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.
International Day of Action for Rivers: Protect the Kowie River
March 14, 2024-By Xiluva Mathebula (Groen Sebenza/NRF-SAIAB Research Intern) Importance of the Kowie River The Kowie River is situated in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, flowing from Grahamstown to its outlet in the Indian Ocean at Port Alfred. The Kowie...
SAIAB Seminar Series – Dr. Matthew E. Gruwell: Investigating eDNA Solutions from the North American Great Lakes to Mpumalanga, South Africa.
March 13, 2024NRF-SAIAB Seminar Series 2024 This talk is now available on the SAIAB YouTube: Date: 20 March 2024, 10:30am (SAST) Zoom Registration Link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJItcuChqzkpGtCRAzwVKeorrwYbjefd3mU6 Passcode: 317884 Dr. Matthew E. Gruwell (Associate Professor of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Penn State Behrend) will...
6th Southern African Marine Linefish Symposium
March 5, 2024Calling all marine and estuarine linefish researchers! Don’t miss the 6th Southern African Marine Linefish Symposium, taking place in the Eastern Cape, Mpekweni Beach Resort from 19-23 August 2024. With a theme of “Fish, Fishers and the Future”, this symposium...
NRF-SAIAB’s donation of the five-volume Coastal Fishes Book advances marine research in the Western Indian Ocean region
February 28, 2024– Lucky Dlamini (NRF-SAIAB Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager) Published in September 2022, the five-volume Coastal Fishes of the Western Indian Ocean (CFWIO) publication is a monumental achievement by the NRF- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB). It serves...
A Proud Former PhD Graduate of NRF-SAIAB Returns As A Visiting Researcher, Focusing on Advancing Freshwater Fish Taxonomy
February 26, 2024By: Siyamthanda Ndinisa & Mbali Ngulube Dr. Mpho Ramoejane, a former PhD student of NRF-SAIAB, returned since graduating through supervision from the Institute. Dr. Ramoejane who is now a lecturer in the Zoology Department at the University of the Free...
Best of both worlds: science meets traditional African indigenous wisdom in finding sustainable nature-based solutions for urbanised coasts
February 22, 2024By Jabulani Ndaba and Nobuhle Mpanza (NRF-SAIAB PhD Research Students) For years, African indigenous knowledge has often been marginalised in community-scientific based research, leading to the enforcement of policies and practices onto local communities without initial consultations and involvement in...
Integrating Science and Art through Sound
February 20, 2024– Lucky Dlamini (NRF-SAIAB Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager) In a fusion of science and art, the Indigenous Marine Innovations for Sustainable Environments and Economies (IMIsEE) project in South Africa is pioneering novel approaches to address coastal challenges. Drawing from...
SAIAB Seminar Series – Prof Julie Coetzee: Aquatic invasive species research – where we’ve been, and where we’re going
February 14, 2024NRF-SAIAB Seminar Series 2024 This talk is now available on the SAIAB YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/ZS1xbKV3Cvs Date: Thursday 22 February 2024, 10.30am (SAST) Zoom Registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAocOCppzgiGtWOBM-FP4x8Ai5gyQ4o3yci Passcode: 077041 Prof Julie Coetzee (DSI/NRF-SAIAB Research Chair in Biological Control and Freshwater Alien...
From Snorkelling to Deep Diving – An Exploration of the Underwater World 30 meters deep
February 14, 2024By: Dani Julius (NRF-SAIAB – Groen Sebenza Research Intern) Danielle Julius, affectionately known as ‘Dani’, is more than just a friend to the fish; she’s a passionate explorer of the ocean depths. Hailing from Cape Town, her affinity for the...
NRF-SAIAB’s MARIP Platform hosts successful South African BRUVs research network workshop
February 5, 2024The NRF-SAIAB’s Marine Remote Imagery Platform (MARIP), led by Instrument Scientist, Dr Anthony Bernard hosted a three-day hybrid (in-person/online) workshop for 44 attendees (24 in-person and 20 online) at the NRF-SAIAB venue in Makhanda, from the 9th to the 11th...
Lulama Makana: Elevating Wellness at NRF-SAIAB through Passionate Fitness Advocacy
February 1, 2024By Siyamthanda Ndinisa & Mbali Ngulube In the bustling corridors of NRF-SAIAB, where ground-breaking research often takes center stage, there is a dynamic force reshaping the culture of the institution. In the heart of NRF-SAIAB, Lulama Makana is not just...
Cutting-Edge Laboratories Set to Lead Marine Research for Societal Advancement in South Africa
January 25, 2024– Lucky Dlamini (NRF-SAIAB Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager) In a ground-breaking initiative to advance marine research with a profound societal impact in South Africa, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF)–South African Institute...
