during ACEP. Certain members of the ACEP staff joined the ASCLME programme
and were thus not lost to South African marine science. The programme was managed
through SAEON, which was hosted by SAIAB.
The ASCLME programme was initiated to undertake research throughout the Western Indian
Ocean and the emphasis of ACEP II was re-orientated around scientific questions with a
South African bias. ACEP II became South Africa’s key, in-kind, co-funding contribution to the
project. Its involvement included planning, funding and executing research on the Agulhas
Current; hosting the ASCLME management team; providing a regional cruise coordination
function to ASCLME; scientific participation in ASCLME research cruises; funding ACEP
scientists participating in ACEP-related research; data management and archiving through
SAEON, SADCO and SAIAB, and coordinating and planning cruises for the Seamounts and
Agulhas Return Current projects.
An eight day scientific and capacity
building workshop was held
at SAIAB from Nov 8–15 2010.
Twenty-one scientists representing
seven countries participated in
the workshop and succeeded in
identifying and cataloguing 1 698
specimens of fish and cephalopods.
In line with the DST’s request for an open, transparent and competitive funding structure,
an Open Research Call was distributed by the NRF in late 2007. This initiative allowed any
researcher or research consortium to submit a bid for research funding through ACEP II.
Key achievements of the programme include:
i. ACEP II Research Call: ACEP II put out a competitive research call and received
applications to the value of approximately three times the research budget. The
adjudication of the applications resulted in a programme which can be characterised as:
• Being highly multi-disciplinary
• Involving all major marine research institutions
• Having a sound mix of rated and un-rated scientists
• Being training and capacity-building orientated
ii. Platform provision and management: The programme provides research platforms
(ships, boats, dive units, ROVs, etc.) which would otherwise be unavailable to individual
research institutions.
• ACEP cruises: The ACEP II programme has successfully planned and executed a
number of multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional research cruises in the SWIO.
– 2007 ACEP SWIO cruise (R/V Algoa)
– 2008 Leg 4 Mozambique Channel cruise (R/V Dr Fridtjof Nansen)
– 2009 Agulhas Shelf Edge cruise (R/V Algoa)
– 2009 Seamounts cruise (R/V Dr Fridtjof Nansen)
– 2010 Agulhas Natal Bight cruise (R/V Algoa)
– 2010 Agulhas Bank cruise (R/V Algoa)
– 2011 Agulhas Natal Bight cruises (R/V Algoa)
• ASCLME cruises coordinated: ACEP has performed the cruise co-ordination role
for the large GEF-funded and UNDP-implemented ASCLME Project. This has resulted
in unprecedented access for South African scientists to international research cruises
throughout the SWIO. A total of 23 research and mooring cruises were successfully
completed between 2008 and 2012 (see Outputs 2004–2013 pp. 38–43)
• Seamounts cruise partner: ACEP II and ASCLME were major partners on the IUCNlaunched Southern Ocean Seamounts cruise. ACEP played a logistical role and sent
four scientists on the cruise and, through SAIAB, hosted a nine-day workshop from
8–17 November 2010 for researchers to identify the biological specimens collected
Dr. Vladimir Laptikhovsky displays the new
Chiroteuthis species. © IUCN / Rainer von Brandis.
during the Seamounts cruise of 2009. Several potential new
species and families were discovered.
• Platform infrastructure procured:
The ACEP programme procured several research platforms to
enhance SAIAB’s ability to undertake and support coastal and
deep water research in South Africa:
– Coastal research craft (R/V uKwabelana)
–Sea-eye Falcon Underwater Remote Operated Vehicle
(ROV). The ROV was launched in 2009 and four pilots
from SAIAB and SAEON were trained. ACEP conducted
an expedition to Sodwana Bay in May 2011 to test the
capabilities of the new ROV to explore the deep-water
environment that is home to the iconic coelacanths.
More than 16 scientists, ROV pilots and technicians from
SAIAB, SAEON, Oceans & Coasts (DEA), SANBI, EKZNW
and the iSimangaliso Wetland Authority participated in
the expedition. The expedition was a tremendous success
in that seven coelacanths were captured on film on two
separate days of diving. This multi-institutional, inter- and
trans-disciplinary research expedition proved that South
Africa now has the platform and the capacity to conduct
deep-sea research.
– Scientific instruments, e.g. plankton pump, bongo nets,
sediment corer, etc.
iii.Research programmes managed: The ACEP II Open Call
resulted in unprecedented inter-disciplinary and inter-institutional
research. Ecosystem-level research was undertaken that
maximised the resources available from the different organisations
involved. Research covered aspects from nanoplankton and
genetics, through to large-scale oceanographic features. The
research was undertaken by no fewer than fifteen institutions
(RU, UCT, NMMU, Fort Hare, UP, CSIR, SAIAB, SAEON, UKZN, ORI,
ASCLME, DAFF, DEA, Bayworld, BCRE), involved 25 researchers,
33 students and resulted in unparalleled inter-organisational
collaboration. The following projects were funded:
• Genetics: Prof P Bloomer (UP) and Dr G Gouws (SAIAB)
• Conservation: Dr M Lombard (NMMU)
• Education: Mrs B Snow (RU & NMMU)
11
•Oceanography
– Natal Bight: Dr S Fennessy (ORI) and Dr M Roberts (DEA)
and researchers and students from UKZN and CSIR
– Agulhas Shelf and Bank: Prof J Lutjeharms (UCT) and Prof
C McQuaid (RU) and researchers and students from RU,
UCT, UWC, UP, NMMU, SAEON and SAIAB
• Paleo-climates: Dr R Uken (CGS and UKZN)
• Biodiversity: Prof A Booth (RU) and researchers and students
from UCT and RU
• Data management: Dr W Goschen (SAEON)
iv. Capacity building and training: One of the major successes of
ACEP II was the number of students involved on the programme.
The 2007–2011 funding cycle provided training for a significant
cohort of marine scientists.
•Research projects: In total, 37 students registered for
higher degrees or diplomas. The bursary component of the
programme was fully subscribed.
– B Tech – 3
– Honours – 5
– MSc – 17
– PhD – 6
– Postdoctoral – 6
• Intervention programme: In training disadvantaged
students, ACEP took on an additional six BSc Honours students
from the University of Fort Hare. The students undertook short
but intense investigations into near-shore plankton dynamics
in Algoa Bay as part of SAEON Elwandle Node’s Algoa Bay
LTER programme.
• Educational outreach: ACEP organised several tours of the
R/V Algoa for school groups whenever the vessel was in port.
In addition to the tours, ACEP also arranged for two groups of
eight learners and two teachers to sail from Cape Town to Port
Elizabeth via Mossel Bay. The learners and teachers were from
previously disadvantaged schools in the Mossel Bay / George
region and they joined the brief cruise under the auspices of the
“Teachers at Sea” and NOAA’s “Adopt a Drifter” Programme.
ACEP and ASCLME sponsored the sea time on the vessel to
enable these learners to deploy the drifters that their schools
had “adopted”. The schools were then able to follow the
12
track of their satellite drifter as it drifted with the currents through the ocean collecting
valuable data on ocean circulation.
v. Scientific deliverables: Under the auspices of ACEP II, 33 peer-reviewed manuscripts
were published, 11 theses / dissertations were produced and 43 oral and poster
presentations were presented at national and international conferences. A special issue of
Deep Sea Research II on the research in the Mozambique Channel is in press and will add
an additional 17 manuscripts.
vii.Launch of ACEP II: ACEP II was officially launched on 25 March 2010 at the Algoa
Bay Yacht Club in Port Elizabeth. The event was attended by the Director-General of
the DST, Dr Phil Mjwara, the Chief Executive Officer of the NRF, Dr Albert van Jaarsveld,
members of the NRF and DST executive and approximately 150 invited guests. The launch
was a celebration for East Coast Marine Science as it involved the official launch of two
South African research programmes (SAEON Elwandle Node and ACEP II), welcoming an
International Project (ASCLME), and naming a new research vessel. SAIAB hosts all three
of these initiatives. Talks by Dr Angus Paterson (SAEON), Dr Tommy Bornman (ACEP) and
Dr David Vousden (ASCLME) highlighted how well the three programmes were integrated
to form a key component of the DST’s plan to ensure that South Africa achieves the
objectives of the Grand Challenge on Global and Climate Change. Dr Phil Mjwara
delivered the main address and officially named the new research vessel “uKwabelana”,
which means “to share” in isiXhosa.
vii.Inter-ministerial co-operation: Marine platforms are expensive and require funding
and resources from multiple agencies to be successful. ACEP developed a strong working
relationship with Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) (now DAFF and DEA). The
relationship during ACEP II could be broadly defined as follows:
•DST/NRF: Funding, provision of R/V uKwabelana and ROV, and programme
management.
• DAFF: Provision of R/V Algoa (the vessel is now with DEA).
• DEA: Oceanographic equipment and technical support.
A unique collaboration such as this allows marine scientists from multiple agencies and
universities to undertake multi-disciplinary research.
vii.International recognition: ACEP forms South Africa’s contribution to the International
GEF-funded and UNDP-implemented ASCLME. ACEP II became increasingly involved,
through ASCLME, in large internationally-funded research projects requiring its
expertise. Some of the major collaborative projects included the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Southern Seamounts project, the Research moored Array
for African-Asian-Australian Monsoon Analysis and prediction (RAMA) under the auspices
of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Royal Netherlands
Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) Long-term Ocean Climate Observations (LOCO),
Ocean Sustained Interdisciplinary Time-series Environmental Observatory in the Agulhas
Return Current (OceanSITES, NOAA) and the Agulhas Current Time-series (ACT with
the University of Miami). ACEP’s partnership with ASCLME has provided South African
scientists with unparalleled access to international cruises in the South Western Indian
Ocean (SWIO) which has cemented the key role that South Africa plays as a research
leader in this region.
Over the last few years the ACEP research platform has proved to be a well-managed and costeffective platform which undertakes multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional marine research
on the east coast of South Africa. Thanks to ACEP II and its involvement in international
programmes such as ASCLME, South Africa took the lead in inter-governmental and interinstitutional research studies aimed at building the capacity to sustain the processes which
support life, not only in South African waters but throughout the entire South-Western Indian
Ocean. The second phase of ACEP was a great success in gaining international exposure,
producing research output and developing postgraduate student support.
A major recommendation from the second phase was that more emphasis should be placed
on capacity building and training black and female students so that a demographically
representative scientific community can be achieved as soon as possible.
ASCLME
13
Towards a sustainable future
Results and Achievements from the ASCLME Project
By Dr David Vousden
T
he ASCLME Project was initiated in 2007 and built upon the efforts of the first Phase of ACEP (2001–2006) which
had developed a highly successful multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional regional marine research programme. With the
ASCLME programme co-coordinating the regional Large Marine Ecosystem study (LME), the second phase of ACEP was
mandated to concentrate on the marine environment off South Africa and form the South African contribution to ASCLME.
Project Director, Dr David Vousden, provides an overview of the ASCLME project to date.
The ASCLME Project and the South Western Indian Ocean Fisheries Programme (SWIOFP)
commenced at a time when there was a low baseline of existing knowledge for the western
Indian Ocean region. Results from scientific studies were not easily accessible, often being
published in institutional reports and scattered in national facilities, NGOs and project
archives. Data and information from international studies were not routinely repatriated to
host countries, leading to local loss, or at least reduced benefit of international investment in
marine science in the region.
We are proud to say that, in the past five years, and through over 30 research cruises and
numerous other data gathering and interpretation exercises, this scenario has changed
considerably, thanks to the efforts of a number of agencies. For example, networks such as
the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) have funded and promoted
the development of marine science programmes, and projects such as ODINAFRICA have
supported the development of national information networks and the repatriation of
data. The ASCLME Project and the SWIOFP have encouraged these efforts and supported
dedicated studies to fill information and capacity gaps. Moreover, as a result of GEF
funding, with UNDP and World Bank support – and partnerships with a host of regional and
international agencies – detailed coastal and offshore observations have revealed a wealth
of information on the role of current patterns, ocean-atmosphere interactions, habitat and
species distribution and their impacts on the sustainable livelihoods of coastal communities.
The generosity of these partner institutions and the countries of the region has realised
results beyond those initially envisioned within the Project Document.
Importantly, the countries have ownership of this data and systems have been established
to ensure that it is accessible and useful to them. Today, the countries of the WIO have a
baseline from which to measure changes within the ecosystem and predict the likely impacts
on marine and coastal resources.
14
ASCLME
Perhaps the most innovative aspect of the project has been the creation of the Marine
Ecosystem Diagnostic Analysis (MEDA), which was produced by each country with assistance
from the Project, and represents a comprehensive state-of-the-marine-environment report
for each country. They are intended to be regularly reviewed and updated and formed the
cornerstone of the TDA process, giving unique and valuable insight into the challenges
facing each country, both individually and collectively, throughout the region and in a global
context. The country-based nature of this activity greatly enhanced the Project’s ability to
mobilise and build a regional network of expertise and fostered better understanding of and
participation in the Project and its activities. This network will be vital not only to a future
phase for the project, but in ensuring that countries are able to meet these challenges long
into the future. The reports are available online from www.asclme.org/MEDA/ .
The Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) described is a comprehensive and impressive
text that proficiently documents the status of the Large Marine Ecosystems of the Western
Indian Ocean and analyses the threats to their long-term sustainability. It was compiled
through a partnership between the ASCLME Project and the SWIOFP (whilst also recognising
and capturing, as appropriate, inputs from the UNEP WIO-LaB Project as well as the IUCNUNDP Seamounts Project) and represents a major output of both projects. Significantly,
the TDA provides the technical basis for the development of a Strategic Action Programme
(SAP). We look forward to the forthcoming endorsement of the SAP by the countries of the
region and to securing funding for SAP Implementation.
For more information, please see - www.asclme.org/TDA/ and www.asclme.org/SAP/ .
All the activities associated with ASCLME have required time, energy and commitment from
the countries of the Western Indian Ocean and a wide range of partners and stakeholders
who have collaborated with the Project to enhance understanding and sustainable use
of the ecosystem processes and resources of the Western Indian Ocean. We extend our
appreciation to you for your excellent work, and hope that the activities highlighted here will
make you deservedly proud.
All the activities associated with
ASCLME have required time,
energy and commitment from
the countries of the Western
Indian Ocean and a wide range
of partners and stakeholders
We particularly wish to thank our host institution, the South African Institute for Aquatic
Biodiversity (SAIAB), the African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP), along with the
South African Department of Environmental Affairs (Oceans & Coasts); the South African
Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries and the South African Department of Science
& Technology for their support during the project’s lifetime.
