Latest news with #SAAMBR
Russia Today
5 days ago
- Health
- Russia Today
South African seal rescued from fishing hooks (PHOTOS)
A young Cape fur seal is recovering at Durban's uShaka Sea World, South Africa, after being found with several fishing hooks embedded in his body, the news outlet IOL reported on Wednesday. It's only the second case of its kind in the KwaZulu-Natal region in more than 20 years, according to the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR). Nicknamed 'Captain Hook' by staff, the two-and-a-half-year-old male was caught in early July at eManzimtoti, a coastal town just south of Durban. Marine experts believe the seal had followed the annual Sardine Run before food shortages drove him to seek bait from fishing lines, resulting in his injuries. Hooks were removed from his mouth and back, and he was treated with antibiotics and pain relief. A further gastroscopic examination found one more hook in his oesophagus, but a decision was made to leave it in place as according to SAAMBR spokesperson Ann Kunz it posed no immediate health risk. The seal is gaining weight on a diet of pilchards, hake, sprats and squid, with the latter 'being his least favourite (he believes squid is just like broccoli),' she said. 'He still has a long way to go before he reaches his goal weight, but it is safe to say that he is now out of the woods and on the road to recovery,' SAAMBR press service reported on Tuesday. 'Captain Hook' remains in quarantine for rabies monitoring, despite vaccination, as a precaution. Cape fur seals in South Africa and Namibia have previously tested positive for the virus. In May, another young male southern elephant seal was rescued after wandering through the streets of Gordon's Bay, near Cape Town. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA said the seal was secured near a shopping center and later returned it to the sea, sharing video of the release.
IOL News
29-07-2025
- Science
- IOL News
Innovative solutions for shark conservation at uShaka Marine World
Maryke Musson at the Shark Smart Exhibit at uShaka Marine World in Durban. Image: Mnqobi Zuma, WILDTRUST Shark smart: how do we keep sharks and people safe, is the main theme at an exhibition held at uShaka Marine World in Durban. The Shark exhibition highlights innovative solutions that focus on non-lethal alternatives to mitigate shark risk. Hosted by conservation NGO, WildTrust, in partnership with Shark Conservation Fund, the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI), SharkSafe Barrier, Shark Spotters, Justice4Jaws, the Sharks & People Working Group, and others, the exhibition represents a bold step forward in rethinking the safety of both people and sharks in a way that also protects marine life. 'We were the first country to protect the white shark and now, more than ever, South Africa has the opportunity and responsibility to lead once again in shark and ray conservation,' said WildTrust's senior scientist, Dr Jennifer Olbers. 'However, our laws are outdated, shark populations globally are under pressure, and two species – the large tooth and green sawfish – have already been categorised as locally extinct,' she added. The exhibition takes people on an immersive journey through the history of shark nets and drumlines in KwaZulu-Natal, the ecological costs of current practices, and the innovative technologies and solutions being developed both locally and globally to reduce harm to marine life. Some of the alternatives featured include sonar systems, artificial intelligence software, the Shark Shield, multispectral drones, and the SharkSafe Barrier, with a spotlight also placed on personal bather responsibility when choosing to enter the sharks' habitat. "This exhibition is a result of over a year of dedication; a true labour of love,' said Lauren van Nijkerk, WildTrust's campaign director. 'All stakeholders were meaningfully included in shaping the plan, key messages, and overall vision. We focused on presenting both existing shark risk mitigation methods and potential non-lethal alternatives in engaging, educational, and interactive ways, making sure most of the materials are in both English and isiZulu,' van Nijkerk said. Maryke Musson, executive manager of the Conservation Education and Communications at SAAMBR said the aquarium has a rare and powerful opportunity to exhibit and open minds to the wonders of the ocean, especially for those who have never seen it before. 'Our team enjoyed the challenge of putting together this exhibit, and look forward to the next phases, building on this initial foundation and seeing the impact that it creates.' KwaZulu-Natal currently operates 13km of shark nets and 177 drumlines across 37 beaches, which is a system that is still widely misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, these nets are not physical barriers that prevent sharks from reaching swimmers. Instead, they are designed to catch and kill specific shark species deemed a risk to bathers. The shark nets are set in staggered rows 300-500m offshore and parallel to the shore with gaps between and below them. Sharks can therefore swim under, around and between them to reach the surf zone. Despite South Africa's rich ocean diversity, only three shark species are primarily associated with unprovoked incidents: the Zambezi (bull) shark, white shark, and tiger shark. These are the sole targets of the current "bather safety gear." However, the environmental cost is significant. On average, more than 400 non-target marine animals, including dolphins, rays, turtles, and Critically Endangered sharks, are killed in the nets each year as bycatch. With the 'bather safety nets' being highly unselective, drumlines were introduced in 2005 as a more targeted form of fishing. These are baited hooks suspended from an anchored float, targeting large sharks to reduce bycatch. [email protected]
