This collaborative research initiative, led by Nelson Mandela University and Sharklife Conservation Group, focuses on endangered elasmobranch species within the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area. By examining habitat use, species distribution and spatial overlap with shore-angling activity, the project aims to identify areas of potential conflict and support practical conservation and management responses.
Led by: Nelson Mandela University and Sharklife Conservation Group
Principal Investigator: Prof. Amanda Talita Lombard (Nelson Mandela University)
Co-Investigators: Grant David Smith (Sharklife Conservation Group), Angus Van Wyk (Sharklife Conservation Group), Dr. Ryan Daly (Oceanographic Research Institute)
Permit: DFFE RES2025/31
Project Objectives
- Deploy and maintain acoustic telemetry receivers and stereo-BRUVs to assess species occurrence, abundance and habitat use.
- Analyse shore-angling effort and fishing activity within relevant coastal areas.
- Develop a Spatial Conflict Risk Index (SCRI) to identify areas where elasmobranch habitat use overlaps with fishing activity.
- Provide evidence-based recommendations to support adaptive management within the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area.
Research Importance
Many elasmobranch species have life-history traits such as slow growth, late maturity and low reproductive output, making populations particularly sensitive to additional mortality. Understanding where important habitats overlap with recreational fishing activity can help identify areas of elevated risk and support targeted, proportionate management measures.
Study Area
The research spans inshore areas of the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area across a range of management zones, habitats and levels of human use. This allows ecological data and fishing activity to be examined within the same spatial framework.
Research Methods
- Stereo-BRUVs: Assess species occurrence, relative abundance and body size across surveyed habitats.
- Acoustic Telemetry: Track movement, residency and habitat use of tagged elasmobranchs.
- Shore-Angling Data Analysis: Quantify fishing effort and examine spatial overlap with important elasmobranch habitats.
- Spatial Conflict Risk Index (SCRI): Integrate ecological and fishing data to identify areas of elevated spatial conflict risk.
Anticipated Impact
The SCRI is designed to provide managers with a spatially explicit evidence base for identifying areas where recreational fishing activity and important elasmobranch habitats overlap. The project aims to support practical, low-impact management responses that reduce risk while maintaining appropriate recreational access.
Collaborators
Nelson Mandela University, Sharklife Conservation Group, WildTrust, SAIAB, Oceanographic Research Institute, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority and Michigan State University.