KELP FOREST, MANGROVES, CORAL REEFS, TROPICAL AND COLD WATER FISH, SHARKS, RAYS, WHALES, DOLPHINS...WE HAVE IT ALL!

Here in South Africa we are privileged to have both the cold Benguela current and the warm Augulus current running along our west and east coastlines respectively. This clash of two ocean giants, the Indian and Atlantic, makes for amazing diversity of marine species and habitats. Our contrasting ecosystems rank among the richest, most biologically diverse and oceanographically complex on the planet.

The cold Benguela current brings nutrient rich upwellings. Once these upwellings are reunited with sunlight there is an explosion of life! Phytoplankton bursts into bloom and huge kelp forests soak up nitrates from the water. These kelp forests are exquisite! I've explored those in Cape Town and they are amazing.

These forests are home to:

• Cape Fur Seals
• Aggregations of Tuna
• Romen
• Steenbras
• Klipfish
• Crabs and rock lobsters
• Gully sharks
• Abalone
• Sea urchins
• Great White sharks
• Streepies, and many other species of cold water fish.

Kelp is extremely fast growing in fact it grow at 1cm per day. The Benguela current also brings our whales. From May-December is whale season here and hundreds of Southern Rights, Minke and Bryde's whales come to our shores to calve. It is truly an amazing site to see them breaching.

The warmer Augulus current runs down our east coast. This is the coast most famous for it's biodiversity and enchanting coral reefs. This is where I do most of my diving. From the untouched reefs of Rocktail Bay to the shark diving capital that is Aliwal Shoal, the east coast is superb.

Some common marine species here include:

• Tiger sharks, Ragged-tooth sharks, Whale sharks, Blacktip sharks
• Common and Bottlenose dolphins
• Turtles
• Surgeonfish
• Butterflyfish
• Triggerfish
• Giant Potato Bass
• Snappers
• Nudibranchs
• Sunfish (mola-mola)
• Lionfish and stonefish
• Mantis shrimps

...the list just goes on and on! We even have some endangered marine species which are endemic to South Africa such as the Knysna Sea Horse.

To date Southern Africa has 11 100 marine species which accounts for 15% of the worlds coastal species. That's quite a lot. We have 2150 species of fish including over 100 species of shark and 64 species of ray. It is also home to more than 850 species of seaweed, over 50 genera of hard corals, 8 species of mangrove and 13 species of sea grass. We also have over 40 species of marine mammals including 25 species of whale and 12 dolphin species. And finally....5 species of turtle and 1 species of sea snake. I'd say that is very impressive!

I THINK THAT IS DEFINATELY WORTH PROTECTING! Read 'Currents of Contrast' by Thomas Peschak...it is an amzing book about our marine biodiversity.

A second, and possibly third, species of manta ray has been discovered in the World's oceans. This is the biggest news to date to come out of ray research, and its importance is the marine equivalent of discovering an unknown species of elephant. WOW! The discovery however also has implications that go far beyond the breaking news of scientific journals, as it will deeply affect real world conservation ideas and policies.

For the past five years the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) has sponsored Andrea Marshall, a PhD marine biologist in a quest to make advances in the scientific knowledge of these winged beauties of the sea, whose large triangular pectoral fins can span almost 8m in width and whose weight can reach over 2000kg. These creatures are absolutly amazing! Manta rays, which are totally harmless and do not possess a stinging barb, are the largest of over 500 different species of rays and skates, and although divers have noted variations in physical appearance they were previously believed to be the same kind. After suspecting the existence of a second species Andrea began studying other populations across the globe. Through genetic and morphological analysis she confirmed that there is indeed a second, and possibly a third, species of manta ray that exists across temperate, tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. The two species have mainly overlapping distributions, but their lifestyles differ greatly; one is migratory and the other is resident to particular areas along the coast. Other differences between the two species lie in their colour, skin texture, reproductive biology, and the presence of a non-functioning type of sting on the tail of one of the species.