The Herald
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
uShaka Sea World team bids farewell to Jabu the seal
Jabu, the oldest seal with the SA Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), died on Tuesday afternoon. The association, which includes the Oceanographic Research Institute, uShaka Sea World and uShaka Sea World Education, said Jabu was about 33 years old. The seal was four years old when he was rescued at a beach in the Eastern Cape after a huge storm hit the area in 1996. "Jabu was an icon and legend in his own right. He brought so much joy not only to the staff but to the millions of guests who met him during the daily shows. "It was easy to fall in love with Jabu, who we called our gentle giant. "He played a big role in SAAMBR's mission of connecting people with the ocean and promoting marine conservation," the SAAMBR said. Over the past few years Jabu began to slow down and started showing signs of his age. "The level of husbandry and medical care at uShaka Sea World is of such a high standard that Jabu reached an age a seal would not normally attain in the wild. He enjoyed interacting with the animal care team and having fishy snacks right until the end," the association said. Though Jabu's passing was not unexpected, it left an "enormous hole in the hearts of the SAAMBR team, many of whom have worked with him for almost 30 years". Staff member Hayley Tennant said: "Jabu was such a sweet soul, a true gentleman and a legend. His grace, strength and mischievous spirit have always been an inspiration to me. I am truly honoured to have known him and to have been part of his life for the past three decades. Rest in peace beloved Jabu." TimesLIVE
IOL News
22-04-2025
- Science
- IOL News
The magic of bioluminescent algae: A spectacle in uMdloti
A few people were treated to the splendour of bioluminescent algae illuminating waves in uMdloti, northern eThekwini, on Good Friday. Bioluminescent algae rode the waves in uMdloti before crashing near the shore. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ In one of the videos, someone can be heard saying, 'that is insane' as they watched an illuminated wave crash. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SandBar Restaurant (@sandbarkzn) Explaining the marvel, South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) Conservation, Education and Communication executive manager, Maryke Musson, said bioluminescent algae are tiny marine organisms, primarily dinoflagellates, that produce light through a chemical reaction called chemiluminescence, where the conversion of chemical energy to light is highly efficient. She said it is commonly referred to as 'Sea Sparkle', named after the dinoflagellate (Noctiluca scintillans) which causes bioluminescence when disturbed or agitated. Musson explained that the glow is caused by a chemical reaction when two key components, a protein and an enzyme, interact when agitated and oxygen is added to the mix. Excess energy is then released as light without generating any heat. In the deep-sea environment, lack of sunlight has driven the development of bioluminescence as a primary means of communication for hundreds of species of marine animals, she continued. For dinoflagellates, scientists believe it is more of a result of metabolism, and mostly happens when the water of these specific organisms find themselves in, is disturbed or agitated. That is why you see it in the waves or if you drag your hand through the water, especially during a new moon phase when there is not a lot of external light. Musson said about 90% of deep-sea marine life can produce bioluminescence. It helps them hunt, hide, attract mates, or confuse predators. View this post on Instagram A post shared by I Love Durban (@ilovedurban) 'One of the strangest (and coolest!) things about bioluminescence is that some animals use it as a form of invisibility. Some marine animals, like certain squid and shrimp, use 'counter-illumination.' They produce light on their undersides that matches the faint sunlight or moonlight from above,' Musson said. Bioluminescent algae generally produce natural blue or green light, which travels better through water. Some deep-sea fish and squid produce red light, and some jellyfish produce predominantly green light, but blue light is mostly observed. She said bioluminescence is usually seen in coastal waters across the globe and is often seen in shallow water, such as bays, where plankton can gather. Musson said Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico is known as the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, while in South Africa, bioluminescence can sometimes be seen along the southern and eastern coastlines and is most common along the Garden Route, Eastern Cape and False Bay. It is not often seen in and around eThekwini. She said most bioluminescent algae are not harmful to humans, animals, or marine life. If bioluminescent dinoflagellates are part of a harmful algal bloom, such as a red tide, toxins can be released into the water, which can cause skin or eye irritation, but this is quite rare. If the water appears red and has a bit of a glow to it, rather stay clear of it. 'You can swim safely in bioluminescent algae as long as it is not part of a harmful algae bloom (red tide). When you move in the water, the bioluminescent algae react to motion, lighting up around your arms, legs, or even splashes, but it won't stick to you and you won't glow afterwards,' Musson said.