The Project and its partner organisations and countries are now well advanced into the
Strategic Action Programme (SAP) Implementation Project Document development phase,
and expect to launch the second phase of the ASCLME Project – to be called WIO-SAPPHIRE
(Western Indian Ocean LMEs – Strategic Action Programme Policy Harmonization and
Institutional Reforms) in 2014.
To see the Results and Achievements from the ASCLME Project “highlights” brochure, please
visit www.asclme.org/results/ .
AC E P P r e s e n t
ACEP Now!
15
2012 – 2015
Competitive Access and Transformation
By Dr Angus Paterson
Introduction
A
CEP remains a flagship programme of the DST. In its
present phase (2012–2015) it is a joint project of the
DST, DEA, DAFF, SAEON, ASCLME and, as of 2013, the
South African National Parks Board (SANParks).
Competitive Access
The Open Call has been retained and this phase of ACEP provides
competitive access to research ships (R/V Algoa), coastal vessels
(R/Vs uKwabelana and Kadouw), a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV),
Stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video (SBRUV) systems and
SCUBA unit, national Acoustic Telemetry Array Platform (ATAP) and
a range of oceanographic and biological sampling gear for coastal
and deep-water marine research.
The research aims of the previous phase of ACEP underpin the aims
of the present phase, which are to:
1. Integrate the physical and biological sciences in order to
understand the processes that govern the South West Indian
Ocean (SWIO) ecosystem.
2. Build capacity in offshore marine sciences, particularly in
developing a critical mass of skilled personnel and addressing
equity imbalances.
3. Use innovative science to unravel coelacanth evolutionary
adaptations and the phylogeny of their ecosystems.
4. Conduct long-term monitoring of ecosystems to understand
biological processes and climate change.
5. Determine species richness, biodiversity and biogeography of SWIO.
6. Provide recommendations for SWIO conservation, management
strategies and long-term sustainability.
7. Promote public awareness and understanding of marine science.
8. Generate knowledge and build integrated and shared marine
information systems, including GIS.
9. Promote ACEP as a platform for regional, national and
international partnerships, such as SANCOR and ASCLME that
strengthen South African marine science.
The Open Call was advertised nationally in late February 2012 and was
closed for submissions in early April 2012. Peer-review of the proposals
took place until mid-May, after which the selection panel met to go
through the proposals and reviewer comments and to select the
candidates for ACEP 2013–2015 funding and support. The competitive
Open Call identified research applications which fell within the research
framework of the ACEP Programme, facilitated multi-disciplinary and
multi-institutional research and which maximised the use of the ACEP
marine platforms. A two-tiered assessment process was followed that
involved peer review of research proposals and a panel review.
Overall, the Call was vastly oversubscribed and unfortunately a
number of worthy projects could not be awarded funding. Five
projects were selected. These involve over 20 researchers and 15
institutions from across the country.
Key Investigator
Project Title
Sean Fennessy & Mike Roberts
The Suitcase Project.
Jean Harris
Bioregions as biodiversity surrogates in
marine conservation planning
Francesca Porri
Bentho-pelagic mechanisms of inshore
coastal waters
Toufiek Samaai
An assessment of benthic biodiversity on
Walters Shoals
Malcolm Smale
Movement ranges and time scales in
marine predators – acute and seasonal
environmental drivers
(For more information on these projects, see pp. 20–23 ACEP Open
Call Projects)
Transformation
While the second phase of ACEP recognised the need to transform
marine science, the system for allocation of funding relied
completely on a competitive Open Call to select projects. This
approach was only modestly successful in achieving the required
transformation target and, as a result, a more direct intervention
16
AC E P – P r e s e n t & P h u h l i s a D e v e l o p m e n t P r o g ra m m e
was required; thus the Phuhlisa Programme was born.
One-third of the overall ACEP funding has been dedicated to the
Phuhlisa Programme, which focuses on capacity building and
generating interest in and enthusiasm for marine sciences at two
Historically Black Universities (HBUs) in the Eastern Cape: Walter
Sisulu University (WSU) and the University of Fort Hare (UFH). The
Phuhlisa programme aims to produce a winning model to develop
high quality graduates in Marine Science by inspiring talent at HBUs
of South Africa. This will be achieved through student development,
supervisor development (where required) and building key
partnerships between National Facilities and HBUs.
During the programme, approximately 40 Honours, MSc and
PhD students from the two HBUs will go through the Phuhlisa
programme, laying the foundation for the next phase of ACEP when
the Phuhlisa programme will be expanded to other coastal HBUs
(see below Transforming the marine science landscape).
In addition to the Open Call and Phuhlisa
programme, ACEP provides the broader
research community with access to a number
of National Facility platforms:
• Acoustic Telemetry Array Platform (ATAP) – ACEP
maintains a curtain of acoustic receivers off Table Bay,
Gansbaai, Mossel Bay, Algoa Bay, Port Alfred, Port St Johns,
Durban and Ponta do Ouro (Mozambique). Researchers along
the east coast run a range of tracking projects that link into
this network. ATAP is South Africa’s main contribution to the
Global Ocean Tracking Network (OTN).
• Coastal vessels and associated equipment – ACEP runs
two 13 m coastal vessels which are equipped with a wide
range of coastal research equipment.
• Remote Optical observation platforms – ACEP offers a range
of platforms ranging from Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) to
Stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video (SBRUV) systems.
Transforming the
marine science landscape –
ACEP Phuhlisa Programme
By Garth van Heerden
A
CEP’s key strategic Human Capital Development initiative is the Phuhlisa Programme. The programme aims to transform
the marine science landscape in South Africa by building capacity at HBUs in the Eastern Cape. Collaboration between
SAIAB, SAEON, the University of Fort Hare (UFH) and Walter Sisulu University (WSU) has resulted in a managed programme
through which platform provision and co-supervision is provided by ACEP, SAIAB and SAEON researchers to enhance and
complement capability at the universities. Research and Human Capital Development Coordinator, Garth van Heerden,
outlines the Programme.
Overview
South Africa needs to develop its knowledge economy in order
to diversify. The NRF has set a target for South Africa to double
its research output to reach one percent of global research output
by 2020. Delivering these bold goals will take more than merely
increasing research funding; it will mean developing the country’s
human capital as its most valuable asset in that knowledge economy.
Transformation of the marine science research cohort has been
relatively slow. Currently, marine science is primarily conducted by
historically white universities and the postgraduate schools within
these institutions do not reflect the demography of South Africa.
A strategic initiative was necessary to ensure black South African
postgraduates are trained within the marine sector and that marine
science is more deeply entrenched at HBUs.
The Phuhlisa programme, established in early 2012, is run in
partnership with the University of Fort Hare and Walter Sisulu
Phuhlisa student development model
AC E P – P h u h l i s a
17
University. The programme covers various marine disciplines; ACEP,
SAIAB and SAEON researchers provide co-supervision; a dedicated
Research & Human Capital Development Coordinator provides
professional support and logistical support is provided through
access to National Facility research equipment and expertise,
including offshore research vessels, skippers, 4X4 vehicles, estuary
boats, dive teams and a submersible ROV. Students and supervisors
are provided academic and professional development opportunities
in marine science, including supervisory, scientific and life skills
courses. Financial assistance is provided through student bursaries
and running costs to supplement existing funding for research.
also encouraged to keep a reading journal in which they record the
main ideas from research papers in their literature review.
Professional Support
Core to the module are practical presentations skills. To facilitate
this, delegates are required to prepare two presentations, both of
which are captured on camera and critiqued by the facilitator. A
DVD of their presentation is then given to each student and their
supervisor for later reference.
Academic and professional development opportunities for students
and their supervisors include supervisory, scientific and life skills
courses. Academic Development courses offered through the
Phuhlisa Programme include the following:
Academic writing courses:
Writing a Research Proposal – Dr Les Mitchell, UFH, Hunterstoun
This three-day course is offered by Dr Les Mitchell. Honours and
Masters students are taken separately in order to allow meaningful
one-on-one interaction. Students focus on and narrow down their
research question through mini-presentations in which students
defend their research proposals to fellow students. Students move
from the broad context of their research field to the specific focus of
their research project and also explain the impact of their research
on the discipline. They discuss their research methodology, the
expected results and conclusions.
Writing a Literature Review – Professor Chrissie Boughey, Dean
at the Centre for Higher Education, Teaching and Learning, Rhodes
University
Professor Boughey uses a novel method of writing as a means for
learning. The premise of her three-day writing course is that one only
learns when one writes. She takes students through an exercise to
identify good and bad writing habits. Her writing process involves a
number of steps towards the final product. Students are encouraged
to write firstly for themselves, in any language. Using ‘freewriting’,
students write continuously for three, five or seven minutes without
stopping, not worrying about grammar, punctuation or spelling, but
rather focusing on the reasoning behind their writing. Students are
Corporate Communication – Mr Chris Upfold, Department of
Information Systems, Rhodes University
This two-day module provides students with a theoretical and
practical perspective on communications. To start, students
are given a theoretical perspective on communication models
and then introduced to professional presentation skills,
interpersonal perception and attribution theory. A session on team
communications is included in the module.
Statistical Analysis
This course presents the fundamental concepts of data analysis
required by students. The material covered includes basic concepts
of counting, permutations and combinations, and probability
and discrete probability distributions. Students learn to use these
distributions to construct confidence intervals and perform hypothesis
tests to make data-based decisions. Students are also introduced to
linear regression, correlation, analysis of variance and reliability.
Life skills courses:
Swimming
Students who need to go on the water during fieldtrips are given
life jacket training to ensure that, in the event of a student falling
overboard, they do not panic. Those students who cannot yet swim
receive swimming instruction from certified swimming instructors.
The aim is to give them confidence when they go into the field and
work on boats. Students are then encouraged to practice on their
own in the university swimming pools if one is available.
First Aid level 1
Through the First Aid training, students learn to assess an emergency
situation and to demonstrate an understanding of emergency scene
management. They learn elementary anatomy and physiology and
to treat common injuries and apply First Aid procedures to a lifethreatening situation.
18
Phuhlisa HBU Lecture series:
ACEP Phuhlisa offers marine biology lectures at Fort Hare University
Zoology Department. These morning lectures are followed by
tutorial sessions with postgraduate students from the department.
SAIAB researchers provide students with reading material to study
which is then discussed in the tutorial sessions. Areas covered
include: “Factors influencing the utilization of estuaries by fishes”
(Prof Alan Whitfield); “Potential climate change effects on South
African estuaries and estuary-associated fishes” (Dr Nikki James);
“Managing alien fishes in South Africa” (Dr Olaf Weyl); “Genetic
diversity of shared fishery species in the subtropical Western Indian
Ocean” (Dr Monica Mwale).
Research Supervision:
ACEP Phuhlisa Research Advisor – Dr Francesca Porri
(Marine Ecologist)
Dr Porri’s core focus is marine systems, especially the interface
between the benthic and pelagic environment, but the theoretical
and applied questions related to her studies are fundamental
issues of general ecology and conservation of biodiversity. Her
research incorporates organismal, community and ecosystembased approaches in a range of systems, from mangroves to sandy
beaches, from estuaries to the coast, and on key exploited resources
critical for their role in biodiversity. Dr Porri is currently supervising
three PhD and five Masters students, of whom one PhD and one
MSc are funded through the Phuhlisa programme.
HBU Marine Science Supervisors
ACEP Phuhlisa is collaborating with ten marine scientists at the
University of Fort Hare University and Walter Sisulu University.
1.Mr Lukhanyiso Vumazonke (Estuarine Ecologist, University of
Fort Hare)
The ACEP Phuhlisa programme aims to build sustainable capacity at
HBUs not only through student support, but also through supervisor
support. For this reason, Mr Lukhanyiso Vumazonke, a lecturer/
supervisor at the Zoology Department at Fort Hare University, and an
important member of the Phuhlisa team, is being supported through
his PhD at Rhodes University. On gaining his PhD, he will take a
valuable qualification back to Fort Hare and will be able to supervise
PhD candidates at that University.
Mr Vumazonke is a part-time PhD student Rhodes University,
studying mangrove ecology. He supervised two marine biology
honours students in 2012, one of whom went on to an MSc in 2013.
These student projects were co-supervised by Dr Shaun Deyzel and
Ms Alexis Olds from the SAEON Elwandle node and Dr Francesca
Porri, ACEP Phuhlisa Research Advisor.
2. Dr Niall Vine (Mariculturist, University of Fort Hare)
Dr Vine’s research interests focus on various aspects of aquaculture,
particularly in the development of new aquaculture species. The use
and development of probiotics, optimisation of culture conditions for
marine finfish and aquaculture feed development form part of his
recent and on-going research focus areas. Currently he and his research
team are investigating the potential of a local copepod as a new live
feed organism for use in marine fish larviculture. Dr Vine is supervising
one MSc Student and one Honours student on the programme.
3.Professor Graham Bradley (Marine Biochemist, University of
Fort Hare)
Prof Graham Bradley from the Biochemistry Department at Fort Hare
joined the Phuhlisa programme for 2013. Prof Bradley’s research
revolves around the fact that all organisms have a natural response
to environmental stresses that ensure their survival under changing
conditions. These responses may involve the up-regulation of stress
proteins (including specific enzymes) or defence proteins (including
proteolytic inhibitors). Marine organisms are constantly exposed to
varying abiotic and biotic environmental conditions and therefore
should have a range of stress and defence response mechanisms.
He is interested in discovering novel enzymes or inhibitors that may
be involved in these responses and understanding the mechanism of
the stress or defence responses. He currently has two BSc Honours
students on the programme.
4. Professor Hamisai Hamandawana (University of Fort Hare)
Prof Hamisai Hamandawana’s research interests are in the application of Remote Sensing
and GIS to the investigation of the human and natural dimensions of environmental change
and the formulation of user-friendly remote sensing techniques. At present, he is supervising
nine MSc students.
5. Ms Caryll Tyson (Marine GIS, University of Fort Hare)
Ms Tyson’s areas of interest include Remote Sensing / Earth Observation of natural resources:
in particular vegetation mapping, and land quality / degradation assessment in the context
of food, water security and climate change. Ms Tyson has included a coastal component in
her course using aerial photographs and ground truthing to monitor dune movement in the
Alexandria and St Francis dune systems. Dr Tommy Bornman from SAEON has provided cosupervision and logistical support to the students.
6. Professor Ken Liu (Marine Geologist, University of Fort Hare)
Marine geology is a relatively new field of research for the ACEP Phuhlisa team. Dr Ken
Liu from the Geology Department at UFH has been the driver behind the analysis, while
Dr Tommy Bornman has provided assistance with the project designs and has provided cosupervision. R/V uKwabelana was a very good platform from which to conduct the work in
Algoa Bay and a benthic corer has been acquired to continue this research in the future.