The smaller, more commonly known manta ray (picture on left), resides in the same areas year round and is often encountered at coral reefs where they congregate to be cleaned by parasite-eating fish in locations such as Hawaii, the Maldives, Mozambique, Australia, Japan and the Island of Yap. Due to their residential nature they face a grave threat from unsustainable fisheries, as other manta rays will not replace a dwindling population, making their regional extinction a likely possibility. Far less is known about the larger species, as it appears to be more migratory and elusive, shying away from divers rather than seeking interaction as its smaller cousin often does. Andrea has only ever witnessed it arriving at sea-mounts or at particularly productive areas along the coastline to feed on plankton before disappearing into the blue once again. Little is known about its behaviour or migratory patterns, though it appears to be targeted heavily by fisheries, particularly in Southeast Asia, where thousands are killed each year.

The discovery of two distinct species has huge implications for the conservation management and protection of these mysterious gentle giants. The larger, migratery ray knows no borders, making collaboration between countries on its protection essential, whereas protective measure within countries must be enforced to avoid resident manta ray populations crashing. Habitat degradation, harassment by boat traffic and even divers who interact with them at critical habitats such as cleaning stations and breeding areas are other threats these graceful animals face. They also fall victim to ghost nets and are killed alongside many other marine creatures as by-catch.

Hopefully they put legislation and projects together to protect these very different species in different ways. Go visit www.saveourseas.com for more information.

As I descending I strained my eyes to get my first glimpse of it - I look for an outline, a familiar shape that looks like a ship. Suddenly it materializes in the cold and some what murky water here in Cape Town. This was my first dive on my PADI Wreck Diver course...which I am doing with a company called Scuba Shack in Cape Town.

Before the dive my instructor told us to look out and map the place where we could enter and exit the wreck if we were to do what's called a penetration dive (a dive where we actually went inside the wreck instead of just looking it from the outside). I searched the sunken ship for an opening and finnaly found it at the bas of the ship where it rested on the bottom. The exit I found was similar but at a greater depth. The ships name was The Maori and she lies at 24m. The 5317 ton steamship sank in 1909 and just looking at it was like peering into the past. It was on it's way from London to New Zealand, when it sank after striking a rock in thick fog. When Jacques Cousteau, the pioneer of Scuba Diving, visited the site, he declared it the most preserved wreck of it's time. The ship is completely encrusted with marine growth and covered with Kelp.  

On my second dive we had to follow a penetration line along a route that our instructor had cleverly devised. We had to make an "O" with our fingers and make sure never to let go. This was in preparation for a penetration dive. It was great and works amazingly well. The wreck I dived on the second dive is The Boss 400 which was once the largest floating crane in Africa. It was quite eerie to dive this wreck. The wreck lies at 22m and is in fact on top of another wreck called the Oakburn, which is the oldest wreck in Maori Bay. It's amazing.

When diving these wrecks, I wondered who walked the decks once apon a time and it felt like I was looking back in the past. It was exhilirating. I am so glad I did this course. Apart from the theory I had to learn it was extremely fun. I recomend it to every diver out there.

I recently mad a donation to SANCCOB to help them protect our Sea Birds here in South Africa. We have quite a large popultion of sea birds as our coastline is rather large with many small islands surrounding it which these birds often make their homes on. Terrible evets such as oil spills can severly dmage their habitat and the birds themselves...not to metion the fact that the increase in pollution such as plastice bags have made matters worse! We need to prevent such events and stop the pollution.

SANCCOB is really doing their bit. They are the recognised world leader in sea bird rehabilitation. It was found that rehabilitating oiled African penguins for example has resulted in the current population being 19% larger than it would have been in the absence of rehabilitation efforts. That is great news, as atleast someone is doing something. Luckily, now our popultion of sea birds are steady.

Do your bit and don't pollute the oceans with plastice or anything for that matter...you could maybe even make a donationa as I did.

As many of you know, I am currently in Cape Town completing my PADI Wreck Diver course and yesturday I got offered the opportunity of a lifetime. I got offered the opportunity to dive and swim with the seals on Seal Island here in Cape Town...so I took it.

