Here we bring you the latest news and press releases about SAIAB’s aquatic biodiversity research and events such as the SAIAB Seminar Series which are open to the general public.
NRF-SAIAB Hosts African Microbiome Group for Strategic Stakeholder Engagement
May 9, 2025On 7 May 2025, NRF-SAIAB’s Managing Director, Prof. Albert Chakona, hosted a high-level stakeholder engagement at the Institute’s Makhanda (Grahamstown) facility, welcoming Prof. Thulani Makhalanyane and the African Microbiome Group (AMG) from Stellenbosch University. This strategic meeting, attended by emerging...
NRF-SAIAB Seminar Series 2025
May 8, 2025Thursday 8 May 2025, 10.30am (SAST) Zoom Registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/hMhq_gt6QPu2uKbPr3885w Passcode: 043851 by Khor Waiho Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Gold in the mud: A global overview of mud crab (Scylla spp.) fishery Mud crabs (genus...
NRF-SAIAB Seminar Series 2025
May 8, 2025Wednesday 7 May 2025, 10.30am (SAST) Venue: Lecture Room, NRF-SAIAB Zoom Registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/X6LFzDB6TjWJ7i4ikH8bsA Passcode: 702498 by Prof Thulani Makhalanyane & the African Microbiome Group Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University | School for Data Science and Computational Thinking How...
Tackling Food Insecurity Through Inland Fisheries in Limpopo
April 9, 2025This article was originally published in Quest Vol. 21 No. 1: “Feed the Future” , 2025 , authored by Archiebold Hlungwani (DFFE), Mandla Magoro (NRF-SAIAB), Lubabalo Mofu (NRF-SAIAB), Phumza Ndaleni (NRF-SAIAB), and Dumisani Khosa (SANParks). In a country where poverty...
Making Ichthyological Connections: Dr. Barry Russell’s Research Visit to NRF-SAIAB
April 3, 2025NRF-SAIAB recently welcomed Dr. Barry Russell, a distinguished ichthyologist with over five decades of experience, for a five-week research visit. Dr. Russell, who is based at the Northern Territory Museum in Australia as Curator Emeritus of Fish, has dedicated his...
Bridging the Gap: Overcoming Challenges in Science Communication and the Way Forward
March 25, 2025Opinion Piece from the Science Communication Workshop By Siyamthanda Ndinisa, Lucky Dlamini & Mbali Ngulube What good is scientific knowledge if it remains locked away in journals, understood only by a select few? Science has the potential to shape policies,...
NRF-SAIAB Empowers University of Fort Hare Honours Students to Communicate Research Effectively
March 19, 2025Science communication is a vital skill that bridges the gap between research and society, making complex scientific concepts more accessible and impactful. Recognising this, the NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) Communications Team hosted a Science Communication Workshop for...
Biological Control Milestone led by DSTI/NRF-SAIAB SARChI: Weevil Released to Combat Invasive Salvinia Minima in Hartbeespoort
March 18, 2025On Monday, 17 March 2025, South Africa took a significant step toward protecting its freshwater ecosystems with the release of the Cyrtobagous salviniae weevil in the Crocodile River at Hartbeespoort. The Rhodes University Centre for Biological Control (CBC), in collaboration...
Unveiling Ocean Mysteries: NRF-SAIAB, Nekton, and Ocean Census Host Species Discovery Workshop
February 28, 2025The NRF-SAIAB, in collaboration with Ocean Census, an initiative of The Nippon Foundation and Nekton, recently hosted a ground-breaking Species Discovery Workshop from January 27 to February 7. This workshop, held at NRF-SAIAB, brought together eight researchers from Japan, the...
NRF-SAIAB Seminar Series 2025
February 28, 2025Thursday 6 March 2025, 10.30am (SAST) Zoom Registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/gOPT_XVMQvmE3vxsYKJhLg Passcode: 547710 by Dr Melissa Beata Martin Honorary Research Associate, NRF-SAIAB Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Beyond Borders: Strengthening Global Networks for Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Join...
Enterprise and Supplier Development Information Session
February 24, 2025The NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) invites you to attend the Enterprise and Supplier Development Information Session, which will be held at our offices in Makhanda. This workshop is designed for small business owners, entrepreneurs, service providers, and...
NRF-SAIAB Seminar Series 2025
February 20, 2025Wednesday 26 February, 15:00pm Venue: NRF-SAIAB Lecture Room Zoom Registration Link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/UkJJXWRkTNu8bNKvNAcmbw Passcode: 554318 by Dr. Nompumelelo Baso-Mdiza Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, NRF-SAIAB Lessons from Rwanda: CIFAR Women in Research Leadership Development Symposium Curious about what happens when exceptional early career...
Download the 2025 NRF-SAIAB Digital Calendar Now!
