Please note that this is a staging site.
DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.30112024
Short-term observations of daily currents on the continental shelf off Port St Johns, along the east coast of South Africa (July 2013 - December 2013)

Between 2013 and 2014, a short-term mooring deployment was conducted to determine the oceanographic characteristics and variability off Port St Johns, along the east coast of South Africa. One mooring (PJ) was deployed, at a depth of 95 m, between July 2013 and September 2014. This mooring measured currents, as well as sub-surface bottom temperatures on the continental shelf off Port St Johns, on the east coast of South Africa. Here we present processed magnitude and direction of daily currents throughout the water column (2 - 86 m) from an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) at location PJ (31.73°S; 29.51°E) on the inner shelf off Port St Johns, between July 2013 and December 2013.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.41042025
Short-term observations of currents and sub-surface temperatures on the continental shelf in the vicinity of Algoa Bay, along the southeast coast of South Africa

Between 2005 and 2014, multiple short-term studies were conducted to determine the circulation patterns across the continental shelf in the vicinity of Algoa Bay, along the southeast coast of South Africa. One mooring (CR01) was deployed off Cape Recife at a depth of 65m, between June 2013 and December 2014. A set of four moorings (ABay01; ABay02; ABay03 and ABay04) were deployed between the mouth of Algoa Bay and the edge of the continental slope, at depths of 75m, 115m, 120m and 160m, between December 2013 and December 2014. A set of three moorings (PA01, PA02 and PA03) were deployed off Port Alfred at depths of 30m, 85m and 165m, between May 2005 and April 2006. The purpose of these moorings were to measure currents and sub-surface temperatures.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.20112024
Experimental manipulations of the density of Cymbula granatina on rocky shore community

Densities of a commonly-harvested intertidal limpet Cymbula granatina were manipulated at two sites within a no-take marine protected area on the west coast of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa, using four treatment levels ranging from zero to maximum natural densities, together with control plots, to evaluate the effects of different harvesting intensities on rocky shore community composition. Following removal or thinning of C. granatina, community composition changed: cover of corticated and ephemeral algae increased and recruitment of C. granatina decreased. These outcomes were, however, dependent on the time frame considered, as algae underwent an annual cycle, and the effects of limpet removal were evident predominantly during the summer upwelling season when the algae proliferated. The management implications of the results of this experiment are discussed.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.14512023
Surface Chlorophyll a concentration and Secchi depth data from the SEAHAB project, March 2023

This was the in situ data collection for the Sensor-agnostic Estimation of Harmful Algal Blooms (SEAHAB) project, March 2023. The data represents two days of surface water sampling between Table Bay and Kommetjie for the purpose of satellite chlorophyll a concentration and water clarity validation.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.38042025
Short-term observations of daily currents at the Walters Shoal, southwest Indian Ocean at location WSN01 (26 May 2014 - 01 August 2015)

The Walters Shoal project, part of the broader African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP III), conducted an oceanographic and biological survey of the Walters Shoal, a shallow seamount in the southwest Indian Ocean, in order to understand the biodiversity and ecological processes occurring on this unique seamount. The project used a multidisciplinary approach that included the sampling of sponge fauna, fish populations, and oceanographic conditions. Oceanographic data (including moored ADCP data, CTD profiles, as well as underway S-ADCP and TSG data) was collected to understand the circulation patterns and hydrography that could influence the biological communities on the seamount. Here, we present the moored ADCP data that was collected to determine currents and sub-surface temperatures. Two ADCP moorings were deployed, one on the northern part and the other on the southern part of Walters Shoal, at depths of 500m, between May 2014 and August 2015. Here we present processed...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.37042025
Short-term observations of hourly currents at the Walters Shoal, southwest Indian Ocean at location WSN01 (25 May 2014 - 02 August 2015)

