1. Seaweeds of KwaZulu-Natal
CM/009/06 Dr R E Norris; U NATAL (PMB)
(F J Junor)
This project started in May 1984 with the primary objective being the collection and identification of marine benthic algae of Natal. To this end numerous dives were made to depths varying from 10 m to 56 m by members of the South African Police Reserve diving team as well as Natal Parks Board staff. In addition collections were made from drifting algae and also the intertidal zone. Thirty papers, many of which describe species of seaweeds new to South Africa, have been published to date. By combining results obtained in this survey and those of Jackson (1976), Lambert (1976), Siegrief (1980) and Siegfried (1984) a checklist and locality record of the recommendations arising from the project. There is, however, still a need for an identification manual for the common seaweeds of Natal. The possibility of sponsoring someone to do so should be examined.
2. Reproductive cycles in seabreams (Pisces: Sparidae) in KwaZulu-Natal.
CM/039/05 Mr P Carrat; ORI
(M M Coke)
Gonad development in sparids was studied in the estuaries and coastal waters of KwaZulu-Natal. This was related to their population structure and spawning behaviour, with a view to making management recommendations. A major discovery of the project was that KwaZulu-Natal's exploited seabream species exhibit sex-change. This phenomenon has drawn considerable world-wide scientific interest. The bi-potentiality of sparid gonads was considered to be a pre-adaption for sequential hermaphroditism, and sex-change was thus an alternative reproductive style extending the reproductive success of the individual. The spawning behaviour of the santer Cheimerius nufar was described from captive specimens, and the spawning habits of riverbream Acanthopagrus berda at Kosi Estuary mouth were described. The growth rate of the slinger Chrysoblephus puniceus was investigated and was found to accelerate at the time of sex-change. Recruitment of the KwaZulu-Natal slinger stock was examined and it was postulated that, if male abundance was a limiting factor, the exploitation of stocks in the St Lucia Marine Reserve and off southern Mozambique could cause a collapse of not only the KwaZulu-Natal stock but also the entire resource. It should continue to be monitored carefully, particularly in view of the increasing pressure on the Mozambican stocks, so as to determine whether the fishery can be maintained satisfactorily under existing regulations.
3. Population status of humpback dolphins off KwaZulu-Natal.
CM/040/06 Mr B Durham; PEM
(F J Junor)
Two of the recommendations made dealt with the reduction of the effects of shark nets on the dolphins. There were (I) the removal, or reduction of the number of shark nets in those areas where humpback dolphins are resident; Richards Bay south to Tinley Manor and possibly Ramsgate south of Mzamba; and (ii) as an alternative to the reduction in permanently set nets it was suggested that nets in these areas be removed, or the number reduced, in peak capture months (July to August and December to January). These recommendations were being dealt with by members of NPB, ORI, Natal Sharks Board and Dr Begg of Environment Services.
4. Checklist and toxicological potential of tunicates of KwaZulu-natal coral reefs.
CM/042/06 Dr M H Schleyer; ORI
(F J Junor)
Project was amalgamated with CM /043/06 - Checklist and toxological potential of sponges (and tunicates) on Natal reefs.
5. The coralline algae of the Sodwana Bay reef system.
SB/003/06 Dr D W Keats; U WESTERN CAPE
(Dr O Bourquin)
The main aim was determine the taxonomy of the ecologically-important coralline algae on the Sodwana Bay reef system. At least ten genera represented by 24 to 26 species were recorded, and the recommendation was to increase the awareness and understanding of coral reefs amongst the public. A poster has been produced for this purpose.
24.3 New findings
24.4 Proposed new projects
CONSERVATION EDUCATION
RECREATION AND TOURISM
MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
JURISDICTION
REFERENCES
BUXTON, C., TINLEY, R.L. & P.C. HEEMSTRA. 1994. Ichthyofaunal survey of the littoral fishes of Natal. Department of Ichthyology & Fish Science Research Report. 8: 1-31.
CHATER, S.A., BECKLEY, L.E., VAN DER ELST, R.P. & P.A. GARRATT. 1995. Underwater visual census of fishes on high latitude coral reefs in South Africa. Lammergeyer, 43: 15-23.
GIFFORD, A. 1994. Preliminary whale shark tagging and survey programme. Report for the period 1 December 1993 to 30 April 1994: 23 pp.
HARRIS, S.A. & D.P. CYRUS. 1994. The role of estuaries in the early life history stages of fish of the Zululand coast. Paper presented at the 1994 Aquatic Scientists Society (SASAQS) conference. 5 pp.
RAMSAY, P.J. 1994. Marine geology of the Sodwana Bay shelf, southeast Africa. Marine Geology 120: 225-247.
RIEGL, B, SCHLEYER, M.H., COOK, P.A. & G.M. BRANCH. 1995. Structure of Africa's southernmost coral communities. Bulletin of Marine Science 56: 676-691.
SCHLEYER, M.H. 1994. Sustainable use of KwaZulu-Natal's coastal resources. Natal: 31: 1 pp (This article was reprinted in "The Guineafowl" 1 of 1995).
SCHLEYER, M.H. 1994. Position Document: Crown-of-thorns starfish on Two-mile Reef. Unpublished NPB report: 5 pp.
SCHLEYER, M.H. 1995. South African coral reefs communities. IN: Cowan, G.I.(ed). Wetlands of South Africa. Department of Environment Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria 137-146.
TAYLOR, R.H. 1994. Sustainable use of KwaZulu-Natal's coastal resources. Natal: 31: 1 pp (This article was reprinted in "The Guineafowl" 1 of 1995).
TAYLOR, R.H. 1994. Position Document: Crown-of-thorns starfish on Two-mile Reef. Unpublished NPB report: 5 pp.
REASONS FOR INCLUSION
The turtle beaches hosts the only nesting populations of leatherback turtles Dermochelys corioacea in the Indian Ocean south of Sri Lanka on the western half of the ocean and south of Sumatra on the eastern side. The loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta also nests on this coast. The nearest loggerhead nesting ground is in south-east Madagascar and this population is seriously threatened. The only other known populations are in Burma and Oman. Therefore this coastline is unique in acting as home to two species of marine reptiles that wander half of the Indian Ocean.
OUTLINE MAP OF SITE
(To be appended)
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| This page is maintained by the South African Wetlands Conservation Programme and was last updated on 10 September 1999. |