SAIAB Celebrates World Fish Migration Day

The effects of over-fishing was the topic of discussion at a World Fish Migration Day presentation hosted by the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB). The presentation to mark this global event which took place at the Port Alfred River and Skiboat Club on 23 May 2014, aimed to highlight the ecological and social importance of migratory marine fish species and how they are threatened by human activities. Similar celebrations took place at over 270 sites around the world.

 

Rare Puffer fish found in East London

The Coelancath is not the only rare fish found near East London, last month brothers Johan Deelefs, Gideon du Preez and his son Bradley du Preez discovered a rare pufferfish while fishing at the Buluga Bump. The three-toothed puffer fish (Triodon Macropterus) is only the third specimen caught in 30 years. The first was caught before 1986 in Southern Mozambique and the second was found off the Durban coast in 2009.

ACEP Phuhlisa Programme Supports Young Scientists

 

 

The African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP) Phuhlisa programme has exceeded all expectations in enthusiasm, commitment and investment, said South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Managing Director Dr Angus Paterson at the ACEP Phuhlisa Induction held recently. The programme was established in 2012 with the aim of supporting postgraduate studies in Marine Sciences at Historically Black Universities. A flagship programme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) managed by SAIAB, the ACEP programme offers financial assistance and logistical support as well as academic and professional development.

Killer Whales Spotted Near Cape Patrone

Orca Whales (Killer Whales) were spotted yesterday of Cape Padrone. The pictures were taken by Koos Smith on the research vessel uKwabelana. The Killer whale is the top predator in the ocean food chain and also the largest member of the dolphin family. It is an occasional visitor to the South African shores.

Probably the best- known dolphin, the killer whale sports black and white colouration. The head is rather cone- shaped and without a pronounced beak, and the body appears somewhat rotund. The dorsal fins of male and female animals are differently shaped, the males being very tall and upright and the females being lower and more curved. Adolescent male's fins resemble those of females.

Killer whales are highly social animals which form long-lasting family groups. The diet of these large dolphins is very varied, ranging from blue whales to fish, birds and seals. Group members usually hunt as a pot.

 

Water World 2014

Water World kicked off with a bang yesterday as several schools across the province arrived to learn more about the variety of life in water. Learners were awed and amazed as they were educated about DNA, fisheries, sharks and much more. The South African Institute for Aquatic biodiversity (SAIAB) is hosting Water World from March 12-18 during Scifest Africa 2014 in Grahamstown. All those curious about the wonder of life in water are welcome to attend.

Water World - Scifest Africa 2014

The South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) is hosting Water World from March 12-18 during Scifest Africa 2014 in Grahamstown. Visit Water World to learn more about water, taxonomy, fisheries, aquaculture, the bio-control of aliens, sharks dolphins and whales. Visit the Rhodes University Department of Ichthyology and fisheries experimental fish farm, see the National Fish Collections and find out about the techniques and tools used in aquatic biodiversity research. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to learn more about life in water.