The Walters Shoal project, part of the broader African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP III), conducted an oceanographic and biological survey of the Walters Shoal, a shallow seamount in the southwest Indian Ocean, in order to understand the biodiversity and ecological processes occurring on this unique seamount. The project used a multidisciplinary approach that included the sampling of sponge fauna, fish populations, and oceanographic conditions. Oceanographic data (including moored ADCP data, CTD profiles, as well as underway S-ADCP and TSG data) was collected to understand the circulation patterns and hydrography that could influence the biological communities on the seamount. Here, we present the moored ADCP data that was collected to determine currents and sub-surface temperatures. Two ADCP moorings were deployed, one on the northern part and the other on the southern part of Walters Shoal, at depths of 500m, between May 2014 and August 2015. Here we present processed...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.36042025
Short-term observations of daily currents at the Walters Shoal, southwest Indian Ocean at location WSS01 (30 May 2014 - 02 August 2015)

The Walters Shoal project, part of the broader African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP III), conducted an oceanographic and biological survey of the Walters Shoal, a shallow seamount in the southwest Indian Ocean, in order to understand the biodiversity and ecological processes occurring on this unique seamount. The project used a multidisciplinary approach that included the sampling of sponge fauna, fish populations, and oceanographic conditions. Oceanographic data (including moored ADCP data, CTD profiles, as well as underway S-ADCP and TSG data) was collected to understand the circulation patterns and hydrography that could influence the biological communities on the seamount. Here, we present the moored ADCP data that was collected to determine currents and sub-surface temperatures. Two ADCP moorings were deployed, one on the northern part and the other on the southern part of Walters Shoal, at depths of 500m, between May 2014 and August 2015. Here we present processed...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.35042025
Short-term observations of hourly currents at the Walters Shoal, southwest Indian Ocean at location WSS01 (29 May 2014 - 02 August 2015)

The Walters Shoal project, part of the broader African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP III), conducted an oceanographic and biological survey of the Walters Shoal, a shallow seamount in the southwest Indian Ocean, in order to understand the biodiversity and ecological processes occurring on this unique seamount. The project used a multidisciplinary approach that included the sampling of sponge fauna, fish populations, and oceanographic conditions. Oceanographic data (including moored ADCP data, CTD profiles, as well as underway S-ADCP and TSG data) was collected to understand the circulation patterns and hydrography that could influence the biological communities on the seamount. Here, we present the moored ADCP data that was collected to determine currents and sub-surface temperatures. Two ADCP moorings were deployed, one on the northern part and the other on the southern part of Walters Shoal, at depths of 500m, between May 2014 and August 2015. Here we present processed...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.34042025
Short-term observations of daily bottom temperatures at the Walters Shoal, southwest Indian Ocean at location WSN01 (26 May 2014 - 01 August 2015)

The Walters Shoal project, part of the broader African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP III), conducted an oceanographic and biological survey of the Walters Shoal, a shallow seamount in the southwest Indian Ocean, in order to understand the biodiversity and ecological processes occurring on this unique seamount. The project used a multidisciplinary approach that included the sampling of sponge fauna, fish populations, and oceanographic conditions. Oceanographic data (including moored ADCP data, CTD profiles, as well as underway S-ADCP and TSG data) was collected to understand the circulation patterns and hydrography that could influence the biological communities on the seamount. Here, we present the moored ADCP data that was collected to determine currents and sub-surface temperatures. Two ADCP moorings were deployed, one on the northern part and the other on the southern part of Walters Shoal, at depths of 500m, between May 2014 and August 2015. Here we present processed...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.33042025
Short-term observations of hourly bottom temperatures at the Walters Shoal, southwest Indian Ocean at location WSN01 (25 May 2014 - 02 August 2015)

The Walters Shoal project, part of the broader African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP III), conducted an oceanographic and biological survey of the Walters Shoal, a shallow seamount in the southwest Indian Ocean, in order to understand the biodiversity and ecological processes occurring on this unique seamount. The project used a multidisciplinary approach that included the sampling of sponge fauna, fish populations, and oceanographic conditions. Oceanographic data (including moored ADCP data, CTD profiles, as well as underway S-ADCP and TSG data) was collected to understand the circulation patterns and hydrography that could influence the biological communities on the seamount. Here, we present the moored ADCP data that was collected to determine currents and sub-surface temperatures. Two ADCP moorings were deployed, one on the northern part and the other on the southern part of Walters Shoal, at depths of 500m, between May 2014 and August 2015. Here we present processed...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.32042025
Short-term observations of daily bottom temperatures at the Walters Shoal, southwest Indian Ocean at location WSS01 (30 May 2014-01 August 2015)