Download Your NRF-SAIAB Branded Digital Calendar for 2024 Now!
January 19, 2024As we embark on a new year filled with exciting opportunities and discoveries, the NRF-SAIAB is thrilled to present its exclusive branded digital calendar for 2024. Designed with a focus on the incredible biodiversity of aquatic life, this calendar is...
BIODIVERSITY BIOBANKS: An insurance policy for the future of nature
January 17, 2024By: Seshnee Reddy , Biobank Coordinator at NRF-SAIAB. In a world where climate change, habitat destruction, overexploitation and pollution are leading to increasing loss of biodiversity that is altering the capacity of the Earth to sustain life, Biodiversity Biobanks are emerging as...
A Recap of the 11th Indo-Pacific Fish Conference (IPFC) 2023
December 13, 2023By Yonela Sithole (NRF-SAIAB PDP Postdoctoral Fellow) The Indo-Pacific Fish Conference (IPFC: https://www.ipfc11-asfb.ac.nz/) stands as a beacon for the global ichthyology community, bringing together marine, estuarine, and freshwater fish enthusiasts every four years. The recently concluded 2023 conference, co-hosted with...
Retired Marine Biologist Dr. Marek Lipinski Continues Legacy in curating unrecorded species
December 12, 2023In an inspiring return to the forefront of marine biology, retired Marine Biologist, Dr Marek Lipinski has once again graced the NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) with his expertise, dedicating his time to curate the enigmatic cephalopod specimens...
Launch of the DSI/NRF-SAIAB/UNIZULU Joint Marine Laboratory for Marine and Estuarine Ecotoxicology
December 11, 2023– Lucky Dlamini The Zoology Department at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) achieved a significant milestone on December 5, 2023, with the inauguration of the DSI/NRF-SAIAB/UNIZULU Joint Marine Laboratory for Marine and Estuarine Ecotoxicology. Situated on the KwaDlangezwa Campus, this...
Renowned Shark Expert, Dr David Ebert, Inspires and Educates at NRF-SAIAB Seminar Series
December 1, 2023In a return to his academic roots, Dr David Ebert, Honorary Research Associate, and Honorary Curator of Chondrichthyans (cartilaginous fish) at the NRF-SAIAB, along with being the Program Director at the Pacific Shark Research Centre in Moss Landing, California, revisited...
Launch of the DSI/NRF-SAIAB/UNIZULU Joint Marine Laboratory for Ecotoxicology
December 1, 2023The NRF-SAIAB, through the African Coelacanth Ecosystem (ACEP) Phuhlisa Programme has been supporting marine science at four historically disadvantaged Higher Education Institutions (HDIs), i.e. the University of Fort Hare, Walter Sisulu University, University of the Western Cape and the University...
NRF-SAIAB BRIEFING NOTE: Nature-Based Co-Creations as Ecological Engineering Solutions for Urban Coastlines: Transdisciplinary Partnerships Through Science, Arts, Indigenous Knowledge and Industry
November 15, 2023October 2023 Prepared by Prof. Francesca Porri & Dr Kerry-Ann van der Walt OBJECTIVE OF BRIEF The purpose of this briefing note is to provide an in-depth overview on ongoing research pursued by researchers at the South African Institute for...
NRF-SAIAB invests in cutting-edge technology: the ROV and sea mapping tools, opening new frontiers in marine research
November 9, 2023By Siyamthanda Ndinisa & Andisile Klaas The NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) has taken a giant leap forward in marine research with its recent acquisition of an advanced Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) worth R14 million and an impressive...
SAIAB Student Symposium – “Planet Water: tides are changing” – Friday 24 November 2023
November 6, 2023Date: Friday 24 November 2023 Time: 08:30 – 16:30 Physical Venue: Amazwi South African Museum of Literature Online Attendance: Zoom registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIucOiqrTMiHd39TR3iTzekob9eOp7zOt5h “Planet Water: tides are changing” Inspired by the theme for World Oceans Day 2023 – The SAIAB...
Highlighting the Implications of Plastic Pollution Through Art in Celebration of National Marine Month at NRF-SAIAB
October 23, 2023By Siyamthanda Ndinisa & Andisile Klaas (DSI/HSRC Communications Interns) As National Marine Week kicked off in October, the NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) took a unique and creative approach to raise awareness about the marine and coastal environment....
Success for NRF-SAIAB at Rhodes University Graduation
October 19, 2023A momentous occasion unfolded on October 13, 2023, as the National Research Foundation – South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) proudly witnessed the graduation of its dedicated staff, SAIAB-supervised students, and interns from Rhodes University. The day marked a...
