Ecoli in the Sir Lowrys Pass river and hence the ocean at Gordons Bay is an issue that activists from the Helderberg are now fed-up with. Squatter camps in the village are suffering from a shortage of proper sanitation and sufficient waste disposal, so the river is used to dump unwanted things into. Take a look. The City of Cape Town responded with the folllowing … [Read more...]
Underwater robot shows Antarctic ice thicker than thought
Groundbreaking 3D mapping of previously inaccessible areas of the Antarctic has found that the sea ice fringing the vast continent is thicker than previous thought. Two expeditions to Antarctica by scientists from the UK, USA and Australia analysed an area of ice spanning 500,000 metres squared, using a robot known as SeaBed. The survey discovered ice thickness average … [Read more...]
Natural system investments crucial for food and water security
Healthy, well-functioning natural systems play a vital role in supporting the country’s food and water security, whilst also maintaining healthy communities and sustained livelihoods. This was highlighted during a two-day field trip through the Umgeni catchment in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, co-hosted by WWF South Africa and Nedbank. “Food and water security are deeply … [Read more...]
A good time to frack the ocean?
Here is an intelligent look at what lies ahead for SA if we push forward with the plan to frack the ocean near Mossel Bay, by Andreas Wilson-Späth, a freelance writer with a PhD in geochemistry: If you’re a regular reader of this column, you know what I think about fracking: it’s a dangerous, polluting, wasteful, climate changing and altogether unnecessary technology, and … [Read more...]
Long-term solution needed to address acid mine drainage
Members of Parliament have heard that acid mine drainage is affecting the Vaal River system and causing problems in Mpumalanga and Limpopo. The Water and Sanitation Department has briefed Parliament's Portfolio Committee on solutions to the problem, particularly on the Witwatersrand. Pumping stations are removing scores of megalitres of dirty water from the western, central … [Read more...]
Kogelberg coast - a blueprint for sustainable fisheries
South Africa’s oceans made headlines this month for their potential to contribute up to R177 billion to the national GDP and create over one million jobs by 2033. This, however, can only be realised if the oceans are managed correctly to ensure sustainable use with lasting benefits to the industries that support community livelihoods such as the fishing … [Read more...]
Power of the ‘sweet spot in time’ generation
Sometimes, the desire to simply abstain from watching the news is overwhelming. Sometimes, it seems as though every aspect of modern society is drowning in a mire of hopeless negativity- proved by one more act of atrocious violence, one more case of political negligence, one more rhino slaughtered in a game park that was once the pride of the nation. Perhaps the most … [Read more...]
Ocean economy to contribute R20 billion by 2019
Government will implement ocean economy projects which are expected to contribute more than R20 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2019. "Going forward, delivery units have been established in the lead departments to drive the implementation of the detailed delivery plans. We will achieve the growth and the jobs we need in the economy," President Jacob Zuma … [Read more...]
Aiming for 70/20 awareness on National Marine Week
"The focus of the world is on the ocean dynamics around South Africa and between us and the Antarctic for several reasons," said Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa at the Cape Town launch of the annual National Marine Week Campaign. During this week the Department aims to create awareness about the marine environment and inter-connectivity of oceans with the rest of … [Read more...]
Sights set on more sustainable future for African oceans
Fisheries leaders from across government, NGOs and industry gathered in Cape Town on World Food Day, 16 October, to discuss solutions to over fishing. The meeting marks the first time that the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) international Stakeholder Council has met in Africa and coincides with World Food Day 2014. In recognition of the importance of seafood to … [Read more...]
Register now for marine & coastal educators conference
All those promoting awareness and education of the marine environment are gathering in Gauteng from 11-16 January 2015 to share research, classroom and field activities and be energized with new ideas. Now is the time to book for the 15th Marine and Coastal Educators Network (MCEN) Conference, which brings together formal and informal educators from schools, public … [Read more...]
Ocean science opportunity for South African students
Ocean 180 challenges scientists to share the meaning and relevance of their research with a broader audience and looks to middle school students to help evaluate their efforts. Ocean scientists are invited to submit 3 minute videos highlighting the importance of their research and summarizing their findings to Ocean 180 this fall. The top 10 entries will be viewed and … [Read more...]
Hope Spots to save the blue heart of the planet
This December marks a big step forward for the conservation of our country's marine habitats. South Africa is a country defined by diversity- from the many cultures that constitute its people, to the astounding variety of ecosystems that exist side-by-side like a showcase of Nature’s beauty. Our coastline especially reflects this incredible diversity. Think of the … [Read more...]