Seal Island is a small land mass located about 5.7 km off the northern beaches of False Bay, near Cape Town, in South Africa. The island is so named because of the number of Cape Fur Seals that occupy it. There are a few sea birds as well. It rises no more than about six metres above the high tide mark. The island is approx 200 meters in length. There is no vegetation or soil of any significance, just seals as far as the eye can see.

We were dropped off about 6 or 7 meters away from the island where the seals dance in and out of the surge. We back rolled off the tiny boat into the icy cold water which, acoording to my dive computer was 11 degrees Celcius. I was shivering in my 7mm wetsuit but it was all worth it. The seal were so inquisitive. They would dart in and out of our sight as they performed a sort of a ballet for us. Often one of the smaller seals would become very brave and come in even closer, within a couple of centimeters from you. It was a great and awe-inspiring expirience. These Cape Fur seals can grow up to 2 meters in length and weigh as much a 300kg but most of the seals we saw were small. Sometimes one would playfully open it's mouth as if to smile. I couldn't believe how friendly they were.

THREATS TO THESE FURRY FRIENDS

Undoubtedly the greatest threat to seals is people. The alarming increase in plastic and other forms of pollution in the oceans kills thousands of seals and other marine animals each year when they are trapped or injured by plastic strapping, discarded nets and nylon fishing line.  For the last 370 years seals have been ruthlessly hunted by humans. In southern Africa fur seal harvesting is one of the oldest of all commercial `fisheries'. Uncontrolled exploitation of the South African fur seal continued into the late nineteenth century and resulted in a drastic decline in numbers. In 1893 seals were protected for the first time and this, together with other laws which controlled harvesting, has led to an increase in their numbers. This is really great as visits to seal colonies like those on Seal Island have become a huge tourist attraction. I so glad our government decided to protect these great mammels.

I know I will never forget my expirience!

The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism here in South Africa now requires recreational scuba divers to obtain a permit for recreational scuba diving in four of its Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Table Mountain National Park, Bird Island, Pondoland and Aliwal Shoal were previouly exemptions for recreational scuba diving but that expired on 31 December 2006.

According to the Department: "...no person may SCUBA dive or attempt to SCUBA dive in the Marine Protected Area except on the authority of a SCUBA diving permit" and that "...no person may operate or attempt to operate a SCUBA diving business in the Marine Protected Area except on the authority of a SCUBA diving business permit". All affected scuba diving business operators therefore now need to obtain permits from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism: Marine and Coastal Management by applying via email. This is a huge inconvenience as the department is rather slow in processing permits.

Recreational scuba divers can obtain the required permit from Post Offices for an annual fee of R75 and a R45 monthly fee. As some of you might know...I am currently in Cape Town to dive and needed to get a permit! My father went down to the Post Office to collect the forms and fill them out. Funnily enough the diving permit is on the same form as the fishing permit in the corner...at the bottom in small writing. Terrible forms. Well eventually we got the permits. Thank goodness.

I supose it is a good thing that they have introduced permits for diving to limit the amount of divers of our reefs. I want to know what exactly they are doing with the money. They are certainly not using it to better the protection of our reefs from illegal fishing....so where is all the money going?

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!....for yesterday!

I was so busy during this festive season and it really was fantastic! I got many wonderful gifts. I was lucky enough to recieve The Blue Planet series od DVD's, a really awesome series on the natuiral history of our oceans. I look very forward to watching it! I was also lucky enough to recieve quite a few books on marine life and one in particular about underwater photography which is one of my great interests!

Apart from the gifts it was really nice to spend Christmas with my whole family. I am now in Cape Town and am starting my Wreck Diving course tommorow. I so looking forward to it.

Happy holidays to everyone.  

During winter months, on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal here in South Africa, nature orchestrates and unbelievable symphony of sea creatures that congregate on our shores for one of the most spectacular natural events, the annual Sardine Run (THE GREATEST SHOAL ON EARTH)

This phenomenon usually takes place in June through to September. Billions of Sardines swim up our coastline followed by thousands of predators. Among the predators that follow the sardines are the vast numbers of Sharks such as the Blacktips and Dusky sharks. Sea birds attack the giant schools of fish which swarm into what's known as a bait ball. The dolphins, species including Bottlenose and Common dolphins,  group the sardines and force them to the surface while the sharks and seals dash in and out of the giant mass taking mouthfuls of fish at a time. It absolutely extraordinary!  In the past the shark nets put out to protect bathers at KZN's beaches have really taken a heavy toll on sharks as well as dolphins. That is why the Natal Shark's Board now lifts the nets prior to the arrival of the sardines and during their stay. This drastically reduces the deaths of sharks in our waters which is really a step in the right direction.