NRF-SAIAB Seminar – Dr David Ebert: Searching for lost sharks
October 18, 2023Searching for lost sharks The movie ‘Jaws’ brought a lot of attention to sharks, both good and bad. The negative consequences of sharks being overfished, culled from popular beaches or fished for sport have been well documented. It is hard...
NRF-SAIAB Fosters Global Collaborations: Mozambican researcher gains crucial insights for biodiversity preservation through using the SAIAB National Fish Collections
October 18, 2023The NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) is proud to welcome Arcénia Chivale, a distinguished zoology technician and curator from Gorongosa National Park in Inhambane, Mozambique. Arcénia’s visit to SAIAB exemplifies the Institute’s role as a thriving hub for...
SAIAB students shine with triple award at the PAFFA conference in Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)
October 16, 2023The NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) made an indelible mark at the 7th International Conference of the Pan African Fish and Fisheries Association (PAFFA) in the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), held from 18 – 22 September 2023. Seven...
NRF-SAIAB Seminar – Dr Taryn Murray: Benchmarking knowledge-based adaptive management of estuarine fisheries in South Africa for sustainable development
October 16, 2023Benchmarking knowledge-based adaptive management of estuarine fisheries in South Africa for sustainable development South Africa’s enchanting coastline, with its sandy shores and rugged cliffs, protects hidden treasures in the form of dynamic estuaries where rivers meet the sea. These estuaries...
Dr Albert Chakona Promoted to Chief Scientist at the NRF-SAIAB: advancing aquatic research in Africa
October 2, 2023By Siyamthanda Ndinisa and Andisile Klaas (DSI/HSRC SAIAB Communications Interns) SAIAB’s former student and esteemed Senior Scientist, Dr Albert Chakona, takes the helm as the new Chief Scientist in leading the NRF-SAIAB to promote the already ongoing initiatives to advance...
Calling 2nd & 3rd year and postgraduate (Honours) students to apply for the SAIAB Summer School
September 22, 2023The NRF-SAIAB is proud to be running a Summer School again this year. Undergraduate (2nd and 3rd year students) and postgraduate (Honours) students, with a view of continuing to post-graduate levels in the field of Aquatic Biodiversity, are invited to...
Inspiring Tomorrow’s Conservationists: Port Alfred High School Learners Explore Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation
September 8, 2023In the quest of making scientific knowledge accessible to the public and to encourage sustainable environmental practices, the Coastal and Ocean Sciences Team (COST) from the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB), in collaboration with the Royal Alfred Marina,...
SAIAB Annual Smith Memorial Lecture – ‘Knysna Estuary: Jewel of the Garden Route’
September 7, 2023SAIAB holds the Smith Memorial Lecture in memory of J.L.B and Margaret Mary Smith to commemorate their legacy of discovery and research in Ichthyology and related fields. This year, we invited former Chief Scientist Emeritus & Research Associate of SAIAB,...
NRF-SAIAB Hosts Successful First Rotational NCBF Meeting at its Makhanda Facility
August 8, 2023In an effort to foster better employee relations, a pivotal meeting with the National Coordinating and Bargaining Forum (NCBF) was held at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) from 31 July to 1 August 2023, with representatives coming...
NRF-SAIAB launches pop-up ‘street’ exhibition in celebration of National Science Week
August 8, 2023The NRF-SAIAB (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity), in collaboration with Rhodes University’s Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science (DIFS), hosted a pop-up science exhibition for Makhanda residents outside the institution in Somerset Street on Friday, 04 August 2023. The...
NRF-SAIAB contributes to the management of aquatic ecosystems in an age of climate uncertainty – Highlights from the SASAqS Conference
July 24, 2023The Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS) hosted its highly anticipated annual conference from 25 to 29 June 2023. This year’s event, held under the theme ‘Managing Aquatic Ecosystems in an Age of Climate Uncertainty’, brought together researchers, scientists...
SAIAB Seminar: Dr Kerry-Ann van der Walt – “Tiny Titans? Evaluating the resiliency and functional connectivity of Brachyuran early life stages within a southern African urban coastal system in a changing climate.”
July 24, 2023Presented by: Dr Kerry-Ann van der Walt (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, NRF-SAIAB) Tiny Titans? Evaluating the resiliency and functional connectivity of Brachyuran early life stages within a southern African urban coastal system in a changing climate. The recording of this seminar...
Mastering Fish Identification: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Marine Enthusiasts
July 17, 2023By Yonela Sithole In September 2022, the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB), a national facility of the National Research Foundation (NRF), published the highly anticipated five-volume book titled Coastal Fishes of the Western Indian Ocean (CFWIO). This comprehensive...
