In celebration of this year’s National Science Week*, SAEON conducted a marine science webinar for the general public on 4 August under the theme “Oceans and people: Effects of anthropogenic activities on marine biodiversity”.

More than 70 participants attended the event, which was held from 5 – 7 pm. The webinar drew interest from high school learners, university students, scientists and the general public.

Some of the attendees indicated they would need data to join the webinar. Their data was sponsored by National Science Week funding obtained from the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA).

Raising public awareness of our oceans 

The purpose of the webinar was to make the public aware of the services that the ocean provides for them, the sustainable use of marine resources, protection of marine ecosystems and that there is more to the ocean than meets the eye. The webinar consisted of fascinating educational talks by three speakers from SAEON’s Elwandle Node and Nelson Mandela University.

The first speaker, Dr Lucienne Human, a biochemist at the Elwandle Node, shared insights on the effects of anthropogenic activities on marine biodiversity and measures that can be taken to ensure that estuaries and oceans are protected. Dr Human’s talk highlighted the maintenance of macroalgal blooms (green tides) in the Knysna Estuary by the nutrient-rich water finding its way into the estuary through the wastewater treatment works.

The second speaker, Dr Daniel Lemley from Nelson Mandela University, highlighted how the excess input of nutrients in estuaries and oceans generates algal blooms, which can result in hypoxia leading to mortalities of marine/aquatic life. The talk elicited some emotions as Dr Lemley shared a video and pictures of fish coming to the surface in search of oxygen. His talk included recommendations on how society and government could work together to prevent the eutrophication of our coastal waters.

Ross-Lynne Gibb, a SAEON PhD candidate, was the last speaker of the evening. Ross-Lynne emphasised how important it is to understand the marine food chain and the important role phytoplankton plays in it. She also illustrated how abundant phytoplankton species are along the South African coastline.

* National Science Week is an annual celebration of science, engineering and technology, attracting thousands of learners and members of the public to workshops, science shows and lectures, which are held at universities, schools, science centres and public facilities countrywide led by the Department of Science and Innovation.