The Walters Shoal project, part of the broader African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP III), conducted an oceanographic and biological survey of the Walters Shoal, a shallow seamount in the southwest Indian Ocean, in order to understand the biodiversity and ecological processes occurring on this unique seamount. The project used a multidisciplinary approach that included the sampling of sponge fauna, fish populations, and oceanographic conditions. Oceanographic data (including moored ADCP data, CTD profiles, as well as underway S-ADCP and TSG data) was collected to understand the circulation patterns and hydrography that could influence the biological communities on the seamount. Here, we present the moored ADCP data that was collected to determine currents and sub-surface temperatures. Two ADCP moorings were deployed, one on the northern part and the other on the southern part of Walters Shoal, at depths of 500m, between May 2014 and August 2015. Here we present processed...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.31042025
Short-term observations of hourly bottom temperatures at the Walters Shoal, southwest Indian Ocean at location WSS01 (29 May 2014- 02 August 2015)

The Walters Shoal project, part of the broader African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP III), conducted an oceanographic and biological survey of the Walters Shoal, a shallow seamount in the southwest Indian Ocean, in order to understand the biodiversity and ecological processes occurring on this unique seamount. The project used a multidisciplinary approach that included the sampling of sponge fauna, fish populations, and oceanographic conditions. Oceanographic data (including moored ADCP data, CTD profiles, as well as underway S-ADCP and TSG data) was collected to understand the circulation patterns and hydrography that could influence the biological communities on the seamount. Here, we present the moored ADCP data that was collected to determine currents and sub-surface temperatures. Two ADCP moorings were deployed, one on the northern part and the other on the southern part of Walters Shoal, at depths of 500m, between May 2014 and August 2015. Here we present processed...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.78072024
Short-term observations of currents and sub-surface temperatures on the continental shelf and slope along the KwaZulu-Natal Bight, along the east coast of South Africa (project period 2009-2013)

The African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP) III project on Ecosystem Processes in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Bight, jointly funded by the South African National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), with collaborative support from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), was conducted from 2009 to 2013, in order to improve our understanding of the drivers of ecological functioning and biodiversity of the KZN Bight. This multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary project included various deployments of moored Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) and thermistor arrays, satellite drifter deployments, dedicated ship-based surveys from the RS Algoa and FRS Africana, including sampling of physical and chemical parameters, as well as phyto- and zooplankton, and benthic communities.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.26052050
Long-term moored observations from the eastern part of the South Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation Basin-wide Array (SAMBA)

Here we present long-term observations from the South Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation Basin-wide Array (SAMBA) transect in the Cape Basin region along 34.5°S. SAMBA forms part of the South African component of the International South Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation project (SAMOC-SA), which aims to characterise the time-mean and time-varying components of the SAMOC in the South Atlantic Ocean and monitor the variability of the main Southern Ocean frontal systems associated with the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), south of Africa.

DOI: 10.15493/dea.mims.26052253
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West Coast Cetacean Distribution and Abundance Survey on the Ellen Kuzwayo Voyage 126, October 2014

This West Coast Cetacean Distribution and Abundance Survey was conducted on the Ellen Kuzwayo Voyage 126, from 28 October to 10 November, 2014. The survey was planned for the region between Dassen Island and Groenriviermond up the west coast. The cruise track of the Ellen Kuzwayo is closely linked to that of the Algoa and while the latter was engaged in offshore and onshore parallel tracks up to the 250m isobaths, the former ran a saw tooth grid survey starting inshore Dassen Island (moving progressively northwards) in-between the parallel grids of the Algoa up to the 150m isobaths (unless concentrations of whales were sighted further offshore by the Algoa). Surveys will be conducted at 10 knots unless weather conditions and safety required a reduction in speed. In such cases all the sightings will be recorded as secondary sightings. The data are currently being analysed and the authors will be publishing a paper on it once that is completed, after which it will be made available....

