Are the words “dolphin-friendly” or “dolphin-safe” on local tuna cans truthful, considering that most of our canned tuna seems to be imported from the Philippines, or Thailand? This is also where it is very common for dolphins to get caught up in tuna fishing nets and subsequently killed. This is the issue I tried to clear up with some research. Some fishermen purposely … [Read more...]
New shark barrier effective and eco-friendly
A team of Stellenbosch University (SU) researchers has developed an eco-friendly and probably highly effective shark barrier, known as 'Sharksafe.' This is an alternative for shark nets which result in the death of thousands of sharks and other sea animals every year. Prof Conrad Matthee, Head of the Department of Botany and Zoology and member of the research group that has … [Read more...]
Vacancies: Doctoral Studentships in marine research
The CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation, implementing projects throughout Africa and making a difference in people’s lives. Doctoral Studentships: Marine remote sensing (Cape Town & Pretoria) The research unit is seeking two (2) motivated and enthusiastic Doctoral Students to conduct … [Read more...]
Groundwater depletion accelerates sea-level rise
Groundwater depletion will soon be as important a factor in contributing to sea-level rise as the melting of glaciers other than those in Greenland and Antarctica, scientists say That's because water pumped out of the ground for irrigation, industrial uses, and even drinking must go somewhere after it's used—and, whether it runs directly into streams and rivers or evaporates … [Read more...]
Trekking for Trash across SA’s coastline
Trekking for Trash’s social change adventurers have done it! The duo received a warm welcome at their Kosi Bay destination following seven months trekking across and cleaning South Africa’s shoreline. They collected 7 155kg of litter, and educated locals along the way about the importance of looking after the environment. Two of South Africa’s most inspirational social … [Read more...]
Penguin Waddle for love of the web-footed
The message was clear: ‘Hoot for Penguins!’ and Cape Town obliged on a recent Saturday morning. All along the Main Road - from Surfer’s Corner in Muizenberg to Boulder’s Beach in Simon’s Town - a large group of waddlers walked the talk in the name of penguin preservation. From four-year olds to senior citizens, the level of excitement and pride the entire way was contagious, … [Read more...]
Time to focus on our oceans: 70% of our land mass
A recent Green Times article focuses on Dr Sylvia Earle, one of the most famous marine biologists in the world who in her lifetime has spent more time underwater than just about anyone else on the planet. Read what she has to say about Sushi sweeping the oceans clean, how fish are valued only after they are dead, that 96% of Bluefin tuna are gone, that we don’t have to … [Read more...]
How good is your calamari?
It's been three years since the BP oil spill, and new truths have come to light - from deep down inside the ocean. Three years ago, when BP’s Deep water Horizon began leaking some 210 million gallons of Louisiana Crude into the Gulf of Mexico, the U.S. government allowed the company to apply chemical “dispersants” to the blossoming oil slick to prevent toxic gunk from … [Read more...]
Marine sanctuaries begging to happen
Could we ever fully appreciate and value the essential role which the oceans play in our world’s ecology and the future health of our planet? Most of us suffer from what is called ‘sea blindness’ - not understanding the role of our seas. I had the privilege to experience a passionate talk by THE Sea Mother, also known as Her Deepness, Dr. Sylvia Earle at the launch of the … [Read more...]
What whales want
My thanks go out to all the people who’ve cared about, assisted, contemplated and appreciated whales in general. Also to those who’ve had the sensitivity to wonder what the whales want or need – taking a moment to pause automatic human-doing and instead wish to know the animals’ wishes. So, what do whales want at times of beaching? Obviously, the answer will be different … [Read more...]
Vacancy: Shark Scientist in KZN
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the Scientist position that has become available in the Research Division of the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board (KZNSB) in Durban. Minimum Requirement & Job Competences: A minimum of an M.Sc. and 10 years experience or a Ph.D. and 5 years experience in marine ecology or marine fisheries. A proven track … [Read more...]
Japan halts whale hunt after Sea Shepherd clashes
Japan's fisheries agency says it has temporarily suspended its Southern Ocean whale hunt after clashes with anti-whaling activists. On Wednesday the Sea Shepherd group claimed two of its boats were rammed by a Japanese ship in Australian Antarctic waters. Activists say the attacks happened after they were ordered to leave the area by one of the boats in the Japanese whaling … [Read more...]
Giant waves leave bodies after undersea earthquake
Aid workers struggled to reach remote villages in the Solomon Islands on Thursday as the death toll rose from a tsunami triggered by a powerful undersea earthquake. At least nine people were killed when a powerful earthquake set off a small but powerful tsunami that sent 1.5-metre (4ft 11in) waves roaring inland on Santa Cruz Island, in the south Pacific, on Wednesday. … [Read more...]
