Featured Research
Why the SAIAB Featured Research
Stimulate Communication
Promote Infomation Exchange
Highlight Research Insights
The SAIAB Featured Research describes research outputs by our postgraduate students, postdocs, and researchers, with the aim of stimulating communication and promoting the exchange of information on regional, national and international developments in aquatic biodiversity and ichthyology research. The Featured Research is also an extension of the SAIAB Seminar Series platform which profiles the research of our seminar series presenters and is an opportunity for the presenters to advocate for their science, highlight the expected impacts, and to introduce the research team behind the projects in the form of an accessible news story for the general public.
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, 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 Briefing Note: New insights into ray movement and conservation
May 23, 2024Prepared by Dr Chantel Elston 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 note series...
NRF-SAIAB Briefing Note: SEASCAPES – Importance and Translation into Management
May 23, 2024Prepared by Professor Nicola James 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 note series...
Unveiling Nature’s Jewel: Exploring the Enigmatic World of the Translucent Goukou Galaxias
April 17, 2024By Xiluva Mathebula, Nkululeko Zuma, Albert Chakona The Goukou galaxias (Galaxias sp. nov. ‘goukou’) is a fascinating small, cylindrical freshwater fish that grows up to 70 mm in total length. This unique fish possesses a semi-translucent body that reveals glimpses...
Fish monitoring within the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve region
April 15, 2024Gouritz Ecological Corridors Project, Gouritz Resilient Rivers, Invasion Biology (IAPs) By Nelisiwe Khusi (GCBR, Junior Hydrologist) and Xiluva Mathebula (Groen Sebenza/NRF-SAIAB Freshwater Taxonomy Intern) 1.1 The importance of Fish monitoring within the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve The Gouritz Cluster Biosphere...
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...
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...
Highlighting the value of using multibeam bathymetry in marine spatial planning within the uThukela Banks Marine Protected Area, South Africa
November 2, 2023By: Thami Wanda (NRF-SAIAB GeMaP Multibeam Instrument Technician and current PhD researcher) and Lucky Dlamini (NRF-SAIAB Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager). Due to the expanding global population and the growing focus on the blue economy, South Africa has recognised the...