During 2012 there were two BSc Honours students on the programme; in 2013 there was
one BSc Honours and one MSc student.
7. Dr Thembinkosi Dlaza (Walter Sisulu University)
Dr Dlaza is a phycologist (someone who studies seaweeds) with a special focus on the
life history of seaweeds, their biogeographical distribution and their ecophysiological
requirements. He is also interested in the nutritional properties of seaweeds. He currently
supervises three BSc Honours students.
8. Dr Anna Clarke (Marine Microbiologist at, University of Fort Hare)
Dr Clarke’s central area of research is medical microbiology, with a specific focus on
Helicobacter pylori, which is known all over the world to be a prevalent human pathogen of
the gastrointestinal tract. An increasing tendency in the growth of spontaneously occurring
antibiotic resistant strains of many pathogens creates serious public health concerns in Africa
and many underdeveloped countries. Therefore, the core focus of Dr Clarke’s research is on
the search for natural antimicrobial agents which could lead to the development of new
drugs for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori and other pathogen-induced infections.
Dr Clarke supervised three BSc Honours students in 2012, one of whom has gone on to
do an MSc in 2013, while three new BSc Honours and one new MSc student have been
included in the programme for 2013.
9. Dr Vincent Nakin (Marine Scientist, Walter Sisulu University)
Dr Nakin’s research focuses mainly on the biology and ecology of intertidal marine
invertebrates, particularly limpets. Some of the questions investigated include marine reserve
effects on the population dynamics of limpets and other marine invertebrates that are
harvested as a food source by subsistence fishers with the aim of conserving biodiversity
and finding ways for their sustainable utilization. Experimental field work investigates the
processes that determine habitat use, interaction among species and their patterns of
distribution in space and time.
His current position is Acting Director of the Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Centre. He is also
involved in research projects on waste management, human health, food and water security.
Dr Nakin is currently supervising eight students.
10. Mr Emile Plumstead (Estuarine Ecologist, Walter Sisulu University)
Mr Plumstead teaches two BSc Honours modules, one of which focuses on estuarine ecology
and management. His research interests include estuarine fish biology and reproduction, and
present projects include the estuarine biology of a jellyfish, as well as that of a brackish
water bivalve, and the subsistence use of fish in Transkei estuaries. His personal interests are
ornithology and botany, particularly Orchidaceae. The collaboration between SAIAB, SAEON
and WSU via the ACEP Phuhlisa programme, although still only two years old, has resulted in
three Honours students completing projects associated with estuaries in 2012. A further two
Honours and two Masters students are participating in the 2013 programme.
19
Outputs to date:
Number of students who
graduated 2012:
• BSc Honours – 12
Number of MSc and Honours
students registered 2013:
• MSc – 8
• BSc Honours – 12
Workshops held:
1. Proposal writing
2. Writing a literature review
3. Corporate communications
20
AC E P O p e n C a l l P r o j e c t s
ACEP Open Call Projects
T
hrough a competitive selection process, five projects were awarded funding and logistical support from ACEP through the
2012 Open Call. They are granted running costs and student bursaries as well as access to the ACEP research platforms.
1. The Suitcase Project
South African scientists explore the oceanographic and biodiversity links between
Madagascar and the northern KZN coast of South Africa.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS: Dr Sean Fennessy (Ocean Research Institute - ORI) and Dr
Mike Roberts (Department of Environmental Affairs - DEA)
TEAM: Bjorn Backeberg (UCT), Ray Barlow (BCRE), Allan Connell (SAIAB), Gavin Gouws
(SAIAB), Johan Groeneveld (ORI), Jenny Huggett (DEA), Tarron Lamont (DEA), Fiona
Mackay (ORI), Jean Maharavo (CNRO, Madagascar), Bruce Mann (ORI), Tinah Martin
(IHSM, Madagascar), Tammy Morris (BCRE), Margaux Noyon (RU), Riana Ramanantsalama
(Tana University, Madagascar), Andry Rasolomaharavo (Tana University, Madagascar), Zo
Rasoloarijao (IHSM, Madagascar), Mike Schleyer (ORI), Kerry Sink (SANBI), David Walker
(CPUT), Steven Weerts (CSIR). (Given the multi-institutional nature of all these projects and
in the interests of print space, all the acronyms used in this section can be found on p. 44.)
STUDENTS: Samantha Ockhuis (MSc), Ryan van Rooyen (MSc), Laura Braby (MSc), Leon
Joubert (BTech)
Project Description
Realtime Mesoscale Altimetry - 07/18/2103
Remarkable similarities have been observed between marine communities in southeast Madagascar and the east coast of South Africa. The Suitcase Project aims to identify
similarities in coastal biology using, among other techniques, state-of-the-art genetic
analyses. It also aims to establish how it is possible for such connectivity to exist between the
ocean-separated land masses. One of the hypotheses the project is attempting to test is that
large (200–300 km) vortices of spinning water (eddies), originating south of Madagascar,
pull shelf water rich in biota – especially larvae – off the continental margin and capture
this in the core water of the passing eddies (“suitcases”), where nutrients and planktonic
food are readily available to sustain the eddy-trapped organisms. The nutrients needed to
sustain these biota are drawn up into the surface waters inside of the eddy from deeper
levels in the ocean – a process known as eddy pumping. The laws of planetary physics
dictate that these eddies then circulate westwards, travelling across some 1 500 km of open
ocean for approximately three months, eventually to collide with the African coast north of
Richards Bay on the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) north coast. Here, it is possible that the trapped
Madagascan biotas are ‘off-loaded’ or ‘unpacked’ as some of the eddy water is leaked into
the KZN coastal environment.
Project progress and planning
The R/V Algoa provides the research platform for the eddy sampling, for coastal-based
sampling which focuses on coastal/inshore habitats (estuaries, inter-tidal rocky shores and
sub-tidal reefs), and for sampling key representatives of those habitats. The R/V Algoa cruise
and first coastal trip to Madagascar were completed in July/August 2013. A major task of
the multidisciplinary science team (which included students) on board the R/V Algoa was
to profile such an eddy using equipment that accurately measures salinity, temperature,
dissolved oxygen, nutrients, phytoplankton, and zooplankton and, of course, the key
microorganisms thought to be commonly dispersed between the two coastlines. These data,
together with information collected by remotely operated vertical profiling (Argo) floats
deployed in the sampled eddy, and data downloaded from satellites which track eddies and
ocean models, will enable the scientific team to piece together the physical, chemical and
biological processes responsible for the capture, sustenance and transportation of biota
between Madagascar and southern Africa.
21
2. Movement ranges and time scales in marine predators – acute and seasonal environmental drivers
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr Malcolm Smale (Bayworld)
TEAM: Dr Paul Cowley (SAIAB), Dr Matt Dicken (Bayworld/NMMU/KZNSB), Dr Amber Childs
(SAIAB/Rhodes University), Dr Wayne Goschen (SAEON)
STUDENTS: Taryn Murray (PhD)
Project Description
This project is investigating environmental drivers that initiate both local movements (in
Algoa Bay) and coastal migrations of two teleost and shark species. Its success will depend
on SAIAB’s Acoustic Tracking Array Platform’s (ATAP) network of ultrasonic listening stations
in Algoa Bay and other nodes along the South African coast. Marine environmental data will
also be obtained from SAEON’s existing environmental monitoring platform in Algoa Bay
and, to a lesser extent, at other research nodes along the coast. This study is making use of
multi-year ultrasonic tags to establish movement patterns of four marine predators and is
adopting a comparative approach to allow for a broader scale of interpreting environmentalbiological linkages. The results will guide management practices of these species that are
either protected or experiencing significant population reductions from their pristine state.
Investigating the environmental influences on life histories and movement will contribute to
a better understanding of the likely impacts of global climate change.
ATAP’s receiver network in the
SAEON Sentinel Site in Algoa Bay
Adult dusky kob and leervis are being recorded on the OTN/ATAP acoustic receivers. All fish
have shown high levels of residency in Algoa Bay. Three more receivers were deployed in the
Swartkops Estuary. The Swartkops receivers are now configured with two units close to the
mouth and two units above Red House. There is also a series of temperature loggers sited
in the estuary. Receivers are deployed in the Swartkops because we hypothesise that this
estuary is being used as a thermal refuge by leervis. Recently, large fish have been caught in
the estuary and not in their usual area near the PE harbour wall and these catches have been
associated with periods of upwelling near Port Alfred. Additional receivers were deployed in
the Sundays Estuary in June 2013. The OTN/ATAP receivers are serviced continuously and the
downloaded information stored in a central database.
To date a total of 72 white sharks have been tagged with acoustic V16 tags. These include
39 sharks tagged as part of the collaborative OCEARCH Project and a further 32 (and one
shark tagged at Port St Johns) as part of the ACEP-funded project. We plan to fit a further
12 sharks in Algoa Bay with both external and internal tags by November 2013. Monthly
trips are conducted to Bird Island not only to tag sharks, but also to identify them, using
both surface and sub-surface photographs. We hope that the compilation of a photographic
To date a total of 72 white
sharks have been tagged with
acoustic V16 tags. These include
39 sharks tagged as part of the
collaborative OCEARCH Project
and a further 32 as part of the
ACEP-funded project.
22
library of all sharks at Bird Island, together with tagging data, will enable us to estimate
the population size of sharks within the marine protected area (MPA). Outputs from the
project were presented at the Southern African Shark and Ray Symposium (Mossel Bay, April
2013) and the Second International Conference of Fish Telemetry (July 2013). Educational
documentaries of the project have been filmed for SANParks and SABC.
SAEON has moored sea temperature recorders throughout Algoa Bay and two current
meters off the Bay’s west and east sides. The moorings are located at depths of between
30 m and 80 m, and stretch from Cape Recife to Woody Cape/Cape Padrone. There are also
a significant number of other moorings in the bays and off the capes to the west of Algoa
Bay, as well as to the north as far as Port Alfred. The instruments have been in the water
collecting data since 2008 and are serviced regularly by SAEON staff. Most of these moorings
have provided good quality data, which is worked up and analysed internally at SAEON.
There is enough spatial coverage by the SAEON continuous monitoring platform to resolve
the sea temperature structures and general circulation patterns in Algoa Bay. Knowledge of
these will help determine the environmental drivers that contribute to the migration of the
marine predators we are researching.
The two post-doctoral fellows (Dr M Dicken and Dr A Childs) are actively involved in the
research project. Ms Taryn Murray (PhD student) is also currently carrying out a component
of the research project.
3. An assessment of benthic biodiversity on Walters Shoals
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr Toufiek Samaai (DEA)
TEAM: S. Kerwath (DAFF), A. Götz (SAEON), S. Kirkman (DAFF), S. Daniels (Stellenbosch
University), W. Florence (IZIKO Museum), M. Gibbons (UWC), A. Bernard (SAEON), K. Sink
(SANBI), L. Atkinson (SAEON), H. Winkler (UCT), C. Wilke (DAFF), L. Janson (Oceans and
Coasts), M. Worship (Oceans and Coasts), R. Harding (Oceans and Coasts), D. Anders
(Oceans and Coasts)
Students: Siyabonga Biyase (BSc Hons), Sandra Setati (BSc Hons). An additional call for
students (2013) was distributed through SANCOR and elicited a strong response.
Project Description
We do not have a consistent understanding of species, communities and connectivity of
seamounts, especially those of Walters Shoals along the Madagascar Ridge, and this prevents
any attempt to manage the biodiversity of the high seas. This area of research is not currently
being explored by anyone else in South Africa and, as such, it represents a valuable niche area.
The programme is driven by a desire to take advantage of the multi-institutional and multidisciplinary network in the fields of marine invertebrate taxonomy, biodiversity, and quantitative
ecology, and to provide valuable data to the management of seamount biodiversity.
This project aims to assess the biodiversity on Walters Shoals, which will not only add to
our understanding of how seamount communities are structured and function, but also
assist in identifying priority areas for protection within the high seas. The project also
hopes to develop local experience in seamount ecology and deep-water research within
the participating institutions which will enable researchers to support improved Vulnerable
Marine Ecosystem management.
The project is well into the planning phase and ship time on the R/V Algoa has been secured
for April 2014 to undertake a cruise to Walters Shoals. Teams are working on optimising
the sampling design and use of the ship’s time, preparing the relevant gear, and making
contingency plans in case of breakages.
23
4. Bentho-pelagic mechanisms of inshore 5. Bioregions as biodiversity surrogates coastal waters
in marine conservation planning
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr Francesca Porri (SAIAB)
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr Jean Harris (EKZN Wildlife)
TEAM: Christopher McQuaid (RU), NicoWeidberg (RU), Jennifer
Jackson (University of Washington), Wayne Goschen (SAEON)
TEAM: Fiona Mackay (ORI), Charles Griffiths (UCT), Kerry Sink
(SANBI), AJ Smit (UKZN), Mandy Lombard (UP), Lara Atkinson
(SAEON), Lauren de Vos, Shael Harris
STUDENTS: Shana Mian (MSc), Olwethu Duna (MSc)
Project Description
The aim of this study is to understand the inshore dynamics
of invertebrate larvae and their relationship with small-scale
oceanographic features in the region between Algoa Bay and St
Francis Bay on the eastern Agulhas Bank. Both local and regional
processes influence the near-shore (i.e. within 10 km of the coast)
waters of the eastern Agulhas Bank. It is thought that benthic
invertebrate larvae need to remain within a few kilometres of the
coastline to settle successfully. Processes that either retain larvae
within the settling zone or export them from the system have not
been clearly defined. This project aims to address some fundamental
questions through a multi-disciplinary approach, specifically coupling
the expertise of coastal biologists and physical oceanographers. The
key question to be answered is: What is the influence of micro (in
order of metres) to meso (in order of kilometres) scale processes on
the retention and dispersal of larvae within and outside bays along
the eastern Agulhas Bank?
The first set of sampling for the topographic study on dispersal of
benthic invertebrate larvae has been completed and includes daynight sampling at four sites in duplicated onshore to offshore coastal
transects (Algoa Bay, Skoenmakerskop, St Francis Bay and Cape St
Francis). Additionally, a 24-hour sampling has been performed at a
subset of the original design (two parallel stations within Algoa Bay).
All sampling from the first round of short cruises was completed
between March and April 2013.
Unfortunately not many invertebrate larvae were
found during this study, so we agreed to try
maximising the 24-hour sampling and repeating
it at least once during the next series of short
cruises. We intend to start in early September
2013 and possibly couple the sampling with the
passage of a Natal Pulse, whose arrival is currently
being monitored by one of the collaborators.
Two sampling methods are planned:
firstly, examining the validity of the
identified biozones and the coupling
between benthic and pelagic systems;
and secondly, surveying the deep reefs
and canyons along the shelf edge.