February 14, 2025Our digital calendar is now available for download. In addition to helping you stay organized, it also highlights the work being done at NRF-SAIAB and provides an overview of our platforms, projects and research activities. The calendar serves as a...
Celebrating southern Africa’s Freshwater Fish Heritage: NRF-SAIAB’s Nationwide Book Launch and Stakeholder Engagement Roadshow
February 12, 2025In November 2024, the NRF-SAIAB team, led by former Managing Director Emeritus Prof. Paul Skelton, Acting Managing Director Prof. Albert Chakona, and Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager Lucky Dlamini, embarked on a week-long roadshow to launch the latest edition of...
NRF-SAIAB and SANBI’s REFRESH Project Participates in the 2024 Great Southern BioBlitz
February 11, 2025The NRF–South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), as co-leads of the NRF FBIP Large Grant REFRESH Project, have marked a significant milestone in the project by participating in its first BioBlitz....
NRF-SAIAB Briefing Note: Small but mighty – The humble mullet and their ecological importance
January 22, 2025Prepared by: Taryn Murray, Bantony Ziko, Dinah Mukhari & Amber Childs Objective: A briefing note aims to provide a concise outcome-based synopsis of recent research or expert opinion that may inform decision making and activities by Authorities, Industry, NGOs and...
NRF-SAIAB Seminar Series 2025
January 21, 2025Thursday 6 February 2025, 10.30am (SAST) Venue: NRF-SAIAB Lecture Room Zoom Registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/VbEv_SGOQ5CMbWsJEQCM8w Passcode: 800483 by Vusi Mthombeni– Honorary Research Associate, NRF-SAIABFreshwater Ecologist, Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) Evaluating perceptions of co-management on small-scale fisheries...
NRF-SAIAB-SAEON Briefing Note: Climate change resilience and refugia for fishery species
December 13, 2024Prepared by: Nicola James & Shaun Deyzel Objective – A briefing note aims to provide a concise outcome based synopsis of recent research or expert opinion that may inform decision making and activities by authorities, NGOs and NPOs. The briefing...
NRF-SAIAB Hosts Successful Annual Student Symposium Event
December 13, 2024The South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) successfully hosted the 2024 Student Symposium on November 29, 2024, at the Amazwi Literature Museum in Makhanda. This annual event provides a platform for Masters and PhD students affiliated with NRF-SAIAB to...
Reaching New Horizons: NRF-SAIAB’s Nokubonga Mbandzi-Phorego Shares Insights from Her First International Trip and Training Workshop to Canada
November 30, 2024By: Nokubonga Mbandzi-Phorego The NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity researcher, Dr Nokubonga Mbandzi-Phorego visited the Hakai Institute in Quadra Island, Canada for a training workshop on the Global Eutrophication Monitoring (GEM) programme from the 23rd – 27th of September...
Unveiling New Species: How Eight New Catfish Species Were Named
November 14, 2024By: Dr Yonela Sithole (PDP Postdoctoral Research Fellow) In the groundbreaking study of the Parauchenoglanis genus, eight new species were discovered in the river systems of central and southern Africa. Previously classified under Parauchenoglanis ngamensis, these species were identified as...
Revealing Hidden Diversity: Eight New Freshwater Fish Species Discovered in Africa
November 14, 2024By: Dr Yonela Sithole (PDP Postdoctoral Research Fellow) Africa’s rivers are home to an amazing diversity of fish species, but this biodiversity is increasingly threatened by human activities. Overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and invasive species are all having a significant...
NRF-SAIAB Annual Student Symposium 2024
November 13, 2024THEME: ‘Safe-Guarding Africa’s Aquatic Future’ We are pleased to invite you to this year’s NRF-SAIAB Student Symposium, which will take place on Friday, 29 November 2024, beginning at 08:30 AM at the Amazwi South African Museum of Literature. RSVP: T.Ntokoana@saiab.nrf.ac.za...
NRF-SAIAB Seminar Series presentation by Kim Labuschagne
November 11, 2024Date: Wednesday, 13 November 2024, 10:30am (SAST) Venue: Lecture Room, NRF-SAIAB, Somerset Street, Makhanda Zoom Registration Link: https://zoom.us/…/tJAtdeqhrTkiGdAHKqmM41yK9wX0DeQ2910J Passcode: 759970 by Kim Labuschagne SANBI Biobank Curator The SANBI Wildlife Biobank: Conserving Tomorrow, Today The preservation of biodiversity is critical to...
NRF-SAIAB Seminar Series presentation by Dr Kerry-Ann van der Walt
November 8, 2024Thursday 7 November 2024, 10.30am (SAST) Zoom Registration link: https://zoom.us/j/95770623049?pwd=tDzFGvAg9cTo5gYBNGGrbPxHOdae6b.1 Passcode: 362255 by Kerry-Ann van der Walt PDP Postdoctoral Research Fellow, NRF-SAIAB Investigating recruitment dynamics and retention patterns of fish larvae in nearshore environments along the south-east coastline of South...
