Biodiversity and Ecology of Reefs
Coastal Zone Management
Ecosystem Functioning
Estuarine Health and Ecology
Linefish Research
Marine Protected Areas
Resource-use Monitoring
International Collaborative Projects
Support and Training Services
General

RESEARCH PROGRAMMES

BIODIVERSITY AND ECOLOGY OF REEFS

Biodiversity of East Coast reefs
The sub-tidal shallow reefs off KwaZulu-Natal have a high biodiversity ranging from rich coral encrusted reefs in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park to the more temperate rocky reefs further south in the Pondoland MPA. This project uses digital video and GIS in association with physical sampling to document, quantify and map the rich sessile fauna and flora of the KZN reefs. Results are applied to support the development of sustainable-use management strategies and process-orientated research has been initiated to gain a better understanding of the reefs.

Coral reef monitoring in KwaZulu-Natal
Assessing long-term changes in coral community structure in response to human impacts and possible responses to global climate change are key objectives. Correlations between coral community structure and regional oceanography in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, as well as the comparison between the community structure of Nine-mile Reef and the more heavily dived sites at Two-mile Reef are examined on a regular basis.

Bio-indicators of coral reef health
The aim of this project is to select and investigate the use of bio-indicators in assessing reef condition. Bio-indicators are organisms that by their presence/absence, size and/or numbers will help reveal the effect of disturbances on a reef ecosystem such as climate change, overfishing, damaging fishing practices and high diving pressure. South Africa's coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to changes in the environment because of their marginal distribution. Bio-indicators will be used to assess South Africa's coral reefs and provide tools to aid in management decisions.

Genetic analysis to evaluate coral connectivity
Corals from the western Indian Ocean region are analysed genetically to investigate how closely they are related to one another across various scales of separation. Different techniques and genetic markers are applied to a number of species to determine the best modus operandi. Using an assortment of corals allows for the investigation of various perspectives on connectivity that result from an array of coral life-strategies. This project will aid the effective management of coral reefs and coral reef communities in the region.

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

Coastal Zone Research Programme
KwaZulu-Natal's Coastal and Biodiversity Management Unit (of the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development, DAE&RD) is tasked to implement the national integrated Coastal Zone Act in the province. In order to strengthen the capacity of this unit, ORI provides scientific information, decision support and undertakes specific scientific investigations as part of a long-term research programme that specifically focuses on providing solutions to problem management challenges in the coastal zone of KwaZulu-Natal.

Specific topics under study include:
Development of a strategy to manage vehicle access to sensitive coastal areas,
Identification and management of public and private access to the coast,
Development of an index of coastal vulnerability to storm damage and sea level rise,
Historic changes in coastal land-use patterns,
Delineation of set-back lines to provide different levels of protection to the coast,
Preparation of information and training guides for coastal management.

Boat Launch Site Monitoring System (BLSMS) in KZN
Coastal zone management in KwaZulu-Natal was enhanced by the introduction of the BLSMS in 2004, the first-ever province-wide monitoring initiative for boat launch sites in South Africa. The project makes use of a system of daily registers to glean information on usage patterns of fishers, divers, whale and bird watchers and other marine activities. This is an example of unique co-operation between different stakeholders towards a common goal of improved management of small craft launch sites and associated activities.

ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONING

KwaZulu-Natal Bight Ecosystem Functioning
Oceanic surface waters off the African east coast are traditionally characterised as oligotrophic, emphasising the importance of localised fluvial and upwelling processes in driving marine food webs. The KZN Bight provides such an example, with nutrient inputs likely to originate from a combination of an upwelling cell off Richards Bay, the Thukela River, and a cyclonic lee eddy off Durban. Although some aspects of the physico-chemical structure and functioning of the Bight (geology, oceanography, water column nutrients) have received some scientific attention, there remains a poor understanding of how these physico-chemical processes impact on the Bight's ecosystem functioning. The primary aim of this work is thus to develop an understanding of how different material sources drive the Bight's ecological functioning and biodiversity. Not only is this important for humans from the perspective of the far-reaching consequences of proposed impoundments on the Thukela River and the sustainability of local fisheries in the vicinity, but this project also presents an opportunity to describe, and ultimately assign conservation importance to rare and/or important marine fauna as well as unique shelf habitats.

