This monitoring program focuses on the biodiversity of rocky shore habitats within the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area (MPA). These ecosystems, located at the interface of land and sea, play a critical role in marine biodiversity and are under pressure from harvesting, invasive species, and climate change. By tracking biodiversity patterns and environmental changes, the program aims to safeguard these habitats and enhance conservation strategies.
Program Coordinator: Dr. Welly Qwabe (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife)
Co-Workers: Grant Smith (Sharklife Conservation Group) Angus Van Wyk (Sharklife)
Permit: Ezemvelo Project
Objectives
- Monitor biodiversity patterns and spatial-temporal variability within rocky shore habitats.
- Assess the impacts of harvesting, invasive species, and climate change on intertidal biodiversity.
- Compare biodiversity within and outside the MPA to evaluate conservation effectiveness.
- Provide data-driven recommendations to adapt management strategies.
- Raise awareness about the health of intertidal communities and their ecological importance.
Why It Matters
Rocky shores are dynamic ecosystems essential for nutrient cycling, energy transfer, and marine biodiversity. However, these habitats face threats from unsustainable harvesting, pollution, and climate change. Effective long-term monitoring is crucial to understanding these challenges and ensuring the resilience of these ecosystems for future generations.
Monitoring Sites
Selected sites include high-priority rocky shores within and outside the MPA, such as:
- Bhanga Nek: A controlled zone with high ecological diversity.
- Dog Point and Black Rock: Key harvesting sites under subsistence use.
- Maphelane South: An open zone outside iSimangaliso.
Research Methods
The program employs standardized and innovative techniques:
- Photo Quadrat Sampling: Captures high-resolution images for species identification and biodiversity analysis.
- Permanent Transects: Tracks long-term changes in species abundance and zonation.
- Environmental Monitoring: Measures temperature, salinity, and other variables affecting intertidal zones.
- Field Sampling: Counts key species like mussels and tracks the spread of invasive species.
Collaborators
This initiative is a collaboration between Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Sharklife Conservation Group, and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority, combining expertise and resources to monitor and conserve rocky shore ecosystems.