NRF-SAIAB hosts Makhanda High School learners for a Science Internship Programme
July 14, 2023The NRF-SAIAB (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity) recently welcomed enthusiastic learners from various Makhanda high schools as part of the Science Internship Programme. Running for more than 10 years, the programme was initiated by SAIAB’s Prof Francesca Porri and...
SAIAB Seminar: Dr Taryn Murray – Do Marine Protected Areas really protect mobile aquatic species?
July 7, 2023Dr Taryn Murray (Instrument Scientist, NRF-SAIAB), will present: Do Marine Protected Areas really protect mobile aquatic species? Thursday 13 July 2023, 10.30am Zoom registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUtcOygrzssGt1_W96Z7PffBUaiWSo-6wIR#/registration See attached poster for more details.
From Seascapes to Sacred Traditions: MzanSea Film Shines Light on South Africa’s Deep Ocean Connections.
June 8, 2023Joint press release – SANBI, SAHRA, NRF-SAIAB 8 June 2023 – This World Oceans Day we dive into South Africa’s coastal and marine heritage, through a film that recognises and surfaces the tangible and intangible connections of our people to...
MSc and PhD Project Opportunities at NRF-SAIAB
June 5, 2023Projects with SAIAB’s Seascape Ecology Research Group Two MSc and one PhD projects are available for zoology and/or ichthyology students. These projects are available from 2024 with full running costs, but students will have to apply to the National Research...
SAIAB Seminar Series – Coming up on 8 June 2023
June 1, 2023Using bioindicator organisms to understand chemical pollution in intertidal systems Presented by: Dr Nokubonga Mbandzi (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, SAIAB) Date: Thursday 8 June 2023, 10.30am (Johannesburg) Zoom Registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJclfuqgrTksGNx84Je1POoxdgkvcreMY_EC
Nursery role of red algae dominated reef in temperate Algoa Bay
May 26, 2023By: Nicola James, Lucienne Human and Gavin Rishworth, SAIAB, SAEON Elwandle Node and Nelson Mandela University One of the most critical ecosystem functions provided by shallow coastal habitats is as nurseries for the juveniles of marine fish, many of which...
A REFRESHing journey to update knowledge on aquatic parasite species in South Africa
May 1, 2023Authors: Marliese Truter, Anja Erasmus, Kerry Malherbe, Nico J SmitWater Research Group (WRG) Aquatic biodiversity of South Africa Did you know that South Africa is a megadiverse country that hosts a range of exceptionally diverse and endemic organisms? Despite having...
SAIAB researchers contribute to new series of Open Access journals by Cambridge University Press to address global challenges
May 1, 2023Cambridge University Press (CUP) has announced a new series of Open Access journals that will address “global challenges by bringing together researchers across national and subject boundaries”. Cambridge Prisms: Coastal Futures https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/cambridge-prisms-coastal-futures/information/about-this-journal is one three new open access journals launched...
Molecular biology training brings researchers from across the country together
May 1, 2023SAIAB’s Yonela Sithole (middle) assisting UniZulu PhD Students, Sazi Nzama (left) and Lungelo Nsibande). By Andisile Klaas, (SAIAB Communications Intern) The South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), in collaboration with DIPLOMICS, hosted a training workshop aimed at upskilling researchers...
Women science graduates celebrate Master’s and PhD degrees
May 1, 2023Women in science shine at the Rhodes University 2023 graduation during International Women’s Month MSc graduate Annah Mthombeni after her graduation ceremony on 29 March 2023. Photo: Andisile Klaas. By Andisile Klaas (SAIAB Communications Intern) March is widely known as...
SAIAB students and interns use World Water Day to clean up two Makhanda water sources
May 1, 2023Cleaning Kowie River and Fairview Spring for World Water Day By Andisile Klaas (SAIAB Communications Intern) The United Nations first established 22 March as World Water Day in 1993. The day has been celebrated ever since as a day highlighting...
In Celebration of Professor Olaf Weyl
February 7, 2023Join the NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity in celebrating the life, research excellence and the legacy of the late Olaf Weyl. Olaf joined SAIAB in 2009 from the Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science at Rhodes University and wholeheartedly served the...
Science with and for Society: The SAIAB IMIsEE Project Case Study
December 7, 2022Enhancing Ecological Engineering Solutions in Urban Coastlines Through the Transdisciplinary NRF–SAIAB Funded IMIsEE Project In August, the NRF-SAIAB Indigenous Marine Innovations for sustainable Environments and Economies (IMIsEE) project held its first official event, an imbizo, with members of the rural coastal community of Hamburg in the...