ORI plays an important role in this multi-institutional programme which originated out of the original Coelacanth Programme: ACEP and poses the following questions:
Which physical forces drive nutrient inputs and how can they be characterised?
What are the physico-chemical signatures of each of these inputs?
How does the phytoplankton community respond in terms of structure, productivity, photophysiology, nutritional ecophysiology, and bio-optical characteristics?
What is the nature of the interaction between phytoplankton and zooplankton?
What is the consequence of bacterial - phytoplankton - zooplankton interaction on nutrient regeneration?
What are the determinants of benthic and demersal community structure?
To produce an ecosystem model depicting trophic flow in the KZN Bight

Thukela Bank functioning
The Thukela River is KZN's largest river, depositing large quantities of sediment and run-off water into the sea. The adjacent shelf supports the only substantial concentration of prawns in South Africa, as well as providing habitat for a range of organisms adapted to turbid conditions. It is likely that these organisms depend on the river for nutrients for at least part of their life cycle, and this project investigates the relative importance of terrestrial versus marine nutrients to the Thukela Bank. An additional focus is to determine the extent to which the local ocean currents assist these marine organisms to remain in their preferred habitat.

Offshore soft sediment macrobenthic survey
The offshore soft sediment environment of the east coast is poorly described in terms of habitat and the biota that reside there. Tisand (Pty) Ltd holds prospecting rights to an area on the continental shelf between Richards Bay and Cape St Lucia. Tisand is presently considering its options with respect to these mineral rights and in this respect commissioned a sediment coring survey representative of the entire lease area. The opportunity was also taken to improve information on the distribution of benthic organisms in the lease area. This survey is a soft sediment macrobenthic survey of the offshore environment in the shelf area from Richards Bay to St Lucia (10m to 50m depth) and will provide data necessary for technical, economic and environmental feasibility analyses before mining considerations are made.

ESTUARINE HEALTH & ECOLOGY

Multi-scale variability, patterns and distribution gradients related to macrobenthic invertebrate assemblages in selected South African sub-tropical estuaries
Estuaries are complex, variable and diverse. Consequently they present unique challenges relative to understanding the effects of natural and environmental stressors on these systems. KwaZulu-Natal has ~75 estuaries, classified into five types of varying size. The last few decades have seen the degradation of these estuaries in terms of habitat destruction and loss of function and species. The future health of estuaries is dependent on the gathering of up to date information and how this information can be assimilated and reproduced for not only academic purposes but also how it can be packaged for direct management purposes. The aim of this project is to identify whether the different estuaries have different biophysical states related to anthropogenic effects and climatic events and if each are characterised by unique biotic assemblages, certainly at the micro-organism level.

Spatial and temporal variations in macrozoobenthic communities in KwaZulu-Natal temporarily open/closed estuaries
For a variety of reasons estuaries are among the most rapidly deteriorating environments worldwide. According to past water quality assessments, a quarter of all temporarily open/closed estuarine systems (TOCEs) in Kwazulu-Natal are in a 'poor' to 'very poor' condition. With recent, unprecedented increases in coastal development it is probable that more estuaries will fall into these categories. Macrozoobenthos comprises various benthic invertebrates living in, and at the sediment-water interface. They are preferable biological indicators because of their sensitivity to changes in habitat quality and are thus used in anthropogenic impact studies on estuaries. This study aims to address aspects of 'change' inherent in the macrozoobenthic communities of 32 subtropical estuaries. 'Change' as measured in temporal and spatial community differences such as species composition, abundance, diversity and feeding guild structure, for example. Long-term decadal-type changes in community structure are being investigated using historical data (1998/9) compared with recently sampled data (2010). The recolonisation of two urban and two peri-urban estuaries by macrozoobenthos after episodic flood disturbance is also being examined, to describe short-term community changes in the recovery process. Biogeographical trends in macrozoobenthic communities across KwaZulu-Natal TOCEs and using feeding guilds structures as proxies of key estuarine processes will also be determined using this extensive dataset.