STUDENTS: Tamsyn Livingston (PhD), Jennifer Olbers (PhD)
Project Description
This study investigates the validity and robustness of approaches
that take protected habitats as base line indicators for mapping
biodiversity patterns on the east coast of South Africa. Six offshore
bioregions have been defined as a basis for conservation planning
analysis using remote sensing techniques and existing data on
benthic community structure. The study aims to sample each of these
bioregions to measure in situ biological and physical parameters,
and at the same time, to collect remote sensing data. The coupling
between benthic communities and the overlaying water column will
also be examined. This will provide new insights into categorising
offshore biodiversity and refining offshore planning tools which are
required for priority areas for conservation.
Two sampling methods are planned: firstly, examining the validity of
the identified biozones and the coupling between benthic and pelagic
systems; and secondly, surveying the deep reefs and canyons along
the shelf edge. Surveys of canyons and deep reefs along the 100 m
contour at three areas (Tugela Bank, Protea Banks and Pondoland) are
planned to determine the comparative species compositions for fish
and groups of animals that live on the ocean floor. This work will be
done by ROV transects and video analyses, as well as collecting key
specimens by ROV sampler and benthic sled sampling. The costs of
vessel hire for this component will be covered by the complementary
NRF deep-reef project funding provided to Dr Kerry Sink in her
capacity as a Research Associate of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
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AC E P M a r i n e P l a t f o r m O v e r v i e w
ACEP Marine
Platform Overview
By Ryan Palmer
A
recent DST Ministerial Review Report indicated that one of the key failings within the National System of Innovation
(NSI) is lack of interdepartmental collaboration and assistance. However, the ACEP Platform is an example of effective
governmental collaboration with key partnerships between the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Department of
Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF) and Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA). This partnership has established a
cost-effective platform using funds and skills from all departments. The programme has fostered multi-disciplinary research
between more than 15 institutions. This collaboration optimises good ecosystem-level research as experts from multiple
fields are involved. Ryan Palmer, who is the ACEP Technical Coordinator with oversight of all the logistical requirements of
the various platforms, provides an overview:
With capital outlay and running costs of marine platforms often out of the reach of Higher
Education Institute (HEI) research programmes, ACEP’s marine platform provides a valuable
service to the South African marine science community. ACEP manages and provides
researchers with access to a host of platforms, oceanographic and biological sampling
equipment, and provides the skilled manpower to operate this equipment.
Direct access to and use of the marine platforms is awarded through the dedicated ACEP
competitive Open Call and the ACEP Phuhlisa programme. However, as a National Facility,
SAIAB also makes the marine platforms available to the broader marine science community.
Marine Platforms include:
What’s in
a name?
The name uKwabelana means “to
share” as it is a resource shared
among the South African coastal
marine science community.
•R/V uKwabelana, a 13m ski-boat used for coastal research
•R/V Kadouw, a second ski-boat which from 2014 will be used for coastal research
• Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) submersible for deep water research down to 250 m and Baited Remote Underwater Video system (BRUV)
• The Acoustic Telemetry Array Platform (ATAP)
• The DEA/ACEP South Western Indian Ocean UTR Network
The marine platform also provides a host of oceanographic and biological sampling
equipment, dive teams, vehicles, as well as estuarine boats and sampling gear, and is in the
process of expanding.
In addition to access, researchers and students are trained to use the equipment; training
which provides valuable skills and builds capacity within the marine science community.
R/V uKwabelana & R/V Kadouw –
a shared marine resource
ACEP’s 13 metre, LeeCat Expressa Research Vessel, R/V uKwabelana, and the recently
acquired 13 metre, BobCat Research Vessel, R/V Kadouw, operate out of the port of Port
Elizabeth. uKwabelana is powered by two 300HP Suzuki 4-stroke outboard engines, can
reach a cruising speed of 20 knots and has a range of about 200 nautical miles. Kadouw has
a similar range with two Yanmar diesel inboard motors. Together these two research vessels
constitute an excellent platform for coastal research and provide many of the advantages of
larger research vessels at a fraction of capital outlay and running costs.
Each vessel is equipped with generators and a winch, and can be used to deploy a range of oceanographic and biological sampling equipment such as an ROV, CTD, plankton pump and bongo nets.
ACEP now has a full-time skipper, Mr Koos Smith, and other qualified skippers at SAIAB and
SAEON who pilot the vessels. This allows for effective use of weather windows and minimises
downtime for maintenance. The R/V uKwabelana is currently fully subscribed and providing
support for a number of projects from numerous institutions. During the 2012/2013 year, 57 trips
were undertaken for the following projects, many of which conduct trips on a monthly basis:
• SAEON Continuous Monitoring Platform
• SAEON Long Term Ecological Research
• SAEON Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area Monitoring
• SAIAB Acoustic Tracking Array Platform/Ocean Tracking Network
• ACEP Open Call – Marine predator movements – Malcolm Smale
• ACEP Open Call – Inshore dynamics of invertebrate larvae – Francesca Porri
•ACEP Phuhlisa Programme – Marine geology, microbiology and marine biochemistry projects
To meet growing demand R/V Kadouw will be brought into service in 2014.
Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) – an exciting new
window for marine science
Until recently, safe SCUBA diving limits restricted the depths to which scientists could explore.
The SAAB Seaeye Falcon ROV makes it possible to explore the depths of the ocean down to
250 m, allowing researchers to observe way beyond the SCUBA limits. Thus an exciting new
window for marine science in South Africa has opened up. ACEP is developing capacity in this
area and is confident that it can provide researchers with a world-class service in ROV operation.
The ROV is equipped with an HD camera with a 10MP stills function and laser scaling to
accurately measure objects. The unit also has an Ultra Short Baseline (USBL) tracking system
and Sonar for navigation.
During 2012/2013, SAEON used the ROV in the Tsitsikamma National Park and Algoa Bay
to monitor benthic macro-invertebrate reef communities and in the iSimangaliso Wetland
Park on an international, multi-institutional expedition to observe coelacanth habitats and
conduct biodiversity studies in sub-marine canyons.
Two of the Open Call projects will be using the ROV during the course of the next year in
KwaZulu-Natal and Walters Shoals and a Phuhlisa biotechnology project will use it to search
for novel compounds on Riy Banks, Algoa Bay.
Stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video System
(SBRUVS) – candid camera captures life on the reef
The Stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video system (SBRUV) is an extremely valuable tool
for the study of reef ecosystems. The SBRUV provides researchers with a non-destructive,
cost-effective, low-risk, easy-to-use means of collecting underwater footage to analyse the
abundance of organisms that use the reef, especially fish.
The added advantage of the stereo video configuration (stereo-BRUV) is that specialised
software can be employed to measure the size of fish captured on the footage, thereby
yielding biomass estimates and allowing informed management recommendations.
The platform consists of stereo-positioned Sony HDD Cameras which can operate to a depth
of 250 metres, way beyond the depth accessible to SCUBA divers, and can stay in the water
for up to three hours. A bait canister positioned in front of the cameras attracts fish into
the field of view. The system is completely self-contained and can be dropped off and left
attached to a buoy for later retrieval, so that multiple units can be used simultaneously.
Currently the SBRUV platform is servicing a number of projects in the Tsitsikamma National
Park. These include a post-doctoral project, two PhD projects and an MSc project through
the SAEON Elwandle Node and Rhodes University. Future plans include a multi-institutional
ACEP project on Walters Shoals as well as projects in Goukamma and False Bay.
25
26
The Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP)
Monitoring the movements and migrations
of inshore marine animals
By Paul Cowley
T
he Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP) is a collaborative marine science programme
which provides a service to the greater marine science community in order to monitor the
movements and migrations of inshore marine animals. The platform comprises an expanded
network of automated data-logging acoustic receivers that are moored to the ocean floor
around the South African coastline. Competitive access to the ATAP array was made available
through the ACEP Open Call; ACEP covers the running expenses of the platform.
The Canadian-based global Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) project has provided much of the
acoustic telemetry hardware. Since the OTN project was launched in South Africa in August
2011, acoustic receivers have been deployed at monitoring sites from Hout Bay on the west
coast to Ponta do Ouro in Mozambique, and in selected estuaries to facilitate studies on how
the habitats of estuarine-associated animals are connected.
The national network of receivers is maintained by SAIAB and its local collaborating partners.
Data downloaded from the receivers is integrated on a national database and all local
data is integrated on the global OTN database. The metadata on tagged animals is shared
information; this ensures that researchers are notified of any data collected on the ATAP
network (as well as on other privately owned receivers).
Current research is focused on large predatory sharks and important coastal fishery species.
There are several dedicated research projects that will benefit from the expanded network
of acoustic receivers in South African waters. These include the OCEARCH South African
Shark Project, a collaboration of more than 30 local and international scientists, who have
surgically equipped at least 39 white sharks with acoustic transmitters, each with a battery
life of ten years. In addition, multi-institutional collaborative projects on Zambezi sharks and
estuarine fishery species will benefit from this significant marine science platform.
ATAP expects to provide significant results that will improve our knowledge of the spatial
ecology of several conservation icon species. Environmental and biological factors that trigger
marine animal movements and migrations will be identified. Data for improved management
of over-exploited fishery species will be provided, and understanding of shared fishery stocks
and movements of whale sharks and manta ray (tourism species) between South Africa and
Mozambique improved. Other important results will be a better understanding of sharkhuman interactions which will provide information to improve the safety of bathers, and
provide an improved understanding of and accounting for climate change effects, for
example, the rise in sea temperature.
The significance of this national research platform has been recognised by several organisations
and financial support has been received from the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF).
Professor Mike Roberts, Mr Marcel van der Berg, both of DEA Oceans and Coasts, and Ms
Tammy Morris from the Bayworld Centre for Research and Education (BCRE) have been with
ACEP since its beginnings. Dr Angus Paterson introduces the three as a formidable team,
with Mike providing the oceanographic insight, Marcel the technical expertise and Tammy
managing the lot of them. Early on in the ACEP programme Mike recognised the opportunity
for deploying Underwater Temperature Recorders (UTRs) wherever the R/V Algoa went
during her ACEP ventures in the Indian Ocean and thus the UTR network was born. Mike,
Marcel and Tammy have subsequently begged, borrowed and grasped every opportunity
to service these probes and, thanks to their tenacity, a widespread Western Indian Ocean
underwater temperature network has been maintained and is well into its second decade of
data collection.
27
The South West Indian Ocean Underwater
Temperature Recorder (UTR) Network
By Mike Roberts and Tammy Morris
I
n 2002 the underwater temperature recorder (UTR) network was established
in order to extend the existing network around the South African coastline
(begun in 1992) into in the South West Indian Ocean (SWIO).
The network collects a continuous record of hourly temperatures at depths of
approximately 18 m which allows researchers to establish a long-term baseline of
oceanographic conditions on the shelf regions which can then be used to explore
processes and links such as wind-induced and meso-scale eddy upwelling,
ecological and trophic functioning, habitat distribution and change, and climate
variability-change. An exciting example of the network’s usefulness was linking
a coelacanth sighting at the shallow depth of 54 m at Sodwana Bay with a
cold bottom water event. The upwelling of cooler water was connected with a
passing cyclonic eddy (Roberts et al, 2006) which occurs from time to time. Until
then coelacanths had only been known to live at depths of around 120 m.
The South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) UTR network was established throughout
the SWIO using dedicated ACEP cruises from 2002, with the first instrument deployed at
Zambia Reef in southern Mozambique. Since then, the network has grown to 13 units
deployed along the east coast of Africa as far north as Kenya, including Tanzania, the
Comoros Islands and the west coast of Madagascar. A lull in the availability of research vessels
and funding after 2007 halted further deployments and the servicing of the established
network, but this was overcome with the start of the Agulhas and Somali Current Large
Marine Ecosystem (ASCLME) and Western Indian Ocean Sustainable Ecosystem Alliance
(WIOSEA) cruises into the Mozambique Channel and SWIO from 2010 onwards. The SWIO
UTR network now comprises 19 units as shown in Figure 1. At Ponta Zavora there are two
units, one at 18 m and the other at 30 m, and at Karange Island there are two units, one
north and one south of the island. Figure 2 is a photo of the concrete block and UTR PVC
tube holding the temperature recorders in place on Zambia Reef, southern Mozambique,
and Figure 3 is a representative time series (2002–2006) of the same UTR illustrating the
seasonal trends and upwelling spikes typical of the region.
Maintaining the SWIO UTR network is a collaborative effort between ACEP, ASCLME and
the WIO Alliance, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) (through the use of their
research vessel Algoa), Bayworld Centre for Research and Education (BCRE) and associated
institutions. Through capacity-building and training workshops in the region, such as the
World Meteorological Organization – Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Data
Buoy Cooperation Panel (WMO-IOC DBCP), we hope that countries surrounding the WIO
will adopt the network and further deployments in regions of interest, and, at the same
time, help to maintain the network already in place.
Figure 1: The South West Indian Ocean
underwater temperature network as of 2013.
Photo: Bayworld Centre for Research and Education
Figure 2: The concrete block deployed
at Zambia Reef in southern Mozambique
with the temperature units held in position
by PVC tubes and straps.
References:
Figure 3: A short representative time series (2002–2006) of hourly temperature data
from the Zambia Reef UTR showing seasonal changes and upwelling spikes assumed to
be caused by wind-induced and mesoscale eddy upwelling dynamics.
Roberts MJ, Ribbink AJ, Morris T,
van den Berg MA, Engelbrecht DC
and Harding RT. 2006.
Oceanographic environment of the
Sodwana Bay coelacanths (Latimeria
chalumnae), South Africa.
South African Journal of Science 102,
September/October 2006. 435–443.
28
AC E P E n v i r o n m e n t a l E d u c a t i o n
ACEP Environmental Education –
popularising the coelacanth and communicating the
value of the marine and coastal environment
By Bernadette Snow
B
ernadette (Berny) Snow and Karen Binning were Environmental Education Officers for ACEP from 2002–2007. In that time
they developed an outstanding range of educational resources, conducted workshops for learners and educators throughout
South Africa and put ACEP and the coelacanth firmly into the public eye. Although ACEP no longer has a dedicated Environmental
Education unit, both have retained active associations with SAIAB and SAEON through continued and highly valued contributions
to their outreach initiatives. Berny gives an overview of the lasting impact of ACEP’s Environmental Education.
After the first sighting of live coelacanths in 2000, a second South African sighting of
coelacanths in Sodwana Bay in 2002 set the scientific community on high alert. In a South
Africa faced with new challenges and possibilities, worldwide environmental crises such as
increasing evidence of global warming, biodiversity loss and natural resource depletion, as well
as social realities such as HIV/AIDS, human rights abuses, violence and poverty, this discovery
inspired old and young alike, from policy-makers to children living in rural South Africa.