DOI: 10.15493/dea.mims.26052252
Sardine, Hake, and Anchovy Recruitment Programme (SHARP) / St. Helena Bay Monitoring Line (SHBML) on the Ellen Kuzwayo Voyage 108, March 2012

This Sardine, Hake, and Anchovy Recruitment Programme (SHARP)/St. Helena Bay Monitoring Line (SHBML) cruise was conducted on the Ellen Kuzwayo Voyage 108 from 19 to 23 March, 2012. SHARP: At the initiation of the original SARP project the operational objective was to investigate variability in the transport of clupeiod eggs and larvae by the Benguela jet current from the south coast spawning grounds to the west coast nursery area as this would impact recruitment, thereby influencing the abundance of pelagic resources. To date 17 years worth of data have been collected on a transect perpendicular to the coast off Slangkop, the SARP line. Many valuable conclusions have been drawn using the information. Though the SARP line has contributed to its initial goal, the wealth of data and knowledge accumulated over the years suggests it is time for a revamp and extension of the SARP line. The idea is to strengthen the sampling strategy to include a more comprehensive experimental design...

DOI: 10.15493/dea.mims.26000010
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St Helena Bay Monitoring Line (SHBML) on the Ellen Kuzwayo Voyage 105, January 2012

This St Helena Bay Monitoring Line (SHBML) cruise was conducted on the Ellen Kuzwayo Voyage 105 in January 2012. This is a long-term monitoring line conducted off the coast of Elands/St Helena Bay on the west coast of South Africa. SHBML started in 2000 as a BENEFIT-driven project on "shipboard monitoring" which linked with similar lines run in Namibia and Angola. The aims were to obtain seasonal and interannual information on the hydrology and productivity of the area. It was incorporated under the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) in 2013 consolidating a long-term, multi-decadal time-series (from 1951 onward) of information for this important region and has continued monitoring in the form of the IEP:SB. The programme is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative and capacity building platform undertaking relevant science, including updating technology, with the aim to develop ecosystem indicators that can be used to effectively monitor and understand the...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.250121-12
St Helena Bay Monitoring Line (SHBML) on the Ellen Kuzwayo Voyage 097, September 2011

This St Helena Bay Monitoring Line (SHBML) cruise was conducted on the Ellen Kuzowayo Voyage 097 in September 2011. This is a long-term monitoring line conducted off the coast of Elands/St Helena Bay on the west coast of South Africa. SHBML started in 2000 as a BENEFIT-driven project on "shipboard monitoring" which linked with similar lines run in Namibia and Angola. The aims were to obtain seasonal and interannual information on the hydrology and productivity of the area. It was incorporated under the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) in 2013 consolidating a long-term, multi-decadal time-series (from 1951 onward) of information for this important region and has continued monitoring in the form of the IEP:SB. The programme is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative and capacity building platform undertaking relevant science, including updating technology, with the aim to develop ecosystem indicators that can be used to effectively monitor and understand the...

DOI: 10.15493/dea.mims.26000011
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St Helena Bay Monitoring Line (SHBML) on the Ellen Kuzwayo Voyage 085, March 2011

This St Helena Bay Monitoring Line (SHBML) cruise was conducted on the Ellen Kuzwayo Voyage 085 in March 2011. This is a long-term monitoring line conducted off the coast of Elands/St Helena Bay on the west coast of South Africa. SHBML started in 2000 as a BENEFIT-driven project on "shipboard monitoring" which linked with similar lines run in Namibia and Angola. The aims were to obtain seasonal and interannual information on the hydrology and productivity of the area. It was incorporated under the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) in 2013 consolidating a long-term, multi-decadal time-series (from 1951 onward) of information for this important region and has continued monitoring in the form of the IEP:SB. The programme is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative and capacity building platform undertaking relevant science, including updating technology, with the aim to develop ecosystem indicators that can be used to effectively monitor and understand the Southern...

DOI: 10.15493/dea.mims.26000013
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St Helena Bay Monitoring Line (SHBML) on the Ellen Kuzwayo Voyage 057, March 2010

This St Helena Bay Monitoring Line (SHBML) cruise was conducted on the Ellen Kuzwayo Voyage 057 in March 2010. This is a long-term monitoring line conducted off the coast of Elands/St Helena Bay on the west coast of South Africa. SHBML started in 2000 as a BENEFIT-driven project on "shipboard monitoring" which linked with similar lines run in Namibia and Angola. The aims were to obtain seasonal and interannual information on the hydrology and productivity of the area. It was incorporated under the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) in 2013 consolidating a long-term, multi-decadal time-series (from 1951 onward) of information for this important region and has continued monitoring in the form of the IEP:SB. The programme is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative and capacity building platform undertaking relevant science, including updating technology, with the aim to develop ecosystem indicators that can be used to effectively monitor and understand the Southern...

DOI: 10.15493/dea.mims.26000014
St Helena Bay Monitoring Line (SHBML) on the Ellen Kuzwayo Voyage 037, April 2009

This St Helena Bay Monitoring Line (SHBML) cruise was conducted on the Ellen Kuzwayo Voyage 037 in April 2009. This is a long-term monitoring line conducted off the coast of Elands/St Helena Bay on the west coast of South Africa. SHBML started in 2000 as a BENEFIT-driven project on "shipboard monitoring" which linked with similar lines run in Namibia and Angola. The aims were to obtain seasonal and interannual information on the hydrology and productivity of the area. It was incorporated under the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) in 2013 consolidating a long-term, multi-decadal time-series (from 1951 onward) of information for this important region and has continued monitoring in the form of the IEP:SB. The programme is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative and capacity building platform undertaking relevant science, including updating technology, with the aim to develop ecosystem indicators that can be used to effectively monitor and understand the Southern...

DOI: 10.15493/dea.mims.26000002
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St Helena Bay Monitoring Line (SHBML) on the Ellen Kuzwayo Voyage 005, January 2008

This St Helena Bay Monitoring Line (SHBML) cruise was conducted on the Ellen Kuzwayo Voyage 005 in January 2008. This is a long-term monitoring line conducted off the coast of Elands/St Helena Bay on the west coast of South Africa. SHBML started in 2000 as a BENEFIT-driven project on "shipboard monitoring" which linked with similar lines run in Namibia and Angola. The aims were to obtain seasonal and interannual information on the hydrology and productivity of the area. It was incorporated under the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) in 2013 consolidating a long-term, multi-decadal time-series (from 1951 onward) of information for this important region and has continued monitoring in the form of the IEP:SB. The programme is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative and capacity building platform undertaking relevant science, including updating technology, with the aim to develop ecosystem indicators that can be used to effectively monitor and understand the...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.250121-7
St Helena Bay Monitoring Line (SHBML) on the Ellen Kuzwayo Voyage 001, September 2007

This St Helena Bay Monitoring Line (SHBML) cruise was conducted on the Ellen Kuzwayo Voyage 001 in September 2007. This is a long-term monitoring line conducted off the coast of Elands/St Helena Bay on the west coast of South Africa. SHBML started in 2000 as a BENEFIT-driven project on "shipboard monitoring" which linked with similar lines run in Namibia and Angola. The aims were to obtain seasonal and interannual information on the hydrology and productivity of the area. It was incorporated under the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) in 2013 consolidating a long-term, multi-decadal time-series (from 1951 onward) of information for this important region and has continued monitoring in the form of the IEP:SB. The programme is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative and capacity building platform undertaking relevant science, including updating technology, with the aim to develop ecosystem indicators that can be used to effectively monitor and understand the...

DOI: 10.15493/dea.mims.26052313
Unusual mortality events of whales of the genus Kogia along the South African coastline between 2010 and 2020

This report provides stranding trends of whales (genus Kogia) for the areas between Strandfontein on the West Coast and Grootbrak River on the South Coast of South Africa between 2010 and 2020 for the benefit of Municipalities, Scientists and Managers. The report is a product of Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) marine mammal health monitoring efforts under the title: "Long-term monitoring of the effects of environmental changes and humans activities on the health and conservation of marine mammals (i.e. Strandings, Bycatch, Marine Debris, Fisheries Interactions, Pollution, etc.)"

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.07712023
A 2022 update to trends of seabirds and seals in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape

This report provides an update on the trends for seals and seabirds in Saldanha Bay for the year 2022. The Benguela Upwelling Ecosystem is home to various endemic seabirds and a single species of fur seal, exclusive to the southern African region (South Africa, Namibia, and Angola). The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has been conducting extensive monitoring of population trends, diet, and foraging behaviour of multiple seabird species. The objective is to gather valuable insights into crucial distribution areas and identify key prey species.

Geographic extent

Temporal extent