St Lucia Drought Monitoring
The St Lucia estuarine lake complex is the largest of its type in Africa and is characterised by large scale natural physico-chemical spatial and temporal fluctuations. Ecologically, this estuarine complex functions as an important nursery area for fish species and invertebrates too, making use of a number of different habitat types and associated environmental conditions. The system has been subject to a number of natural episodic events such as cyclonic flooding and cyclical droughts, the most current has persisted since 2001 and has resulted in mouth closure for extended periods. Furthermore, high levels of evaporation have reduced lake levels and resulted in compartmentalisation of the system for up to several years at a time. The macrobenthos of this complex has been well studied, but no studies have concentrated on the system as a whole for such an extent of time. Since 2006, biannual collection visits have taken place throughout the system, with clear evidence emerging that the numbers and types of macrobenthic species present are an indication of the health and functioning of the system.

Monitoring climate change effects on estuarine macrobenthos at the subtropical, warm temperate interface
The South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity has embarked on a long-term monitoring programme to monitor the Influence of predicted climate change and sea level rise on estuaries within the South African subtropical/warm-temperate biogeographic transition zone. This project on invertebrate infauna will provide information related to the current status and potential changes to the macrobenthic invertebrates of the Mbashe and Mbhanyana Estuaries. The Mbashe Estuary is partly protected within the Dwesa-Cwebe Marine Reserve, a known biodiversity hotspot that forms the southern distribution limit for a number of plant and animal species. However, the ecology of estuaries within the MPA is poorly understood, with there being information on the ichthyofauna only. The specific aim of the macrobenthic component is to investigate and document the current nature of the macrobenthos and with time to relate this to habitat and communities that use these fauna. This study will contribute towards gathering extensive baseline data on the biodiversity and resource use of the estuaries within the Dwesa-Cwebe Marine Reserve which can be used in conservation planning and management of the estuaries.

Specialist input to studies related to anthropogenic activities directly and indirectly influencing estuarine health, ecology and function
From time to time, baseline and impact studies are conducted on individual or groups of estuaries to determine the effects and possible consequences of activities such as dredging and dredge disposal, mining, artificial water level fluctuations and flow manipulation, for example. The health and recovery of systems is monitored and indicator species are identified to feed into future management initiatives.

LINEFISH RESEARCH

ORI Marine Linefish Tagging Project
Conceived and initiated by ORI in 1984, this nation-wide tagging project is one of the longest running and most successful projects of its kind, with voluntary participation by recreational anglers, commercial fishers, scientists and resource managers. Tag and recapture data provides valuable information on fish movement patterns, growth, fishing mortality and stock size. These scientific data are used in biological studies and stock assessments of marine linefish by scientists around the country and thereby underpin conservation measures. Tagging is focussed on priority species and the best available tagging equipment is used. Much focus is placed on the capture and handling of fish to ensure their greatest chance of survival.

For more information on this project go to: www.oritag.org.za

The biology and fisheries of king mackerel in the South West Indian Ocean
The aims of this study are to evaluate the fishery and biology of king mackerel in the South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) and to improve our understanding of the stock status of this species in order to ensure its effective management. The project focuses on countries within the SWIO region with funding obtained through the South Western Indian Ocean Fisheries Project (SWIOFP). By comparing the biology and genetics of king mackerel from various countries in the SWIO, a better understanding will be obtained about the movement patterns and stock integrity of this species. The extent to which this species is shared by SWIO countries is crucial for the development of local, sub-regional and regional management strategies which will help to ensure the future sustainable use of this important species.

Linefish Species Profiles
The concept of periodically collating and publishing scientific information on key linefish species has proven to be most successful in the past. This project will undertake a comprehensive review of the publication “Southern African Marine Linefish Status Reports” compiled in 1999 and published in 2000 (Mann 2000). In order to ensure that the most up-to-date information is included in each species profile, marine scientists who have conducted research on specific fish species will be requested to compile the relevant species profiles. This will be done as a collaborative exercise through the Marine Linefish Research Group (MLRG) with funding provided by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).

MARINE PROTECTED AREAS (MPAs)

St Lucia Marine Reserve surf-zone fish monitoring & tagging
This is a long-term project designed to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and benefit of marine protected areas (MPAs) in relation to the impact of shore angling. Tagging of key linefish species is providing useful information on the movement patterns, natural mortality and growth rates of the species found within the MPA. Results will be used for fishery management decisions including the refinement of criteria needed to establish MPA networks.

