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.
Addressing a new intake of students and their supervisors from the
University of Fort Hare and Walter Sisulu University, Dr Paterson said South
Africa’s position in marine science and trade made it a truly maritime nation.
“South Africa has a geographic advantage, we are also choosing to invest in our
students and young scientists, because we want to see great results.” He also
emphasised that through this programme, students can focus on particular disciplines
such as microbiology, climate change, sedimentology and ecology.
ACEP student Tumeka Mbobo who is
doing her Masters in Zoology presented her proposal on the “Effect of salinity
on bacterial symbionts associated with mangrove crabs” at the induction. Mbobo
said the ACEP workshops are really helpful for her. “The statistics workshops
are really helpful because they help me analyse data.” The students are also given
life jacket training and swimming lessons to give them confidence when they go
in to the field.
The programme’s partners include The South African Environmental
Observation Network (SAEON), the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Department
of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