Science for Society Lecture
October 25, 2024Join the Science for Society Lecture, jointly organised by NRF-SAEON and NRF-SAIAB. This event will feature a panel discussion with researchers from NRF-SAEON (Drs. Mary-Jane Bopape and Warren Joubert); NRF-SAIAB (Profs. Albert Chakona and Francesca Porri); the Wits Sustainable Global...
8th Southern African Shark and Ray Symposium
October 10, 202415 – 19 September 2025 | Makhanda, Eastern Cape https://sasrs.saiab.ac.za The South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity and the Wildlife Conservation Society are proud to be hosting the 8th instalment of the Southern African Shark and Ray Symposium in Makhanda,...
SAIAB Annual Smith Memorial Lecture – ‘Freshwater Fishes of Southern Africa | A Complete Guide’
October 10, 2024SAIAB holds the Lecture in memory of JLB and Margaret Mary Smith to commemorate their legacy of discovery and research in Ichthyology and related fields. This year, we have invited former Director of SAIAB (1998 – 2011), Professor Paul Skelton...
NRF-SAIAB Seminar Series presentation by Dinah Mukhari and Bantony Ziko
October 10, 2024Thursday 10 October 2024, 10.30am (SAST) Venue: NRF-SAIAB Lecture Room Zoom Registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJApc-qppjoiEtOZKinul1SGGZzEzqwNVk67 Passcode: 607663 by Dinah Mukhari & Bantony Ziko PhD Candidates, NRF-SAIAB From chemistry to conservation: Using otoliths to track fish movements Otoliths are fish ear bones...
Marine Research Exchange: NRF-SAIAB PhD researcher from South Africa at the University of Plymouth, England
October 8, 2024By: Jabulani Ndaba (NRF-SAIAB PhD candidate) Jabulani Ndaba, a PhD student in the Coastal and Ocean Sciences Team (COST) at the NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity and registered at Rhodes University, recently completed a three-month collaborative research visit at...
Eulogy for Dr. Leonard J.V. Compagno
October 4, 2024By Dr. Dave Ebert (NRF-SAIAB Honorary Research Associate) Leonard J.V. Compagno passed away on 25 September 2024. Born in San Francisco, California, on 4 December 1943, he was a true Giant in the field of Shark, Ray, and Ghost Shark...
NRF-SAIAB Hosts Training Course on “Best Practices in Aquatic Food Web Investigations”
September 16, 2024The NRF-SAIAB recently held a training course titled “Best Practices in Aquatic Food Web Investigations: Stable Isotope and Fatty Acid Approaches.” The course was designed to equip participants with critical skills in defining sampling designs for food web studies, deciding...
NRF-SAIAB Seminar Series presentation by Jody Oliver
September 13, 2024Thursday 26 September 2024, 10.30am (SAST) Venue: NRF-SAIAB Lecture Room Zoom Registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwkdemprD4tE93bpIWY4JCVShNZLplaCxoK Passcode: 185590 By Jody Oliver AGRP Laboratory Technician & PhD Candidate, NRF-SAIAB Beyond the Surface: Using cutting-edge technology for marine exploration South Africa, renowned for its vibrant...
Exploring the Future of Linefish: Insights from the 6th Southern African Marine Linefish Symposium
September 5, 2024The 6th Southern African Marine Linefish Symposium (6SAMLS), held from 19 to 23 August 2024 at Mpekweni Beach Resort in the Eastern Cape, was a significant gathering that brought together Southern African linefish researchers and students, park managers, compliance officers...
NRF-SAIAB’s Dr. Nompumelelo Baso Among Top 3 Finalists for Prestigious Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Research Grant
August 29, 2024Dr. Nompumelelo Baso, a postdoctoral researcher at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB), has made it as one of the top three shortlisted candidates from 630 applicants for the 2024 Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Research Grant (JWO Research Grant)....
William Smith: The science educator who was larger than life
August 24, 2024William Smith eulogy by Mike Bruton (23.08.24) The famous science educator, William Macdonald Smith, widely known as ‘South Africa’s favourite teacher, died in Perth, Australia, on Wednesday, 21st August 2024 after a short battle with cancer. Wiiliam was born to...
NRF-SAIAB Seminar Series by Dr. Eleonora Puccinelli
August 19, 2024Food Web Interactions in Marine Ecosystems: From Urban to Offshore Environments by Eleonora Puccinelli Principal Investigator, Department of Coastal Systems (COS),Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) Date: Thursday 29 August 2024, Time: 10:30 AM (SAST) Venue: NRF-SAIAB Lecture Room...
