Ocean Watch

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biodiversity Ocean Watch

Shutterbugs rally to save our seas

A first ever Marine Protected Areas photographic competition – to put people in the picture about the value of conserving our ocean environment – is under way in South Africa.

biodiversity Ocean Watch

No horsing around… Why this little guy really is top of the pops

You may have already told your dad he is super, but how does he stack up next to a seahorse? 

biodiversity Ocean Watch Rays and sharks

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.

biodiversity Ocean Watch Y4MPAs

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.

biodiversity Ocean Watch Y4MPAs

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.

biodiversity Ocean Watch Y4MPAs

Turtles “talk” to divers

Ocean lovers Emma Tomkins and Michael Dowker dive into the fascinating world of turtle research.

Ocean Watch

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.

Ocean Watch

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

biodiversity Ocean Watch Y4MPAs

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

Ocean Watch Rays and sharks

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.