From its inception, ACEP has been the Department of Science and Technology’s and SAIAB’s
flagship marine programme. The coelacanth became the icon for ACEP’s communication and
education strategy and the focal point for developing marine and ocean literacy, building
capacity and fostering changing attitudes towards the marine environment.
ACEP’s education strategy from 2003 to 2008 had three aims: firstly, popularising the
coelacanth; secondly, communicating the value of the marine and coastal environment
using an ecosystems approach and, thirdly, sharing new science emerging from the research.
Additionally, ACEP aimed to inspire school learners to consider careers in the marine and
maritime sector. Achieving these aims was supported by funding from the Anglo American
Chairman’s Fund, Transnet National Ports Authority, General Motors South Africa Foundation,
South African National Lotteries Board and additional government funding sourced through
National Research Foundation (NRF) programmes and projects.
Curriculum-based resources that used a systems approach were developed not only to assist
learners in discovering the marine environment, but also to address a deficit of marine content
in the school curriculum, particularly information that is contextualised and relevant. Further,
capacity was developed through educator engagement and workshops to assist teachers
to understand marine content and to empower them by providing content knowledge and
resources. Learner workshops aimed at modelling resources and improving ocean literacy in
schools. Awareness initiatives such as public events and expositions provided opportunities
for ACEP to inspire young scientists and maritime enthusiasts. These initiatives also aimed
to create awareness of the value of the marine environment and its contribution to our
survival among the general public and policy-makers. Most of the school and curriculumbased activities were conducted in South Africa in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free
State, Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. However, when opportunity
allowed, awareness and ship-based activities were extended up the east coast of Africa and
neighbouring islands.
Resources developed, lessons learnt and knowledge gaps identified during the first phase
of ACEP provided a platform to embark on social science research and to continue sharing
knowledge and resources during 2008 to 2012. Research was funded through an NRF Grant.
Workshops were run in partnership with SAIAB, the Eastern Cape Department of Education
(DoE–EC), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, SAEON Elwandle and Arid Nodes provided sustainability and
AC E P E n v i r o n m e n t a l E d u c a t i o n & C o e l a c a n t h 7 5 t h A n n i v e r s a r y E x p e d i t i o n
29
proved the value of the resources. The links with ASCLME extended
public awareness initiatives and, using the developed resources,
provided a platform for future engagement with learners and
educators along the east coast of Africa and neighbouring islands.
(New York, USA; KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; and Western Cape,
South Africa) and scientific conferences (San Diego, USA; Mauritius;
the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA)
Conference and SAMSS, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa).
Between 2003 and early 2013, ACEP and partners engaged with
449 470 learners in workshops and learners on board the research
vessel Algoa; reached 7 278 educators; produced 30 resources
and raised awareness with 217 081 members of the public.
Research yielded one Master of Education (MEd) student, one peerreviewed research paper and two conference presentations: the
Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa (EEASA) in
Zambia and the South African Marine Science Symposium (SAMSS)
in the Eastern Cape. The ACEP EE programme also presented papers
both nationally and internationally at environmental education
Evaluation of the education and communication programme has
shown positive investment by the South African Government,
funders and partners in ACEP. The investment has inspired a new
cohort of young scientists and added value to school-based learning.
Resources have been developed to empower educators and promote
facilitated teaching practices with content based on sound scientific
knowledge. Communication to raise awareness has provided
knowledge to change attitudes towards the marine environment
from the youngest child to those in government who lead us with
policies for sustained development and conservation practices.
75th Anniversary Expedition
and Living Coelacanths of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park
By Dr Kerry Sink
D
r Kerry Sink leads the Marine Programme at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), a position she
has occupied since 2006. Kerry has a long history of involvement in South African coelacanth research, starting with
the Wright Canyon Coelacanth Expedition in 1998. From 2003-2006, she worked as a marine ecologist with ACEP and
is currently collaborating on two ACEP projects. Kerry manages the catalogue of individual coelacanths in South Africa
and she pioneered the use of a Remote Operated Vehicle for researching coelacanths and their deep water habitats in
South Africa. She works across the science-policy continuum with research on marine ecosystem classification, biodiversity
assessment, Marine Spatial Planning and Marine Protected Areas. She is committed to translating science into decision- and
policy-making and is actively involved in the local and international arena in this regard. Kerry also initiated the Southern
African Sustainable Seafood Initiative in 2002 and is currently developing new opportunities for citizen science in South
Africa’s coastal and marine environment.
Seventy-five years after the first coelacanth was trawled off East London and thirteen years
after their discovery at Sodwana Bay, an international coelacanth research expedition was
undertaken in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in 2013. South African and French scientists
teamed up with experienced Trimix divers in a month-long effort to advance coelacanth
research. The Trimix team was led by Peter Timm, who discovered the coelacanths in
Sodwana Bay in 2000, and included award-winning underwater photographer, Laurent
Ballesta, and his technical dive team from Andromède Océanologie. The expedition aimed
to tackle key research priorities outlined in the Coelacanth Management Plan (2004), and
improve our understanding of coelacanth distribution, habitat and population dynamics in
the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
The discovery of coelacanths in Jesser canyon led to the creation of the African Coelacanth
Ecosystem Programme (ACEP) in 2001. Three submersible-based coelacanth expeditions
were held in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and the experienced Jago team reported a total of 24
coelacanths distributed in three canyons over a 48 km stretch of coast. In 2005, a South African
30
Coelacanth 75th Anniversary Expedition
Above: Three coelacanths documented by the
Alternative Dive Group and Triton Dive Lodge.
Trimix divers discovered Sodwana’s coelacanths
and initiated the catalogue which now includes 32
individuals, each recognised by its distinct markings.
Photograph by Peter Timm.
Above right: Sydney the coelacanth is named after
South African-born, Sydney Brenner, one of the
great biologists of the 20th century who pioneered
molecular biology and received the Nobel prize for
medicine in 2002. Sydney Brenner helped secure
South African research funding after the Sodwana
discovery and was a strong supporter of the recently
published coelcanth genome sequencing initiative.
Brenner, now 87 years old, is still actively involved
in pushing back the frontiers of science and is one
of the last surviving members of an extraordinary
group of biologists that includes Francis Crick,
Jacques Monod and James Watson (now 85).
Sydney the coelacanth was first discovered in
Wright Canyon, Sodwana Bay in April 2003 and
was last seen by divers in Jesser Canyon in 2010.
Photograph by Laurent Ballesta.
team hired a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) and found nine coelacanths in less than a week.
Little coelacanth-focused research took place between 2006 and 2011 although material and
data acquired from the Jago expeditions were further
analysed. Rose Thornycroft, an MSc student under the
supervision of Tony Booth, piloted an innovative image
recognition method to identify individual coelacanths
and published this work in 2012. In 2008, ACEP
purchased an ROV, opening up a new era in deep
water research for South Africa. In 2011, this ROV was
put to the test at Sodwana Bay and three coelacanths
were filmed. Deep water samples were also collected
for isotope analysis to study the energy flow in the
coelacanth ecosystem. In 2013, the sequence of
the African coelacanth genome was published in
the journal Nature with new insights into tetrapod
evolution (See pp. 32–33).
The 2013 expedition was multi-disciplinary and
included a bathymetric mapping component,
surveys by ROV, coelacanth cave inspections and
exploration by mixed-gas diving, genetic research,
behavioural studies and a broader exploration of
biodiversity in the deep water habitats of the iSimanagaliso Wetland
Park. The expedition was the 15th coelacanth expedition in this World Heritage Site, the
ninth to include mixed-gas technical diving and the third to employ the use of an ROV. It is
the first scientific expedition to combine these different approaches and builds on previous
work undertaken in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park through ACEP.
The mixed-gas dive team undertook a total of 24 Trimix dives in Jesser Canyon, Diepgat
Canyon and on deep reefs inshore of these locations. The divers sighted a total of 19
coelacanths including eight different individuals, three of which had never been sighted
before. The five other individuals that were re-sighted included ‘Jessie’, the first coelacanth
documented in 2000 who has now been sighted in eight different years. The divers also
re-sighted ‘Taggi’ (Individual 15), a coelacanth last seen in Wright Canyon in 2003 during
the telemetry study done in that year. This coelacanth is now the fourth individual known
to move between Jesser and Wright Canyons, a distance of approximately five kilometres.
Coelacanth scientists Kerry Sink (seated centre)
and Rose Thornycroft (seated left) identify
coelacanths with photographer Laurent Ballesta
(seated right) while film makers capture the scene
for a science documentary. Photo by Barbara Brou.
Using new and less intrusive methods, the divers were able to swab the skin on the flanks
of five coelacanths to collect tissue samples for genetic research. These mucous samples will
add to the studies of population genetics and connectivity and scientists also hope to use this
material to investigate kinship relationships between individual coelacanths for the first time.
Water samples were collected from caves with and without coelacanths to assess whether
the novel technique of “environmental DNA” could be used to determine coelacanth cave
use. The divers were able to use advanced video technology to capture imagery of the
Coelacanth 75th Anniversary
31
coelacanths to study their unique features and behaviour. Laurent also attempted to feed
a coelacanth to assess the role of the coelacanth’s inter-cranial joint in feeding, but feeding
could not be induced. The divers installed a low-light camera and a hydrophone in a cave
in Jesser Canyon to document the presence of coelacanths at set intervals and to assess
whether coelacanths make any sounds.
The expedition provided an opportunity to consolidate coelacanth sightings from 2005–
2012, and led to an updated sightings database and image catalogue documenting each
individual. Trimix divers discovered new coelacanths during this period and have improved
on the photographs of several known coelacanths, making it possible to identify coelacanths
from previous years. The 2013 expedition observed three new individuals. Individual 30,
‘Tot’, is the smallest coelacanth reported to date in Sodwana Bay with an estimated size of
105 cm. Thirty-two individuals in all are now in the coelacanth catalogue, although some
animals have only been documented from one side. The total number of reported coelacanth
encounters in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is now 108 of which 46 were submitted by
Peter Timm who has been diving with coelacanths for thirteen years (see p. 34).
Video footage and digital still images collected by ROV and Trimix divers contributed to the
broader exploration of offshore biodiversity in the Park. A total of 21 ROV survey dives were
undertaken, ranging from Island Rock Canyon in the north to Chaka Canyon in the south,
but no new coelacanth locations or individuals were found. Highlights of the ROV dives
included sightings of a thresher shark on a canyon margin, a one metre long red steenbras
at Chaka Canyon, and the first in-situ images of another critically endangered fish, the
seventy-four, in the canyons. Other advances, new records and potential new species include
high quality images of an unidentified brisingid seastar, a magenta benthic ctenophore, an
unidentified lobster, a new species of scorpion fish from the Tetrarogidae family and two
new records for South Africa, Pseudanthias bimarginatus and the candy striped hogfish
Bodianus opercularis.
The discovery of a living coelacanth off East London in 1938 was considered the zoological find
of the century and, 75 years later, South Africa’s coelacanths and their deep water ecosystems
still provide exceptional opportunities for South African science. The 2013 expedition was
an important opportunity to build the knowledge base on coelacanths and their associated
marine ecosystems. It provided new opportunities for international collaboration and
coelacanth research and has helped raise offshore research capacity in South Africa.
New species, ecosystems, technologies, research results and scientists have emerged from
the Sodwana discovery and more opportunities from this iconic fish can be unlocked. Local
scientists are keen to enlist the coelacanth in maintaining South Africa’s position as a leader
in coelacanth discovery and research, ichthyology, marine biodiversity and ecology, marine
geology, Marine Protected Area (MPA) science, fish telemetry and molecular research. New
multi-disciplinary expeditions should bring new technology, new teams of scientists and
novel approaches to other deep, unexplored habitats in South Africa. First on my list is the
original coelacanth capture site in the Eastern Cape, where the deep rocky habitats and coral
reefs, as seen by South Africa’s first coelacanth, have yet to be seen by man.
Clockwise from left to right:
Deep mixed-gas divers get ready to dive to a depth
of 115 m in Jesser Canyon. Their photographs,
videos and collection of water and skin mucous
samples for molecular research will contribute
to research. Photograph by Barbara Brou.
This magnificent magenta invertebrate is a benthic
ctenophore or comb jelly. The taxonomy of this
group is under revision. This species, probably
undescribed, was first recorded in 2013 and
reminds us how much there is still to discover in
the rocky shelf edge and other deep unexplored
habitats of South Africa. Photograph by Peter Timm.
An undescribed scorpion fish of the family
Tetrarogidae. This metallic green and orange fish
is one of several new species found in the
submarine canyon habitat at Sodwana Bay.
Photograph by Peter Timm.
Sanri Maartens, Dive Master at Triton Dive Lodge,
inspects the swab used by divers to collect genetic
material from coelacanths. Scientists extract
coelacanth DNA from such samples and hope to
use population genetics to assess the conservation
status of coelacanths. If more samples can be taken,
such methods could be used to assess kinship
relationships between different individuals, offering
exciting opportunities for South African science.
Photograph by Barbara Brou.
32
Coelacanth Genome Project
The Coelacanth Genome Project
By Professor Rosemary Dorrington with contributions from Dr Adrienne Edkins
T
he existence of a viable South African population of coelacanths in 2000 initiated a flagship, multidisciplinary research
programme focussing on the coelacanth and its habitat. One of the broad objectives of the resulting ACEP was to build
a coelacanth genome resource, including blood and other tissue samples, for providing DNA and RNA of sufficient quality
to construct libraries for genome sequencing. Prof Rosemary Dorrington from Rhodes University, together with Prof Greg
Blatch, also from Rhodes, and researchers from SAIAB drove this process.
The first living coelacanth, the African coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae), was discovered
in South Africa by Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer as by-catch off the Chalumna River near
East London in 1938 (Smith, 1939) and a second was found off the Comoros Islands
(Smith, 1953). The capture of about 200 specimens and observation of at least 150 further
coelacanths off the Comoro Islands, together with catches off Mozambique (Bruton et al.,
1992) and Madagascar (Heemstra et al., 1996) indicated coelacanth populations throughout
the western Indian Ocean. In 1998 two specimens of what would become the second
coelacanth species (Latimeria menadoensis) were captured off Manado, North Sulawesi in
Indonesia (Erdmann et al., 1998; Erdmann et al., 1999; Pouyaud et al., 1999).
Since 1938, the coelacanth has been the subject of intense interest and great fascination for
both scientists and the general public worldwide. Initially this was because Latimeria is the
only surviving member of a family of fishes that originated about 360 mya in the Devonian
period and became extinct in the Upper Cretaceous 80 mya. It was also suggested that
coelacanths were closely related to the ancestor of the land-living vertebrates (tetrapods).