NRF-SAIAB Hosts Annual Advisory Panel Committee Meeting
August 19, 2024On 31 July 2024, the NRF-SAIAB leadership convened its annual Advisory Panel Committee meeting. The meeting brought together a diverse group of experts to provide strategic guidance and advice to the institution as it navigates the challenges and opportunities within...
NRF-SAIAB Scientists Play a Crucial Role at the 40th Eskom Expo for Young Scientists in Makhanda
August 16, 2024By Siyamthanda Ndinisa & Mbali Ngulube On Saturday, July 27th, Rhodes University’s Great Hall buzzed with youthful energy as it hosted the 40th Regional Science Fair of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. This annual event, a beacon of inspiration...
NRF-SAIAB Transitions to Green Energy with Solar Installation and 400,000-Litre Water Tanks
August 15, 2024By Mbali Ngulube & Siyamthanda Ndinisa In a major step towards sustainability, NRF-SAIAB has successfully installed 48 solar panels and two large water tanks, each with a capacity of 200,000 litres, at its Makhanda building. These projects were initiated to...
NRF-SAIAB and the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization Nurture Fish Taxonomy Talent Across Africa
August 14, 2024By Siyamthanda Ndinisa & Mbali Ngulube The South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) partnered to launch a significant scientific research initiative aimed at developing local talent and leadership...
NRF-SAIAB Seminar Series by Hesmarié Botha
July 29, 2024Exploring gnathiid isopods, the “mosquitoes” of the marine world. By Hesmarié Botha Research Student, NRF-SAIAB; North-West University, Potchefstroom Date: Thursday 1 August 2024, Time: 10.30am (SAST) Zoom Registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqdumtrz0sG9F9sd9Fu7pyvBrbszbpa1z0 Passcode: 033024 Smaller organisms, such as parasites, have historically been...
NRF-SAIAB’s SCM Team Hosts a Development Workshop to Empower Makhanda and Eastern Cape Province SMMEs
July 19, 2024By: Angela Buthelezi (NRF-SAIAB SCM Manager) NRF-SAIAB hosted its first Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) workshop on June 27, 2024, for Makhanda and Eastern Cape Province SMMEs. The workshop was conducted by the NRF-SAIAB SCM team, Ms Angela Buthelezi (SCM...
NRF-SAIAB Seminar Series presentation by Dr Phumza Ndaleni
July 19, 2024Feeding Morphology Traits as Predictors of Food Competition Among Cichlid Species in the Komati River System By Dr Phumza Ndaleni Post-Doctoral Researcher, NRF-SAIAB Date: Thursday 25 July 2024, Time: 10.30am (SAST) Venue: Lecture Room, NRF-SAIAB, Somerset Street, Makhanda Zoom Registration...
A Journey Beyond the Horizon: Olly’s Life-Changing Voyage experience on SA Agulhas II
July 18, 2024By: Olwethu “Olly” Maqalekana (NRF-SAIAB/ SANBI Groen Sebenza Intern) It was an afternoon after a long day of fieldwork at St. Francis with my team, when I checked my emails before preparing to nap. Catching my attention at first sight...
NRF-SAIAB, FAO Host Important Fish Taxonomy Research Workshop
July 16, 2024ATTENTION: NEWS EDITORS, REPORTERS AND PRODUCERS For immediate release12 July 2024 The South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have joined forces for a scientific research initiative aimed at...
NRF-SAIAB Seminar Series presentation by Enya Munting
July 3, 2024Understanding the impacts of Marine Protected Areas on the Commercial Linefishing sector in KwaZulu-Natal as a first step towards sustainable MPA governance By: Enya Munting Research Student, NRF-SAIAB The Recording is now available on the NRF-SAIAB YouTube Channel: Marine Protected...
NRF-SAIAB Seminar Series presentation by Dr Taryn Murray
June 13, 2024Existing knowledge on estuarine‐marine connectivity of important fishery species in South Africa By: Dr Taryn Murray Instrument Scientist, NRF-SAIAB The Recording is now available on the NRF-SAIAB YouTube Channel: Estuaries play a crucial role in the life histories of numerous...
NRF-SAIAB JML Programme: Changing the Tides in Ocean Research, through Innovation, Research and Partnerships
June 13, 2024– Lucky Dlamini (NRF-SAIAB Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager) The National Research Foundation (NRF) is celebrating a significant milestone in its history, marking its 25th anniversary since its establishment on April 1, 1999. As a statutory body mandated to promote...
MSc opportunity: Habitat features and nursery function in a proposed rocky shore MPA
June 3, 2024An MSc opportunity is available for students with a background in aquatic zoology or botany A no-take MPA along a 2 km stretch of rocky shore is being proposed in Jeffrey’s Bay (Jeffrey’s Bay Marine Rock Reserve) for an initial...