This long-term monitoring programme focuses on key species and biodiversity within the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area (MPA). Using stereo-baited remote underwater video systems (Stereo-BRUVs), the programme tracks species abundance, biomass and biodiversity while assessing patterns across management zones. The data generated support long-term assessment of marine ecosystems and adaptive management.
Programme Coordinator: Dr. Welly Qwabe (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife)
Co-Workers: Grant Smith (Sharklife Conservation Group)
Permit: Ezemvelo Project
Objectives
- Measure the abundance and biomass of key species across diverse habitats.
- Track seasonal and annual trends in species populations and biodiversity.
- Map spatial distribution and habitat preferences of key species.
- Assess the effectiveness of management zones in conserving biodiversity.
- Provide actionable data to inform adaptive management strategies.
Monitoring Importance
The iSimangaliso MPA supports a diverse assemblage of sharks, rays and demersal fishes across a wide range of habitats and depths. Long-term standardised monitoring allows changes in abundance, biomass, distribution and community composition to be tracked through time, providing evidence to assess ecological change and inform management.
Monitoring Sites
The programme covers a range of habitats and depths within the MPA, including:
- Inshore Sampling Zones: Targeting photic reefs (5–40 metres).
- Mesophotic Sampling Blocks: Monitoring deeper reefs (40–200 metres).
Research Methods
The monitoring programme uses:
- Stereo-BRUVs: Standardised video systems used to collect species abundance, distribution and body-size data.
- Environmental Monitoring: Measurements of environmental variables associated with survey conditions and marine habitats.
- Long-Term Analysis: Repeated surveys used to assess temporal trends in key species and broader biodiversity patterns.
Collaborators
This initiative is a collaboration between Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Sharklife Conservation Group and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority, combining management, field and research capacity to support long-term biodiversity monitoring within the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area.