However, the animal has also been a lightning rod for politics, exploitation, greed, intrigue,
fraud, and intense rivalry (Smith, 1956; Weinberg, 1999) with museums vying with each
other to obtain specimens and the perceived medicinal value of coelacanth tissues in the East
(Weinberg, 1999). L. chalumnae was listed as critically endangered and placed in Appendix I
of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 1989.
The idea of a South African coelacanth genome project was first proposed by Rosemary
Dorrington and Greg Blatch (Rhodes University) late in 2001, following the discovery of
coelacanths off Sodwana Bay on the north-east coast of South Africa (Venter et al., 2000).
What was remarkable about the Sodwana Bay coelacanths was that, in contrast to the
Comoran and Indonesian animals which occur in deeper waters from 400–700 m, they were
found at depths of 70–100 m, which is accessible to SCUBA divers, (Venter et al., 2000;
Fricke et al., 1988). The existence of a viable South African population once again captured
the imagination of the scientific community and public at large, prompting Dorrington and
Blatch, along with researchers from SAIAB, to propose a flagship, multidisciplinary research
programme focussing on the coelacanth and its habitat. The proposal was enthusiastically
received by the then South African National Department of Arts, Culture, Science and
Technology, which provided the funding to launch the African Coelacanth Ecosystem
Programme (ACEP) in 2002. One of the broad objectives of ACEP was to build a coelacanth
genome resource, including blood and other tissue samples for providing DNA and RNA of
sufficient quality for constructing libraries for genome sequencing.
While the scientific importance of a coelacanth genome project was widely supported,
the overwhelming problem was, and still is, obtaining tissue samples of sufficient quality
for genome studies. The critically endangered status of Latimeria prohibits capture of
animals, even for research purposes. Another problem is their inaccessibility. With the
exception of the Sodwana Bay population, coelacanths generally occur at depths below
100 m. Animals that are brought to the surface do not survive the changes in temperature,
pressure and reduced oxygen availability. Consequently, Hans Fricke and his team devised
a non-destructive method for collecting scales, providing sufficient skin tissue for
Coelacanth Genome Project
phylogenetic analyses (Schartl et al., 2005) but not for a large-scale
genome project.
This meant that the only realistic opportunity for obtaining enough
coelacanth tissue for a genome project was to take advantage of
a chance catch. This was most likely to occur in the Comoros, an
archipelago of volcanic islands in the West Indian Ocean off the
coast of Mozambique, northwest of Madagascar, and home to the
largest population of coelacanths (Fricke et al., 1991). Despite the
challenges presented by lack of infrastructure and the capacity to
collect and preserve tissues on the islands, Dorrington, representing
ACEP, travelled to Grande Comoro to establish a team of Comorans,
led by Sahid Ahamada, including the Association pour le protection
du Gombessa (APG), and local fishermen, who would be able to
respond to a chance catch.
Comoran fishermen found a dead coelacanth with a swordtail fish
in its mouth floating off Moheli Island on the 15 September 2003.
Then, as luck would have it, on the evening of 18 September, a
second coelacanth was caught on line off Hahaya Village on Grande
Comoro and towed to shore behind the fishing canoe. It was barely
alive the following day when Ahamada arrived to collect it. The
blood and tissues collected from both animals were shipped to
Rhodes University in Grahamstown, where a preliminary analysis in
Dorrington’s laboratory showed that while the Moheli coelacanth
tissues were not sufficiently preserved, the quality of the genomic
DNA isolated from the blood samples taken from the Hahaya animal
was sufficient for construction of a BAC library.
So began the ten-year project that would bring together scientists
from 40 institutions around the world and culminate in the
sequencing of the genome from the African coelacanth (Amemiya
et al., 2013). The size and complexity of the Coelacanth genome
meant that sequencing it would require an international consortium
of scientists, providing expertise combined with access to cuttingedge technology. When it was finally deciphered, analysis of the
coelacanth genome showed that its genes were evolving more
slowly than other animals, presumably because it has undergone
relatively little selection pressure, which explains its prehistoric
appearance. Contrary to expectations, the genome revealed that the
coelacanth is not, in fact, the closest ancestor of modern tetrapods.
That distinction goes to the lungfish, a species with a genome so
large that sequencing it is not possible with current technology.
The coelacanth genome therefore remains the most complete
genomic record for us to study tetrapod development. Far from over,
this landmark achievement, which was initiated in Grahamstown, is
the beginning of a new chapter that will mean that the coelacanth
will continue to excite and inspire future generations.
When it was finally deciphered, analysis
of the coelacanth genome showed that its
genes were evolving more slowly than other
animals, presumably because it has undergone
relatively little selection pressure, which
explains its prehistoric appearance.
33
Landmark publications
1. Bruton MN, Cabral Q, Fricke H. 1992. First capture of a
coelacanth, Latimeria chalumnae (Pisces, Latimeriidae), off
Mozambique. South African Journal of Science 88, 225–227.
2. Erdmann MV, Caldwell RL, Moosa MK. 1998. Indonesian ‘king
of the sea’ discovered. Nature 395, 335.
3. Erdman MV, Caldwell RL, Jewett SL, Tjakrawidjaja A. 1999.
The second recorded living coelacanth from north Sulawesi.
Environmental biology of fishes 54, 445–451.
4. Fricke H, Plante R. 1988. Habitat requirements of the living
coelacanth Latimeria chalumnae at Grande Comoro, Indian
Ocean. Naturwissenschaften 75, 149–51.
5. Fricke H, Hissmann K, Schauer J, Reinicke O, Kasang L, Plante R.
1991. Habitat and population size of the coelacanth Latimeria
chalumnae at Grande Comoro. Environmental biology of
fishes, 32, 287–300.
6. Heemstra PC, Freeman ALJ, Wong HY, Hensley DA,
Resandratana HD. 1996. First authentic capture of a
coelacanth, Latimeria chalumnae (Pisces: Latimeriidae), off
Madagascar. South African Journal of Science 92: 150–151.
7. Pouyaud L, Wirjoatmodjo S, Rachmatika I, Tjakrawidjaja
A, Hadiaty R, Hadie W. 1999. Une nouvelle espèce de
coelacanthe. Preuves génétiqueset morphologiques. Comptes
rendus de l’Académie des Sciences – Série III – Sciences de la
vie 322: 261–267.
8. Schartl M, Hornung U, Hissmann K, Schauer J, Fricke H. 2005.
Relatedness among east African coelacanths. Nature 435, 901.
9. Smith JLB. 1939. A Living Fish of Mesozoic Type. Nature 143,
455–456.
10.Smith JLB. 1953. The second coelacanth. Nature 171, 99–100.
11.Venter P, Timm P, Gunn G, le Roux E, Serfontein C. 2000.
Discovery of a viable population of coelacanths (Latimeria
chalumnae) at Sodwana Bay, South Africa. South African
Journal of Science 96, 567–568.
12.Amemiya CT, Alföldi J, Lee AP, Fan S, Philippe H, Maccallum
I, Braasch I, Manousaki T, Schneider I, Rohner N, Organ C,
Chalopin D, Smith JJ, Robinson M, Dorrington RA, Gerdol
M, Aken B, Biscotti MA, Barucca M, Baurain D, Berlin AM,
Blatch GL, Buonocore F, Burmester T, Campbell MS, Canapa A,
Cannon JP, Christoffels A, De Moro G, Edkins AL, Fan L, Fausto
AM, Feiner N, Forconi M, Gamieldien J, Gnerre S, Gnirke A,
Goldstone JV, Haerty W, Hahn ME, Hesse U, Hoffmann S,
Johnson J, Karchner SI, Kuraku S, Lara M, Levin JZ, Litman GW,
Mauceli E, Miyake T, Mueller MG, Nelson DR, Nitsche A, Olmo
E, Ota T, Pallavicini A, Panji S, Picone B, Ponting CP, Prohaska
SJ, Przybylski D, Saha NR, Ravi V, Ribeiro FJ, Sauka-Spengler
T, Scapigliati G, Searle SM, Sharpe T, Simakov O, Stadler PF,
Stegeman JJ, Sumiyama K, Tabbaa D, Tafer H, Turner-Maier J,
van Heusden P, White S, Williams L, Yandell M, Brinkmann H,
Volff JN, TabinCJ, Shubin N, Schartl M, Jaffe DB, Postlethwait
JH, Venkatesh B, Di Palma F, Lander ES, Meyer A, Lindblad-Toh
K. 2013. The African coelacanth genome provides insights into
tetrapod evolution. Nature 496, 311–6.
34
C i t i z e n S c i e n c e A wa r d s 2 0 1 3
Citizen Science Awards
T
he advent of crowd sourcing and the acceptance that non-professional scientists have a major role to play in research
has, in the last decade, fundamentally changed the way we do science. In crowd sourcing we see international networks
of people reporting on everyday events such as butterfly distribution to when trees blossom; information which provides
scientists with a spatial and temporal resolution of data they could never achieve individually. Bringing citizen scientists
into the mainstream of scientific endeavour has gained momentum, as has the need to recognise the work they do, often
without remuneration. ACEP has chosen to recognise two individuals who could not be more different in their nature or in
the manner in which they have contributed to the quest for ‘Old Fourlegs’. Rik Nulens, quiet, retired, and living in Belgium,
has, over the last decade, meticulously catalogued, researched and data-based all things coelacanth-orientated. Peter Timm
is a robust, straight talking, extreme sportsman who runs a dive and tour operation at Sodwana. Peter was amongst the
first group of divers to find the Sodwana coelacanth population and has been at the forefront of conserving the species in
South Africa through his constantly updated photographic catalogue of all the specimens he sees during his tri-mix diving
expeditions. These two committed citizen scientists are entirely different, but they have both contributed significantly to
coelacanth research and conservation.
Peter Timm – South African extreme sport
coelacanth champion
Dr Kerry Sink, who has worked closely with Peter Timm for many years, provides
an insight into his tremendous contribution to marine science in South Africa
Peter Timm is an experienced CMAS diving instructor and a pioneer of deep open ocean
mixed-gas diving both at Sodwana Bay and in wider Southern Africa. Peter started trimix diving in 1991 and started the Triton Dive Lodge in 1994. The deep water close to
shore attracted him to Sodwana to pursue technical diving and exploration, first in Wright
Canyon, and later in other canyons and deep reef habitats in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Practice, safety and building knowledge about the deep water are key elements in the trimix experience for Peter and the South African divers with whom he has built up the sport.
Peter doesn’t dive for the record or the t-shirt; what is most important to him is to contribute
to the big picture, to marine science and to the exploration of ocean biodiversity. He has
undertaken many expeditions into the coelacanth habitat at Sodwana and beyond, with
more than 300 dives beyond 100 metres, 49 of these in 2013. He collected the first biological
specimens from the submarine canyons in 1998, discovered the coelacanths in 2000 and has
provided many new species records for the Park in the last 15 years.
Peter has always shared his experience and knowledge, kept good records, photographed
many individual coelacanths and other species, including several algae, invertebrates and
fish that are new to science. His links with science also extend into shallow water where he
has facilitated research on seaweed biodiversity, sponges, coral bleaching and monitoring,
benthic macrofauna, echinoderm biodiversity, fish surveys and even oceanography. To date,
Peter has seen at least 46 coelacanths, eyeball-to-eyeball and in their element. South African
marine science has benefited from the passion and abilities of this exceptional person.
C i t i z e n S c i e n c e A wa r d s 2 0 1 3
35
for contributions
to coelacanth research
Rik Nulens
Belgian coelacanth
enthusiast extraordinaire –
and the Dinofish database
Rik Nulens has been visiting SAIAB annually
since 2003, usually for a week tacked on to the
end of a Southern African holiday. A Belgian
engineer by profession, Nulens has developed
into a passionate ‘coelacanthologist’. From
amateur beginnings, when his interest was
first sparked in 1994, his work is now shared
internationally amongst coelacanth scientists. In
1994, he came upon a Dutch translation of JLB
Smith’s Old Fourlegs, and has been fascinated
by the coelacanth ever since.
Rik began collating a database of coelacanth
literature. With meticulous energy and determination, his database entries grew from 1 544
titles in 1999, to 2 560 in 2003, to 4 639 in 2009 and to 5 134 in 2011. As electronic
archives, of both of personal and organisational collections, have become increasingly
available, he has been able to search across a widening range of material, including
newspapers such as The New York Times. Ever since 1994, when he
sent the first version of his database to Jean Pote at the JLB Smith
Institute, he has made his database available to SAIAB, and currently
connects with 120 researchers worldwide. The database is available
on http://www.dinofish.com .
In addition to developing this remarkable database, Rik (who retired
in 2009) became actively involved with Lucy Scott and Marc Herbin
in updating the Coelacanth Conservation Council List, an inventory
of specimens.
Not only has he compiled the updated inventory of all know
specimens of the coelacanth, Rik also has a particular interest in
coelacanth artwork – to date he has found over 500 items.
Rik Nulens writes: “It was in the early
nineties that I first became interested in
coelacanths. In 1994, in a booklist from a
second hand bookshop I found the Dutch
version of J.L.B. Smith’s book “Old Fourlegs
– The Story of the Coelacanth” which is
called “Vis op de loop” and the price was
only a few dollars. In the accompanying
note they wrote: “This book tells the story
of a fish with legs who [sic] was captured
in 1938 nearby East-London (Indian Ocean)
and who is the ‘missing link’ between fish
and the land vertebrates…” Reading this
book I became more and more interested
and fascinated…and I started searching for
coelacanth literature…. While searching,
I found a lot of unknown coelacanth
specimens in museums all over the world
and some lost coelacanths appeared again
in other museums after they were (re)
moved from their original display. So we
try to fill the gaps and to make a serious
update of this list and keep this list actual.
Since 2003, many coelacanths have
been caught in Tanzania. It is the idea
that when the inventory check and
update is finished, to put it somewhere
on the web or in a publication so that
it is available for coelacanth researchers
all over the world.”
That publication, authored by Rik
Nulens, Lucy Scott of ASCLME and
Marc Herbin of the Muséum National
d’Histoire Naturelle de Paris, culminated
as Smithiana Special Publication 3 on
12 September 2011.
36
Future Developments and Acknowledgements
Into the Future
By Angus Paterson
‘O
ld Fourlegs’ is far from having revealed all its secrets. There are significant anatomical, evolutionary, behavioural and
ecological questions that still need answers and the coelacanth will continue to stimulate and exasperate scientists for
decades to come; no doubt research into this amazing animal will still be going strong when the world celebrates the 150th
anniversary of its discovery.
Coelacanths photographed by Eric Bahuet in 2009 © Andromède Océanologie
Researchers have only just begun to scrape the surface of what needs to be done if the South
African population of this iconic species and its habitats are to be effectively conserved. The
2004 National Coelacanth Management Plan identified the following priority research needs:
• To assess the distribution and size of the coelacanth population. Suitable or potential habitats
should be systematically surveyed and an attempt made to quantify the population in the
Wetlands Park.
