Our Research
Our research aims to understand all aspects of coastal seascape habitats, including their ecology, ecophysiology, connectivity and climate impacts.
MAPPING AND MODELLING
In order to map the various habitat types that constitute shallow nearshore seascapes, we use high-resolution geo-referenced imagery acquired using a combination of methods including aerial mapping surveys, underwater drones and acoustic data.
SEASCAPE CHANGE
We use experimental and eco-physiological approaches to understand the effects of warmer oceans, ocean acidification and metal pollution on subtidal vegetation and organisms associated with seascape habitats.
SEASCAPE CONNECTIVITY
In order to assess the nursery provision of seascape habitats, we assess the spatial arrangement of seascape habitats and the export of juveniles to their adult populations in deeper habitats using stereo remote underwater videos, acoustic telemetry and isotope analysis.
Meet The Team
Our team consists of a diverse group of scientists, postdocs and students from various institutions with differing specializations and expertise.
Scientists
Prof. Nicola James
Principal Investigator
Senior Scientist at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
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Visiting Professor at Nelson Mandela University's Institute for Coastal and Marine Research,
and the Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science at Rhodes Univserity
Prof. Anusha Rajkaran
Co-investigator
Associate Professor in the department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology at the University of the Western Cape
Dr Lucienne Human
Co-investigator
Biogeochemistry Laboratory Platform Manager at the South African Environmental Observation Network - Elwandle Node
Prof. Janine Adams
Co-investigator
Distinguished Professor at Nelson Mandela University and the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research
DSI/NRF Research Chair for Shallow Water Ecosystems
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Dr Amber-Robyn Childs
Co-investigator
Senior lecturer in the Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science at Rhodes University
Dr Paul-Pierre Steyn
Co-investigator
Senior lecturer in the Botany Department at Nelson Mandela University
Dr Gavin Rishworth
Co-investigator
Senior lecturer in the Zoology Department at Nelson Mandela University
Dr Taryn Murray
Co-investigator
Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP) Instrument Scientist at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
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Research associate at the Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science at Rhodes University
Dr Anthony Bernard
Co-investigator
Marine Remote Imagery Platform (MARIP) Instrument Scientist at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
Dr Carla Edworthy
Co-investigator
Research Fellow in the Zoology Department and the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research (CMR) at Nelson Mandela University
Postdocs
Dr Phakama Nodo
Postdoctoral researcher
at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
Dr Rebecca Welch
Postdoctoral researcher
at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
Students
Melissa Pollard
PhD student
Abigail Naicker
MSc student
Thembani Mkhize
PhD student
Sivuyisiwe Cwebe
MSc student
Ruth Matthews
MSc student
Lutholwethu Mabaleka
MSc student
Omphemetse Mokwa
MSc student
Aphiwe Sandi
BSc Honours student