Dr Kaylee Smit

Dr Smit is a marine ecologist specialising in underwater visual observation methods to understand fish biodiversity, ecosystem condition, and the drivers of change from shallow reefs to the deep sea. Dr Smit uses mostly remote imagery technologies such as Baited Remote Underwater Stereo-Video Systems (Stereo-BRUVs) and deep-water stereo-BRUVs landers. Through the Marine Remote Imagery Platform (MARIP), Dr Smit’s team is  expanding South Africa’s capacity to observe previously inaccessible marine habitats and generate important biodiversity data for sustainable resource management, marine spatial planning, MPA management, and policy development.

 

Dr Smit works across South Africa and the Western Indian Ocean, building collaborations and training students, scientists, and practitioners in stereo-BRUVs research, fish identification, and quantitative analysis. In more recent years Dr Smit has shifted her focus to improving pathways for effective knowledge mobilisation and capacity building. Dr Smit tries to merge research infrastructure applications, ecological assessment, and applied conservation, ensuring that biodiversity observations translate into practical and meaningful impact.

 

Dr Smit’s favourite fish is Caranx melampygus (Bluefin Kingfish).