• To conduct biological surveys in coelacanth habitats to document the biodiversity within
them. This is valuable not only in understanding coelacanth ecology, but also in planning their
conservation.
• To establish whether the coelacanths are a viable breeding population.
• To determine whether they are resident fish, seasonal visitors, or nomadic.
• To compare genetic similarity with other coelacanths to determine whether they are a
distinct population and/or species.
While there has been some progress in addressing these concerns, a more concerted effort
will be necessary over the next decade. It is estimated that only 10–15% of the required
research has been undertaken. If we are to advance our “proudly South African”, 75-year
adventure with the coelacanth, we will need dedicated resources. ACEP is an ecosystem-level
research programme dedicated to the east coast; however, future phases of the programme
should ring-fence a portion of the resources for a competitive call, specifically targeting the
priority needs for coelacanth research listed above.
With regard to the future of ACEP, a dedicated, collaborative, east coast, ecosystemlevel programme is needed now as much as it was a decade ago. In fact, the need for
ACEP as a multi-departmental (DST, DEA & DAFF), multi-institutional (National Facilities,
Future Developments and Acknowledgements
Science Councils, Universities and NGOs) venture is greater than ever. With South Africa’s
shortage of relevant skills, effective management and the associated underlying research,
the east coast requires interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary approaches that can only be
gained through pooling the intellectual resources of multiple agencies and universities.
Furthermore, marine science requires research platforms which are often only available
through National Facilities (ROVs, large coastal craft, national acoustic curtains, sentinel sites
etc.) or government departments (ships e.g. R/V Algoa, benthic camera systems, deep-water
moored instrumentation, etc.). These platforms need to be made available to the broader
research community on a competitive basis.
There is a strong case for cooperative, international scientific research on the east coast where
the Agulhas Current is being shown to be more and more important for understanding
the global climate system. Global change impacts along the east coast of South Africa are
increasing at an unparalleled rate with urbanisation, eutrophication, freshwater abstraction,
fisheries and, most recently, an exponential increase in oil and gas exploration. Research into
the region is more important than ever. These research needs must be integrated into the
development and training of the next generation of marine scientists and managers.
ACEP has delivered on, and continues to deliver on its key aims:
• Transforming the marine science community
• Collaborating in world-class research
• Intensively developing human capital
• Providing competitive access to research platforms
This has been achieved only through the willingness of the ACEP partners (DST, DEA - O&C,
DAFF, SAEON, SAIAB, ASCLME and SANParks) to meet these challenges, and the active
participation of numerous researchers and students.
ACEP is a proven concept and is well placed to meet the future needs of the east coast
marine research community.
Acknowledgements:
This special brochure produced to mark the 75th anniversary of the discovery of the living
coelacanth acknowledges all the contributions, large and small, to prove the continued
existence of an iconic species, make it known to science and the world and unravel its
mysteries.
Picture credits
Laurent Ballesta, Andromède Océanologie, Peter Timm, Ryan Palmer, Reece Wartenberg,
Tommy Bornman, Ryan Daly, Francesca Porri, Paul Cowley, Kerry Sink, Jean Harris, Sean
Fennessy, Matt Dicken, Malcolm Smale, Adrian Hewitt, Toralf Grapouw, Rosanne Thornycroft,
Dylan Howell, SAIAB, ACEP, ASCLME, SANParks.
Special Thanks
The success of ACEP is due to the effort of a range of people from students, researchers,
technicians, managers to senior departmental directors such as Chief Directors and Directors
General. There is however, one group of individuals who rarely get the thanks and gratitude
that they deserve, namely, the administrators:
The ACEP family would really like to acknowledge the sterling work done by:
• Lynn Erasmus – Lynn runs the ACEP Open Call grant administration at NRF.
• Dr Gilbert Siko – Gilbert is the ACEP programme’s direct line manager at DST.
• Dipuo Kgotleng – Dipuo works tirelessly within DST at solving ACEP challenges.
• Wendy Sweetman and Edlyn Wolhuter – Wendy and Edlyn have always met the financial
administration needs that ACEP demands of SAIAB.
37
38
AC E P O u t p u t s
ACEP Outputs 2004–2013
Education Resources
D
uring its first phase, ACEP identified a marine content and knowledge gap within the school curriculum. New data and
local content, together with the changing curriculum policies implemented by the South African government, provided
an ideal opportunity to develop new, contemporary resources that assisted in educator development and broadened the
knowledge of learners. Resources were developed to entice learners into the world of marine science.
Below is a description of ACEP Environmental Education resources
developed during the first two phases, from the most recent to
the earliest. ACEP believes in building capacity and ensuring each
resource is used optimally. Distribution is free at educator and learner
workshops for those who attend.
1. Catchments to Coelacanths (5-part DVD Learning Programme,
National Lottery Board Funding)
• Catchments (completed 2006)
• Rivers & Wetlands (completed 2007)
• Estuaries (completed 2008)
•Coastal
• Coelacanths and Oceans
2. Classroom Kits (Physical/Chemical Sciences and Natural Science)
3. Soils & Sediments Workbook (Funding SAASTA & DST)
4. Climate Change Classroom Resources
5. Aquatic Bioscience Careers Booklet (Funding SAASTA)
6. Fossil Kits
7. Scientists at Work (CD-ROM learning programme, partly funded
by GM Foundation)
8. Exploring Ocean Careers with Old Fourlegs – Careers in the
marine environment (DVD learning programme, partly funded
by GM Foundation)
9. Exploring Oceans with Old Fourlegs – ocean biodiversity and
why oceans are important (DVD learning programme, partly
funded by GM Foundation)
10.Careers Flyer
11.Coelacanth Fact Sheet
12.Cartoon Book and Phase Three workbooks
13.Other
•Worksheets
• Marine Week Booklet
•Posters
•Puzzles
Reports and publications:
1. Du Plooy, P. and Snow, B. 2004. Partnerships in action: Delta
Foundation and the African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme.
International VBET Newsletter. University of Missouri Kansas City.
2. Magajana, B. 2009. Education Outreach Field Report: Educators
Workshop. Scientists @ Work. Tsolo District.
3. SAIAB. 2013. Annual Impact Report, SAIAB.
4. Snow, B. 2004. Anglo American Chairman’s Fund Report
2003/4. African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme, SAIAB.
5. Snow, B. 2007. Anglo American Chairman’s Fund Report
2006/7. African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme, SAIAB.
6. Snow, B 2008. Anglo American Chairman’s Fund Report 2007/8.
African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme, SAIAB.
7. Snow, B. 2008. Annual Grant Holders Report, NRF.
8. Snow, B. 2009. African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme, NLB
Progress Report, SAIAB.
9. Snow, B. 2010. Annual Grant Holders Report, NRF.
10.Snow, B. and Binning, KA. 2005. Anglo American Chairman’s
Fund Report 2004/5. African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme,
SAIAB.
11.Snow, B. and Binning, KA. 2006. Anglo American Chairman’s
Fund Report 2005/6. African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme,
SAIAB.
12.Van der Merwe, M. 2010. The use of learning support materials
in the rural schools of Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Southern African Journal for Environmental Education.
AC E P S t u d e n t s 2 0 0 7 - 2 0 1 4
ACEP Students 2007-2014
ACEP students are supported through bursary and/or
platform provision.
ACEP 2012-2014
Jacqui Hill
Mathilde Schapira
Charles von der Meden
Johan van der Molen
Maria Ovichkina
Thierry Hoareau
Erwin Lagabrielle
Post Doc
Post Doc
Post Doc
Post Doc
Post Doc
Post Doc
Post Doc
Ander de Lecea
Morag Ayers
Michelle Pretorius
Kerry Reid
Tinus Sonnekus
Lisa Guastella
Shannon Hampton
Rhett Bennett
Elodie Heyns
Carel Oostuizen
PhD
PhD
PhD
PhD
PhD
PhD
PhD
PhD
PhD
PhD
Reese Wartenberg
Matt Parkinson
Denham Parker
Catherine Browne
Rose Thornycroft
Leanne Gersun
Rebecca Milne
Aadila Omarjee
Bernadino Malauene
Travis Kunnen
Candice Untied
Liesl Hein
Madison Hall
Phillip Haut
Kerry Reid Nosiphiwo Springbok
Sisanda Mayekiso
Moqebelo Morallana
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
Lisa de Charmoy
MMCM
Cornelia Nieuwenhuys
MTech
Michelle van der Merwe
MEd
Caitlynne Francis
Sisanda Mayekiso
Nokwana Mkhize
Zimkhita Gebe
Sesethu Mbekisa
N. Jara
C. Andrews
Mfundo Bizana
Kwasa Ntongana
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
Gavin Louw
Samantha Ockhuis
BTech
BTech
Tarryn Murray
Maggy Reddy
Tamsyn Livingston
Jennifer Olbers
PhD
PhD
PhD
PhD
Samantha Ockhuis
Ryan van Rooyen
Shana Mian
Olwethu Duna
Laura Braby
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
Siyabonga Biyase
Sandra Setati
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
Leon Joubert
BTech
Note: Six students are still to be selected for
2014–2015
ACEP Phuhlisa 2012
Oyama Siqwepu
Tumeka Mbobo
Zikhona Jojozi
Sive Bukani
Lavious Matekeke
Abongile Mlungwana
Tivisani Ndlovu
Sanele Ndzelu
Nondzuzo Zathelela
Yolanda Qhaji
Lwazi Nombembe
Sonwabile Malongwe
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
ACEP Phuhlisa 2013
Lukhanyiso Vumazonke
Mfundo Bizani
PhD
PhD
Sive Bukani
Thandolwethu Mbovani
Zamampondo Susela
Oyama Siqwepu
Sinazo Mbhatyoli
Abongile Sobekwa
Phakama Nodo
Tumeka Mbobo
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
MSc
Malakala Reginah Mapatha
Zameka Khundulu
Nwabisa Myataza
Yonela Pelokasi Mkono
Elizabeth Famewo
Ziyanda Mzozo
Yonwaba Atyosi
Afika Ziwele
Zamokuhle Mjali
Nolonwabo Mgoduka
Siyamtemba Madyibi
Sinawo Zali
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
BSc Hons
39
40
AC E P P u b l i c a t i o n s
ACEP Publications 2000–2013
1. Allnutt TF, McClanahan TR, Andrefouet S, Baker M, Lagabrielle
E, McClnnen C, Rakotomanjaka AJM, Tianarisoa TF, Watson
R, Kremen C. 2012. Comparison of marine spatial planning
methods in Madagascar demonstrates value of alternative
approaches. PLoS ONE 7(2): e28969. doi:10.1371/journal.
pone.0028969.
2. Amemiya CT, Alföldi J, Lee AP, Fan S, Philippe H, Maccallum
I, Braasch I, Manousaki T, Schneider I, Rohner N, Organ C,
Chalopin D, Smith JJ, Robinson M, Dorrington RA, Gerdol M,
Aken B, Biscotti MA, Barucca M, Baurain D, Berlin AM, Blatch GL,
Buonocore F, Burmester T, Campbell MS, Canapa A, Cannon JP,
Christoffels A, De Moro G, Edkins AL, Fan L, Fausto AM, Feiner
N, Forconi M, Gamieldien J, Gnerre S, Gnirke A, Goldstone JV,
Haerty W, Hahn ME, Hesse U, Hoffmann S, Johnson J, Karchner
SI, Kuraku S, Lara M, Levin JZ, Litman GW, Mauceli E, Miyake
T, Mueller MG, Nelson DR, Nitsche A, Olmo E, Ota T, Pallavicini
A, Panji S, Picone B, Ponting CP, Prohaska SJ, Przybylski D, Saha
NR, Ravi V, Ribeiro FJ, Sauka-Spengler T, Scapigliati G, Searle
SM, Sharpe T, Simakov O, Stadler PF, Stegeman JJ, Sumiyama
K, Tabbaa D, Tafer H, Turner-Maier J, van Heusden P, White S,
Williams L, Yandell M, Brinkmann H, Volff JN, Tabin CJ, Shubin
N, Schartl M, Jaffe DB, Postlethwait JH, Venkatesh B, Di Palma
F, Lander ES, Meyer A, Lindblad-Toh K. 2013. The African
coelacanth genome provides insight into tetrapod evolution.
Nature 496: 311–316.
3. Asseid BS, Drapeau L, Crawford RJM, Dyer BM, Hija A, Mwinyi
AA, Shinula P, Upfold L. 2006. The food of three seabirds at
Latham Island, Tanzania, with observations on foraging by
masked boobies Sula dactylatra. African Journal of Marine
Science 28:1, 109–114.
4. Ayers MJ, Scharler UM. 2011. Use of sensitivity analysis in
constructing plausible trophic mass-balance models of a datalimited marine ecosystem – the KwaZulu-Natal Bight, South
Africa. Journal of Marine Science 88(2): 298–311.
5. Ayers MJ, Scharler UM, Fennessy ST. 2013. Modelling ecosystem
effects of reduced prawn recruitment on the Thukela Bank
trawling grounds, South Africa, following nursery loss. Marine
Ecology Progress Series 473: 143–161.
6. Barlow R, Keywalyanga M, Sessions H, van den Berg M, Morris T.
2008. Phytoplankton pigments, functional types, and absorption
properties in the Delagoa and Natal Bights of the Agulhas
ecosystem. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 80: 201–211.
7. Barlow R, Lamont T, Kyewalyanga M, Sessions H, Morris T. 2010.
Phytoplankton production and photophysiological adaptation of
the southeastern shelf of the Agulhas Ecosystem. Continental
Shelf Research 30 (2010): 1472–1486.
8. Barlow R, Lamont T, Kyewalyanga M, Sessions H, van den Berg
M, Duncan F. 2011. Phytoplankton production and adaptation
in the vicinity of Pemba and Zanzibar islands, Tanzania. African
Journal of Marine Science 33(2): 283–295.
9. Benno B, Verheij E, Stapely J, Rumisha C, Ngatunga B, Abdallah
A, Kalombo H. 2006. Coelacanth, Latimeria chalumnae (Smith,
1939) discoveries and conservation in Tanzania. South African
Journal of Science 102: 486–490.
10.Bolton JJ, Andreakis N, Anderson RJ. 2011. Molecular evidence
for three separate cryptic introductions of the red seaweed
Asparagopsis (Bonnemaisoniales, Rhodophyta) in South Africa.
African Journal of Marine Science 33(2): 263–271.
11.Browne CM, Maneveldt GW, Bolton JJ, Anderson RJ. 2013.
