Ocean Watch
Covid shark video lands the WHO in hot water
The United Nations health agency has missed the boat on conserving sharks, say activists. Nico Booyens and Natalie dos Santos report.
Seahorses live in the sea, right? True, for all but one species.
Rio Button reports from the Southern Cape on a citizen science mercy mission.
Helping hands show the way
A campaign to create a world day to promote Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) has been launched in South Africa, writes Terry-Ann Beukes.
Turtles “talk” to divers
Ocean lovers Emma Tomkins and Michael Dowker dive into the fascinating world of turtle research.
New wave of enviro journos go big
Our first Ocean Watch writing competition produced a series of captivating stories on all things rays and sharks. Natalie dos Santos salutes the winning entries.
Detail on the devils: rare ray discovered on South Coast
‘Hightly endangered’ shortfin devil rays have been found in large numbers off KZN. Brent Lindeque spoke to ray researcher Michelle Carpenter
A lot on their plate: Sea’s custodians must do more
South Africa has proclaimed 20 new marine protected areas, mirroring worldwide efforts to conserve more marine areas. But a lack of funding and management mean most remain ‘Parks on Paper’. Skyla Thornton reports
Of rashes and threshers: How dermal denticles make the apex predator even harder to handle
Surfer and sometimes shark researcher Sean Kelly takes a salty look at shark skin, a marvel of evolution.
Bycatch threat to apex predators
Shark and ray numbers are dwindling. Bottom trawling and a lack of government monitoring are adding to the problem, writes Katie Biggar
Hooked on safety – the price of keeping KZN’s bathers safe from sharks
The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board has a mandate to protect bathers against shark attacks while minimising the environmental impact. It insists its move to using baited drumlines rather than nets is a step in the right direction.
