ATTENTION: NEWS EDITORS, REPORTERS AND PRODUCERS
For immediate release
12 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 the development of local talent and leadership across Africa for the preservation of fish species across Africa.
The two organisations are currently hosting the EAF-Nansen Programme Post-Survey Workshop on Fish Taxonomy Research at the NRF-SAIAB campus in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), Eastern Cape. The workshop will conclude on Friday, 19 July. Journalists in the Eastern Cape are invited to attend for coverage. Remote interviews can also be facilitated for journalists.
The workshop has brought together 10 selected fish biology and taxonomy scientists from Mozambique, Kenya and Tanzania for advanced training under the auspices of the EAF-Nansen Programme, which aims to support regional and country-specific efforts to reduce poverty, improve food security, and achieve sustainable fisheries management systems. Trainers at the workshop are from NRF-SAIAB, FAO, Iziko South African Museum and University of Cape Town.
NRF-SAIAB and FAO believe their collaboration will increase sound taxonomic information and expertise for the successful implementation of fisheries management plans and biodiversity programs across Africa. Among a range of outcomes, the workshop is expected to elevate the capacity of scientists from Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya to carry out taxonomy work and produce scientific publications autonomously using the most advanced methodologies/techniques.
Dr Peter Psomadakis, FAO fish taxonomist, says the workshop is part of a broader programme to improve taxonomy research on the continent. A total of 16 papers, including ones on 11 new fish species, are expected to be described during the workshop and subsequently published in a special issue of an international peer-reviewed scientific journal.
“I wish to emphasise that this workshop is only the first step of a more ambitious plan. The idea is to use in a synergistic way the EAF-Nansen Programme of FAO, the surveys at sea, and its network of partner countries/institutions in conjunction to NRF-SAIAB’s infrastructure and staff expertise to make a step change in the capacity to carry out fish taxonomy research in Africa,” Dr Psomadakis says.
“Taxonomy is sorely lacking in Africa. Only four African fish taxonomists attended the last Indo Pacific-Fish Conference held from 20 to 24 November 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. To give continuity to our action and have a real impact, other funding opportunities such as postdocs, grants, scholarships, etc, to facilitate professional collaboration and knowledge sharing need to be found.
“In this context, NRF-SAIAB has the potential to act as the reference scientific institution for aspiring mid-level practitioners, e.g. fisheries observers, technicians, and professional fish taxonomists coming from the whole continent.”
Workshop details:
Venue: NRF-SAIAB, Somerset Street, Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), Eastern Cape
Dates: Under way until 19 July
Time: 9:00 to 17:00
Media contacts:
Lucky Dlamini, NRF-SAIAB Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager, LB.Dlamini@saiab.nrf.ac.za, +27 46 603 5877
Bongani Nkosi, NRF Media Relations Officer,b.nkosi@nrf.ac.za, +27 61 477 3064
ENDS.
About the NRF:
The National Research Foundation (NRF) is an independent statutory body established in accordance with the National Research Foundation Act. Its mandate is to support and promote research through funding, human resource development and the provision of the necessary research facilities in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including indigenous knowledge; developing, supporting and maintaining national research facilities; supporting and promoting public awareness of, and engagement with, science; and promoting the development and maintenance of the national science system and support of Government priorities, thereby contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of all South Africans.
Website: www.nrf.ac.za | Twitter: @NRF_News | Facebook: @NRFSouthAfrica
Media Queries:
Bongani Nkosi
Media Relations Officer
NRF Corporate Communications
Email: b.nkosi@nrf.ac.za / Cell: +27 61 477 306