Abundance and species composition of the non-geniculate
coralline red algae epiphytic on the South African populations of
the rocky shore seagrass, Thalassodendron leptocaule (Duarte,
Bandeira, and Romeiras). South African Journal of Botany 86:
101–110.
12.Cawthra HC, Neumann FH, Uken R, Smith AM, Guastella LA,
Yates A. 2012. Sedimentation on the narrow (8 km wide), oceanic
current-influenced continental shelf off Durban, KwaZulu-Natal,
South Africa. Marine Geology 323-325: 107–122.
13.Chenuil A, Hoareau T, Egea E, Penant G, Rocher C, Aurelle D,
Mokhtar-Jamai K, Bishop JDD, Boissin E, Diaz A, Krakau M,
Luttikhuizen PC, Patti FP, Blavet N, Mousset S. 2010. An efficient
method to find potentially universal population genetic markers,
applied to metazoans. BCM Evolutionary Biology 10: 276
14.Cowley PD, Childs A-R, Bennett RH. 2013. The trouble with
estuarine fisheries in temperate South Africa, illustrated by a
case study on the Sundays Estuary. African Journal of Marine
Science 35(1): 117–128.
15.Crawford RJM, Asseid BS, Dyer BM, Hija A, Mwinyi AA, Shinula
P, Upfold L. 2006. The status of seabirds at Latham Island,
Tanzania. African Journal of Marine Science, 28:1: 99–108.
16.Currie JC, Sink KJ, Le Noury P, Branch GM. 2012. Comparing
fish communities in the sanctuaries, partly protected areas and
open-access reefs in South-East Africa. African Journal of Marine
Science 34(2): 269–281.
17.de Lecea AM, Cooper R, Omarjee A, Smit AJ. 2011. The effects
of preservation methods, dye and acidification on the isotopic
values (15N and 13C) of two zooplankton species from the
KwaZulu-Natal Bight, South Africa. Rapid Communications in
Mass Spectrometry 25: 1853–1861.
18.de Lecea AM, Fennessy ST, Smit AJ. 2013. Processes controlling
the benthic food web of a mesotrophic bight (KwaZulu-Natal,
South Africa) revealed by stable isotope analysis. Marine Ecology
Progress Series 484: 97–114.
19.de Lecea AM, Smit AJ, Fennessy ST. 2011. The effects of freeze/
thaw periods and drying methods on isotopic and elemental
carbon and nitrogen in marine organisms, raising questions on
sample preparation. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectometry
2011, 25: 3640–3649.
20.Dicken ML, Smale MJ, Booth AJ. 2013. White sharks
Carcharodon carcharias at Bird Island, Algoa Bay, South Africa.
African Journal of Marine Science. 35(2): 175–182.
21.Dos Santos SMR, Klopper AW, Oosthuizen CJ, Bloomer P. 2008.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic tetranucleotide
microsatellite loci in the pelagic perciform fish Pomatomus
saltatrix (Linnaeus, 1766) from South Africa. Molecular Ecology
Resources 8: 1065–67.
22.Gon O, Gouws G, Mwaluma J, Mwale M. 2013. Re-description
of two species of the cardinal fish genus Archamia (Teleostei:
Apoagonidae) from the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean.
Zootaxa 3608(7): 587–594.
23.Goschen WS, Schumann EH, Bernard KS, Bailey SE, Deyzel
SHP. 2012. Upwelling and ocean structures off Algoa Bay and
the south-east coast of South Africa. African Journal of Marine
Science 34(4): 525–536.
24.Grantham HS, Game ET, Lombard AT, Hobday AJ, Richardson
AJ, Beckley LE, Pressey RL, Huggett JA, Coetzee JC, van der
Lingen CD, Petersen SL, Merkle D, Possingham HP. 2010.
Accommodating dynamic oceanographic processes and pelagic
biodiversity in marine conservation planning. PLoS ONE 6(2):
e16552.
25.Green AN, Uken R. 2005. First observations of sea-level
indicators related to glacial maxima at Sodwana Bay, northern
KwaZulu-Natal. South African Journal of Science 101 May/June:
236–238.
26.Green AN, Uken R. 2008. Submarine landsliding and canyon
evolution on the northern KwaZulu-Natal continental shelf,
South Africa, SW Indian Ocean. Marine Geology 254: 152–170.
27.Green AN, Ovechkina M, Uken R. 2008. Nannofossil age
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28.Green AN, Uken R, Ramsay P, Leuci R, Perritt S. 2009. Potential
sites for suitable coelacanth habitat using bathymetric data from
the western Indian Ocean. South African Journal of Science 105,
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29.Green AN. 2009. Sediment dynamics on the narrow, canyonincised and current-swept shelf of the northern KwaZulu-Natal
continental shelf, South Africa. Geo-Marine Letters 29: 201–219.
30.Green AN. 2009b. Palaeo-drainage, incised valley fills and
transgressive system tract sedimentation of the northern KwaZulu-Natal continental shelf. South Africa, SW Indian Ocean.
Marine Geology 263: 46–63.
31.Green AN. 2011. Submarine canyons associated with altering
sediment starvation and shelf-edge wedge development:
Northern KwaZulu-Natal continental margin, South Africa.
Marine Geology 284: 114–126.
32.Green AN. 2011. The late Cretaceous to Holocene sequence
stratigraphy of a sheared passive upper continental margin,
northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Marine Geology 289(14): 17–28.
33.Green AN, Goff JA, Uken R. 2007. Geomorphological evidence
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34.Heemstra PC, Fricke H, Hissmann K, Schauer J, Smale M, Sink
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coelacanths in the canyons at Sodwana Bay and the St Lucia
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35.Hill JM, McQuaid C. 2008. d13C and d15N biogeographic trends
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Evidence of strong environmental signatures. Estuarine, Coastal
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36.Hissmann K, Fricke H, Schauer J, Ribbink AJ, Roberts MJ, Sink
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account of what is known after three submersible expeditions.
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37.Hoareau TB, Boissin E. 2010. Design of phylum-specific hybrid
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38.Hoareau TB, Boissin E, Berrebi P. 2012. Evolutionary history of
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39.Hoareau TB, Boissin E, Paulay G, Bruggemann JH. 2013. The
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40.Jackson JM, Rainville L, Roberts MJ, McQuaid CD, Lutjeharms JRE.
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41.Kolasinski J, Kaehler S, Jaquemet S. 2012. Distribution and
sources of particulate organic matter in mesoscale eddy dipole
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from C and N stable isotopes. Journal of Marine Science 96–97:
122–131.
42.Kyewalyanga M, Naik R, Hegde S, Raman M, Barlow R, Roberts
M. 2007. Phytoplankton biomass and primary production in
Delagoa Bight Mozambique: application of remote sensing.
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43.Lagabrielle E, Le Bourgeois T, Durieux L, Robin M, Strasberg
D. 2011. Systematic conservation planning in islands: the case
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restoration and land-use planning in islands—An illustrative case
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45.Lamont T, Roberts M, Barlow R, Morris T, van den Berg M. 2010.
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46.Lampert KP, Fricke H, Hissmann K, Schauer J, Blassmann K,
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greater Agulhas Current is increasingly being recognised. South
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48.Lutjeharms JRE, Durgadoo JV, Schapira M, McQuaid C. 2010.
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49.Lutjeharms JRE. 2006. The ocean environment off southeastern
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50.McClanahan TR, Ateweberhan M, Ruiz Sebastian C, Graham
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temperature observations. Coral Reefs 26: 695–701.
51.Modisakeng KW, Amemiya CT, Dorrington RA, Blatch GL. 2006.
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52.Modisakeng KW, Jiwaji M, Pesce E-R, Robert J, Amemiya
CT, Dorrington RA, Blatch, GL. 2009. Isolation of a Latimeria
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81–96.
AC E P, A S C L M E & S W I O F P C r u i s e s
Research and mooring cruises
M
ore than 45 research and mooring cruises were undertaken from 2008 to 2013 in the
South Western Indian Ocean as part of the ACEP and ASCLME projects.
No
Date
Cruise Name
Vessel
Project
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
2008
2008
2008
2008
2008
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
2010
2010
2010
2010
2010
2010
2010
2011
2012
2013
East Madagascar
Mauritius
Mascarene Plateau Leg 1
Mascarene Plateau Leg 2
Mozambique Channel
Natal Bight
North Mozambique Shelf
West Madagascar Leg 1
West Madagascar Leg 2
Mozambique Channel
Comoros Gyre
Seamounts of the WIO Ridge
Natal Bight
Agulhas Shelf
LOCO & Atlas Mooring
Agulhas Bank
Mozambique Channel
Mozambique Channel
LOCO & Atlas Mooring
Agulhas Return Current
Natal Bight
Mauritius & Mascarene Pelagic
Agulhas Return Current
1st WIOSEA
2nd WIOSEA
R/V Dr Fridtjof Nansen
R/V Algoa
R/V Antea
R/V Algoa
R/V Algoa
R/V Algoa
R/V Algoa
R/V Antea
F/V Brahma
R/V Algoa
R/V Algoa
R/V Algoa
R/V Africana
R/V Algoa
R/V Algoa
ASCLME/FAO
ASCLME
ASCLME/FAO
ASCLME
ASCLME
ACEP
ASCLME/SWIOFP
ASCLME/SWIOFP
ASCLME/SWIOFP
MESOP/ASCLME/SWIOFP
ASCLME/SWIOFP
ASCLME/IUCN
ACEP
ACEP
ASCLME
ACEP
MESOP/ASCLME/SWIOFP
MESOP/ASCLME/SWIOFP
ASCLME
ASCLME
ACEP
SWIOFP
DEA/DAFF
ASCLME
ASCLME
Research and mooring cruise stations sampled from 2008–2013
as part of the ACEP and ASCLME Programme.
Some of the diversity found during the ACEP wet season (February)
and dry season (August) sampling cruises in 2010
43
44
Acronyms
Acronyms
ACEP
ACT
APG
ASCLME
African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme
Agulhas Current Time-series
Association pour le protection du Gombessa
Agulhas and Somali Current Large Marine
Ecosystem Programme
ATAP
Acoustic Tracking Array Platform
BAC
Bacterial Artificial Chromosome
BCRE
Bayworld Centre for Research and Education
CGS
Council for Geosciences
CITES
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
CMAS
Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques
CNRO
Centre National de Recherches Océanographiques
CPUT
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
CSIR
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
DAFF
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
DEA (O&C) Department of Environmental Affairs (Oceans & Coasts)
DEAT
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
DIFS
Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science –
Rhodes University
DOE–EC Department of Education – Eastern Cape
DST
Department of Science and Technology
EEASA
Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa
EKZNW
Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife
GEF
Global Environment Facility
HBUs
Historically Black Universities
HEI Higher Education Institution
IHSM
Institut Halieutique et des Sciences Marines
IUCN
International Union for Conservation of Nature
KZNSB
KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board
LME
Large Marine Ecosystem
LOCO
Long-term Ocean Climate Observations
LTER
Long Term Environmental Research
MCM Marine and Coastal Management
MEd
Master of Education
MEDA
Marine Ecosystem Diagnostic Analysis
MPA
Marine Protected Area
MSc
Master of Science
NEPAD
The New Partnership for Africa’s Development
NGOs
Non-governmental Organisations
NIOZ
Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research
NMMU
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
NOAA
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NRF
National Research Foundation
NSI
National System of Innovation
OceanSITES Ocean Sustained Interdisciplinary Time Series
Environmental Observatory in the Agulhas Return Current
ODINAFRICA Ocean Data and Information Network for Africa
ORI
Oceanographic Research Institute
OTN
Ocean Tracking Network
PhD
Doctor of Philosophy
RAMA
Research moored Array for African-Asian-Australian
Monsoon Analysis and prediction
ROV
Remote Operated Vehicle
RU
Rhodes University
SAASTA South African Agency for Science and
Technology Advancement
SABC
South African Broadcasting Corporation
SADCO
Southern African Data Centre for Oceanography
SAEON
South African Environmental Observation Network
SAIAB
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
SAMSS
South African Marine Science Symposium
SANBI
South African National Biodiversity Institute
SANParks
South African National Parks Board
SAP
Strategic Action Programme
SAPPHIRE
Strategic Action Programme Policy Harmonization and
Institutional Reforms
SBRUVS
Stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video System
SCUBA
Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus
SOSF
Save Our Seas Foundation
SWIO
South West Indian Ocean
SWIOFP
South Western Indian Ocean Fisheries Programme
TDA
Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis
UCT
University of Cape Town
UFH
University of Fort Hare
UKZN
University of KwaZulu-Natal
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
UP
University of Pretoria
UTR
Underwater Temperature Recording
UWC
University of the Western Cape
WIO
Western Indian Ocean
WIO-LaB
Western Indian Ocean Land Based Project Management
WIOMSA
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association WIOSEA
Western Indian Ocean Sustainable Ecosystem Alliance
WMO-IOC DBCP World Meteorological Organization –
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Data
Buoy Cooperation Panel WSU
Walter Sisulu University
ACEP’s Reach:
ACEP’s primary partners are institutions that are involved
in Platform Provision for and/or Funding of ACEP Projects
ACEP has produced over 70 peer reviewed publications
ACEP has supported close to 100 students
ACEP’s reach has included over 30 institutions and
universities from some 14 countries worldwide.
Tunisia
Morocco
Canaries
Algeria
Western
Sahara
Egypt
Mauritania
The Gambia
Guinea Bissau
Sierra Leone
Chad
Nigeria
Djibouti
Ethiopia
Central
African
Republic
Uganda
o
Zaire
Kenya
Rwanda
Burundi
Co
ng
Sao Tomé
Príncipe
Gabon
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Sudan
Ca
Cote
Liberia d’Ivoire
Benin
Togo
Ghana
Guinea
Burkina
Faso
Niger
on
Mali
Senegal
ro
Cape Verde
Islands
Libya
me
Seychelles
Tanzania
Zanzibar and
Pemba Islands
Comoros
ue
za
Mo
Namibia Botswana
Swaziland
Lesotho
South
Africa
Marion Island and
Prince Edward Island
Agalega Islands
Mauritius Cargados Carajos Shoals
mb
iq
Zimbabwe
Chagos Archipelago/
Diego Garcia
Tromelin Island
i
Zambia
Mayotte
Juan de Nova
law
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Canada
• France
• Belgium
Ma
ACEP and Other countries:
Angola
ia
al
m
So
Madagascar
Europa Island
Bassas da India
Rodrigues
Réunion
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
Somerset Street, Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown, 6140
Eastern Cape, South Africa
www.saiab.ac.za, email: [email protected]
Tel: +27 46 603 5800, Fax: +27 46 622 2403
ISBN 978-0-620-59104-1

Building on the South African Coelacanth Legacy

Transcription

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