SAEON alerts learners to opportunities in our oceans

“What better gift can we give the next generation than a passion for science and discovery, and a commitment to caring for the natural world.” - Julia Packard Learners were taught how to catch fish, and identify and measure them before releasing them back into the ocean. (Picture © Dumile Tshingana) The SAEON and SAIAB workshops introduced learners to different aspects of fisheries management, sustainability, monitoring and observations of fish stocks. (Picture © Dumile Tshingana) At the workshops learners were taught how to interpret graphs of collapsing and recovering fish stocks. (Picture © Dumile Tshingana)

By Dumile Tshingana, Environmental Outreach Officer, SAEON Elwandle Node

SAEON joined forces with the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), host of the SAEON Elwandle Node for the coastal-inshore zone, to participate in National Marine Week.

The event – which is organised by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism - is celebrated annually during the third week of October. Its purpose is to create awareness of the marine and coastal environment and promote the sustainable use and conservation of these resources for future use. The theme for this year was “Opportunities in the Ocean”.

SAEON’s contribution to the programme started with workshops at Inkwenkwezi High School in Umdantsane, East London. The workshops covered aspects such as marine food chains and food webs, ecosystems, food pyramids, the sustainable use of marine resources, fishing sectors, factors leading to the exploitation of marine resources, the interpretation of graphs depicting collapsing and recovering fish stocks, as well as different management styles and monitoring techniques employed in fisheries.

As part of the Inkwenkwezi Sustainable Fishing Project, SAEON and SAIAB presented workshops aimed at introducing learners to different aspects of fisheries management, sustainability, monitoring and observations of fish stocks. Presenters and learners discussed elements of the Marine Living Resources Act and how these can be applied to different situations in marine fisheries.

The learners had a wonderful time in the classroom and on the beach. They were divided into two groups during field activities and had fun fishing in a sustainable way. Fish were caught, identified, measured and released back into the ocean.

The workshops were sponsored by Blue Marlin Fishing Rods in East London, and SAIAB instructed learners in the best way of using their fishing rods. The Daily Dispatch newspaper interviewed learners about their experiences and the National Marine Week celebrations.

SAEON’s long-term contribution to sustainable fish stocks

With SAEON joining the initiative, elements such as monitoring, observation and the sustainability and management of marine resources were emphasised and integrated into the project.

SAEON will shortly visit the school to do a follow-up on some of the concepts covered during the Marine Week Celebrations, expand on the different coastal ecosystems and introduce monitoring projects.

SAEON Elwandle Node graduate students played an important role during the activities. Ntuthuko Masikane and Luzuko Dali represented the SAEON Elwandle Node in activities at Port Elizabeth. Mandisa Rubuxa did sterling work interacting with the public at the SAEON and Transnet National Ports Authority exhibitions in East London.

During Open Day, which was hosted by Transnet Ports Authority at East London harbour, members of the public were involved in activities showcasing opportunities in the ocean. The popular vessel, the Sarah Baartman was on display, and the public had the opportunity to explore all corners of the ship. Some of the exhibitions were even set up inside the ship.

To conclude a successful event, each participating organisation was given the opportunity to give a presentation to the public, who attended in their droves. This was a definite highlight and reflected the mood of excitement and anticipation of a Springbok victory later that day.