Dr Ziyanda Mzozo

Position: PDP Postdoctoral Research Fellow: South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity

Dr Mzozo’s research focuses on abalone larviculture and copepod culture. Abalone are high-value seafood species that are highly vulnerable to thermal stress and pH shifts. These factors can lead to high mortality rates, low settlement and metamorphosis. Copepods are essential as live feed for marine fish larvae but are underutilised in South Africa due to difficulties with mass cultivation.

Her current research investigates the physiological responses of candidate mariculture species-abalone larvae and copepods-to fluctuating environmental parameters and the impact of these fluctuations on species development. By understanding how changes in abiotic factors affect the metabolism and development of both species, researchers aim to map their thermal performance curves. This knowledge will (1) assist in optimising hatchery culturing protocols for these species, thereby ensuring the future success of mariculture, and (2) help predict the broader ecological consequences of ocean warming and acidification, which is crucial for conservation efforts.

Education

Degree	Institution and location	Graduated
BSc. Zoology and Microbiology	University of Forth Hare	2013
BSc. (Hons) Zoology	University of Fort Hare	2014
MSc. Zoology	University of Fort Hare	2017
PhD. Zoology	University of Fort Hare	2025