Monitoring the effectiveness of the Pondoland Marine Protected Area in the protection of linefish and other marine resources
Phase I of this project (2002-2003) collected, collated and analysed information on the physical structure of the Pondoland region (bathymetry and seafloor map) and compiled an inventory of marine organisms and their relative distribution and abundance. The Pondoland MPA was proclaimed on 4 June 2004 (Government Gazette No. 26430). Phase II of this project is focusing on the development and implementation of relevant monitoring programmes that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of this MPA. In particular, offshore reef fish studies are being conducted inside and outside of the restricted area of the MPA to monitor the recovery of linefish populations and to generate key biological reference points of endemic species where possible.

RESOURCE-USE MONITORING

Long-term monitoring of KZN mussels
Four sites in central KZN are being monitored at regular intervals to determine the effectiveness of a localised zero-harvest strategy on mussel (Perna perna) stock recovery. As three of the sites were previously exploited, but are now within a sanctuary, their levels of recruitment and cover can be compared with a fourth site which is outside the sanctuary and still subjected to harvesting. The outcomes of this project are an integral part of the mussel management recommendations made for the fishery along the KZN coastline.

National Marine Linefish System (NMLS): KZN recreational data
This is the longest-standing (since 1984) continuous fisheries monitoring programme in South Africa. In KwaZulu-Natal, the NMLS relies on trained Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff to collect catch and effort data from each facet of the recreational marine fishery through a comprehensive system of compliance-orientated access point and creel surveys. The system provides extensive decision-support to management authorities and functions as an excellent platform for resource user - resource manager interaction.

Prawn Trawling Observer Programme
Information required for the management of South Africa's industrial prawn fishery is derived in part from data supplied by the fishing industry and in part from fishery-independent data collected via surveys and by at-sea scientific observers. The ORI supplies onboard observers and all data collected are collated and analysed by the ORI staff.

Statistics of recreational inshore invertebrate & commercial oyster fisheries in KZN
This monitoring project estimates and validates the annual off-take of coastal invertebrates by licensed recreational fishers and commercial oyster harvesters in KZN. Catch and effort is monitored, using nature conservation staff (EKZNW) daily shore patrol data and quarterly ORI online, mail and telephone surveys. Results are used to provide management recommendations for these fisheries in KZN.

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS

ORI is involved in a number of regional projects, including coral reef health, fisheries, marine protected areas, linefish policy and the trade in ornamental fisheries. The following two projects are of particular interest:

SUPPORT AND TRAINING SERVICES

Fisheries' eco-labelling and certification
With the increase in demand for fisheries to be certified as well managed, ORI provides support to certification agencies such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The MSC is the world's leading certification and ecolabelling programme for sustainable seafood. It meets the highest benchmarks for credible certification, including the UN Food and Agriculture Organization guidelines and the ISEAL Code of Good Practice. Fisheries voluntarily enter the MSC assessment process where 3rd party experts assess the fishery against the MSC Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Fishing (MSC Standard). The results of the assessment are scrutinized by the public and stakeholders, and if all comments can be satisfactorily addressed, the fishery can be certified as sustainable by the MSC. MSC certified products carry a recognizable label, and can often be sold at a premium, or can give access to niche markets. ORI has been involved as 3rd party experts in several fisheries including pre-assessments of the Tristan da Cunha rock lobster and East African lobster and octopus fisheries.

Decision support and Management advice
Advice and decision support is regularly sought from the ORI by local, regional and national government agencies, non-governmental organisations, legal firms and the general public. Staff members participate in a range of committees, workshops and panels as well as review the scientific content of various documents including fisheries and coastal environmental legislation. Management support activities include participation on sub-committees for the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW), the KwaZulu-Natal Province, the South African Network for Coastal and Oceanic Research (SANCOR) and the National Research Foundation (NRF). Internationally, ORI staff are active in several forums including IUCN specialist species working groups, the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) and regional research management groups.

Post-graduate supervision and training
The ORI is an affiliated research institute of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Senior staff members provide supervision of MSc, PhD and post-doctorate students in South Africa and other countries of the SADC region. ORI scientists also present the Fisheries Science Module for BSc Honours and MSc courses at the UKZN, as well as contributing to courses on population dynamics to scholars and educators through the Sea World Education Centre, and specifically designed courses such as fish identification courses for the local conservation agency, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW).

For more information on Universities and courses offered in marine biology in South Africa go to Links & Collaboration.

GENERAL

The ORI has been involved in numerous other research studies along the East Coast of Africa during its 55-year history. For further information about our past and current projects as well as areas of collaboration, please contact: