Latest news with #SharkSpotters
The South African
11-07-2025
- Science
- The South African
New marine research project unlocks False Bay's shark secrets
As World Shark Day approaches on 14 July, a major marine research initiative has been launched in False Bay aimed at protecting and better understanding the lives of sharks, rays, and skates – collectively known as elasmobranchs. The project is spearheaded by the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, in partnership with Shark Spotters, the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), and SANParks. The partnership seeks to address critical knowledge gaps about these species by tracking their movements within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) using cutting-edge acoustic telemetry technology. 'This collaboration is not only a significant research advancement but also a platform for developing the next generation of marine scientists,' said Dr Nathalie Viljoen, Head of Research at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation. Using SAIAB's Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP), which stretches from St Helena Bay to southern Mozambique, the team has already tagged 29 animals, including lesser guitarfish, spotted gully sharks, and common eagle rays. Each animal is fitted with a transmitter that emits a unique signal, enabling researchers to monitor their location and behaviour over time. The tagging is carried out by a team led by Dr Ilse Jenkinson, a veterinarian at the aquarium, ensuring ethical and professional handling of the animals. Dr Toby Rogers, Research Manager at Shark Spotters, said the project builds on years of successful tracking of species like white sharks and bronze whalers. 'We're excited to expand our understanding of species that have been relatively overlooked. The more we learn, the better we can protect them.' The collaboration also supports student training and academic research, with ties to UCT, UWC, and CPUT. Insights gathered from the study will feed into both conservation strategies and public education, helping raise awareness of the importance of elasmobranchs in marine ecosystems. With World Shark Day shining a global spotlight on marine predators, this project marks a timely and hopeful step towards safeguarding South Africa's rich underwater heritage. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Time Out
11-07-2025
- General
- Time Out
WATCH: Old sea wall removed as Muizenberg's heritage-conscious upgrade unfolds
The City of Cape Town's upgrades to Muizenberg's beachfront infrastructure are well underway - with the old seawall being carefully dismantled. Its original sandstone blocks are to be preserved for reuse in the new design unfolding in one of False Bay's most popular beachfronts. As part of the City's ambitious R413 million investment into coastal infrastructure projects, the multi-phase upgrade of the Muizenberg beachfront - a much-loved destination for surfers, families and tourists alike began earlier in February. It is set for completion by the end of 2026 and aims to address ageing infrastructure while improving accessibility, safety and the overall visitor experience. Beachfront revamps are also underway in Strand, Small Bay, Monwabisi, Table View, Miller's Point, Soetwater, Kogel Bay, Macassar, Zandwolf, Mouille Point and Granger Bay. As the Muizenberg project unfolds, the newly upgraded parking area near the Civic Centre is set to reopen on 1 August 2025. "The project is moving along well, despite the rainy weather. I know our surfing community will be very excited to hear this," says the City's Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews. "Next is the removal of sections of the existing seawall at Surfer's Corner. These original sandstone rocks that make up the wall will be stored and later assessed for incorporation into the new design, as they are key to the Corner's heritage. The next community meeting is on 20 August 2025, at 17:30, at the Zandvlei Lookout. I encourage local residents and business owners to attend to get the latest updates about the project timelines and progress,' said Andrews. What's being upgraded at Muizenberg? Designed with input from local communities and coastal engineers, the upgrade balances modern climate-resilient design with Muizenberg's distinct heritage character. Here's what's included in the transformation: New stepped revetment seawall with a 3m-wide promenade for improved coastal protection Universal beach access ramp and upgraded pathways Redesigned parking areas with lighting, clay paving, and pedestrian-friendly layouts (parking remains free) Upgraded ablution block, set back from the beach and built with universal access, family change rooms, and mosaic art New pergola, rebuilt further inland in its original design Modernised playground with a kelp forest theme and inclusive play equipment Enhanced forecourt at Muizenberg Station with accessible ramps and special needs parking Soft landscaping using indigenous plants; wind-resistant design with no trees Relocated beach huts to the central plaza to act as windbreaks Improved stormwater and sewer infrastructure Support for local NGOs and traders, including a new Waves for Change building and a retained Shark Spotters site
IOL News
30-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Task team outlines innovative approaches to Baboon management
Beloved baboon "Blondie", shot dead. Image: Supplied The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team has outlined its progress and plans for managing baboons along the Peninsula. The update was shared with the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group at their second official meeting, held on Tuesday. The task team, which includes representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, said in a joint statement that members of the Shark Spotters have taken on some of the day-to-day baboon management tasks under the Cape Baboon Partnership. Since March 2025, the Shark Spotters have been providing baboon rangers, running the baboon hotline, and leading community education and outreach efforts. The advisory group is made up of representatives from local communities, civic associations, conservation groups, academic institutions, and animal welfare organisations with an interest in baboon management on the Cape Peninsula. In the statement, several challenges currently facing baboon management were outlined, including 'increasing human-baboon conflict and poor welfare among some troops.' The task team stated that their proposed action plan, part of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan, aims to 'maintain a healthy, free-ranging baboon population in natural areas, with input from affected communities on local solutions". As part of this plan, the task team has proposed removing five splinter troops from the Peninsula due to 'limited access to natural foraging areas, poor troop health, and frequent human-wildlife conflicts". The five splinter troops under review include CT1 and CT2, located north of Constantia Nek; Waterfall and Seaforth, which are splinter troops from Smitswinkel; and Da Gama4, active in and around Welcome Glen and Glencairn. Options for their removal include rewilding through translocation, relocation to existing or new sanctuaries, humane euthanasia, or a combination of these. The plan will be reviewed by a panel of international and local experts and shared by mid-June. The task team is also exploring infrastructure improvements, including a northern fence to prevent troop movement over Constantia Nek, and a separate fence to help keep the Slangkop troop out of Kommetjie, Ocean View, and surrounding areas. Academic institutions are being consulted on a potential contraception trial for the northern subpopulation of baboons, which has a high annual growth rate of around 8%. Residents are encouraged to visit for information and updates. Summary reports on each troop - covering their health, movements, and numbers - are expected to be available on the site by mid-June. Cape Argus