Netting of the sardines often takes place from Port Edward all along to Durban. Local fisherman use seine nets to bring in their catch whenever sections of the giant shoal move in closer to shore. Holidaymakers also join in on the catch by grabbing sardines with their hands, stuffing handfuls of these fish into plastic bags or items of clothing. It is quite a funny site. However I think by far the biggest excitement takes place underwater. The Sardine Run attracts thousands of experienced divers from all over the world. The shark diving is really awesome during the event. Aliwal shoal in particular is covered in sharks. Protea Banks, a dive site further south, is now even receiving international recognition.

The Sardine Run is a huge economic boom for our South African economy showing how eco-tourism is so important.

The biggest fish in the world! The whale shark is one of the most beautiful creatures. They feed near the surface on plankton, anchovies and sardines and can grow up to 12m. These giant sharks are however gentle giants and they can travel vast distances driven by food.

Whale sharks are regarded as highly migratory - although these 'migration patterns' are poorly understood. Satellite tracking of whale sharks in US waters and also in the South China Sea reveal that whale sharks can travel great distances (1000's of kilometres). These migrations may take years to complete. A far greater understanding of whale shark movements will be possible with the continuation of tagging and tracking studies throughout the world. To date, short-term movements and behaviour of whale sharks have been successfully investigated using acoustic tracking.

These creatures frequent the waters off the US, Australia, Thailand and even here in South Africa near Sodwana Bay.

Further information on the ecology and oceanography from locations where shark sightings are common will provide a better understanding of the reasons for whale shark movements. In addition, satellite technology will enable researchers to map the movements of tagged sharks and broaden our knowledge of this species. Through projects like the Whale Shark project where people around the world submit images of their Whale Shark sightings in order to better understand their behaviour, population and biology, we are slowely learning more about these aweseom creatures.

I havn't yet sen a whale shark to date, although I really hope to see one of these gentle giants on my trip to Rocktail Bay early next year. They are so graceful and I would love at this giant eye to eye on it's way to unknown waters.

WHALE SHARK DISTRIBUTION MAP:

Underwater Noise Pollution Harms Marine Life

Marine mammals such as whales and dolphins rely on sound to communicate with each other, locate prey and find their way over long distances. All these activities - critical to their survival - are being interfered with, experts say, by the increasing levels of noise from ocean-going ship engines, sonar devices and seismic exploration. Climate change could make the noise problems for marine mammals even worse.

"As our world is vision, their world is sound," says Christopher Clark, the director of the Bioacoustics Research Program at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology in New York state. With their groans, clicks, booms and shrieks, marine mammals send warnings, point out good sources of food, and attract mates. More and more man-made noises have been invading their acoustic universe. The noise produced by ocean-going humans falls into the same low-to-mid frequency range as many whale calls. This has drastically reduced the distance over which whales can communicate and may be drowning them out altogether.

In recent years there have been so many strandings due to noise pollution from us humans especially sonar form navy vessels used to track submerines. It really is terrible! The sonar can cause hemeriging and so one will often see blood around the head and eyes of the stranded whales, dolphins or porpoises. There is a way to protect the people of a country without killing the beautiful marine mammels.

1. They need to track migration routes in order to avoid them.

2. Vessels can use sound devices in order to make sure no marine mammels are nearby.

3. We need to stop oil drilling and sonar exercise where there are whale and dolphin populations.

For example, with only 300-400 animals remaining, North Atlantic right whales are among the most endangered whales in the world. They are drastically effected by noise pollution underwater. Studies are still going on to try and prevent these strandings from happening and I hope in the future humans can learn to live with these creatures!