Marine Research: General Information

Marine research at Stellenbosch has three main focal areas that are united by the common theme of marine conservation. As marine resources become increasingly threatened and over-exploited, it is becoming more important than ever to explore ways of protecting remaining marine biodiversity and to search for ecologically important alternatives to harvesting wild populations. Our groups utilises modern research techniques to better understand southern Africa’s dynamic marine realm; from investigating the use of genetics in Marine Protected Areas to the aquaculture of marine molluscs.

The focus areas are:

Spionid taxonomy and reproductive biology
Group leader: Carol Simon

1. Polychaete larval growth and development
2. Shell-boring polychaete taxonomy:
1. population structure and gene flow in relation to abalone culture in southern Africa
2. biogeography of worms infesting abalone and oysters

Marine ecology
Group leader: Tammy Robinson

• Rocky shore community ecology
• Ecological impacts of marine invasive species
• Marine biodiversity

Molecular Ecology of Southern African Marine Organisms
Group leaders: Sophie von der Heyden, Conrad Matthee

1. Phylogeography and gene flow of southern African marine coastal species
2. Population genetics/stock structuring of commercially exploited species
3. Taxonomy and systematics of southern African marine organisms

Oyster Group
Group leader: Sue Jackson

1. Optimisation of growth rates in West Coast oysters (Crassostrea gigas)
2. Bivalves as monitors of biodiversity threats to on the South African west coast: intensification of harbour use, pollutants and mariculture

External Links:

• Valencia Declaration



• South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative http://www.wwfsassi.co.za/home.asp?m=1



• Annelid Research Resource: http://www.annelida.net/res-res.html



• International Society of Invertebrate Reproduction and Development: http://www.isird.org/index.html