Turtle project

Release of spotted turtle for radio telemetry study.

“Alien” Invasion in the MPAs

Mediterranean Mussels | Western Cape | South Africa

Dazzled by several animals washed ashore, I could not help but wonder how pristine the MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) really were.

Spot the intruders...

I was definitely not the only perplexed one after all. A few weeks ago, I had the chance to assist Ben Brooker, a Masters student from the University of Cape Town, who was doing field work in the Tsitsikamma MPAs. South Africa has 23 MPAs along its coastline that aim at protecting marine coastal habitats by prohibiting or restricting anthopogenic disturbance. Conservation efforts in the MPAs have so far held up direct habitat degradation. Nevertheless, while no-take areas have been established to maintain biodiversity and ecosystems functions, little was known and done about the introduction and control of dangerous alien species populations.

Strolling on the rocky shores, few are aware of inconspicuous alien species blending in subtly with native populations. But, one should not be fooled by the “shell” and belittle the threats some non-indigenous, more specifically invasive species, can pose. For instance, the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) was first recorded on the coastline of Tsitsikamma in 1993 and in a decade has already started displacing the competitively inferior native brown mussel (Perna perna) and limpet Scutellastra granularis from prime rock space. Now that the Mediterranean mussels’ offshore larval pool is too vast to be

contained, control of the invasive mussel populations is thought to be impossible.

“M. galloprovincialis has out-competed the limpet S. granularis on semi-exposed and exposed rocky shores on the West Coast. It is likely that this has had a negative impact on the traditional harvest of this limpet species by artisanal fishers for use as lobster bait. This appears to be the only known negative socio-economic impact for this species. On the other hand, higher growth rates for this species relative to the local mussel species, has almost certainly contributed significantly to the success of the local mussel culture operations.” – National Dept. of Agriculture, 2012.

It cannot be denied that some alien species can have valuable socio-economic benefits. In 2010, South African mussel aquaculture was valued at ZAR9.1 million (DAFF 2012). However, biological impacts of invasive species can be irreversibly detrimental to native biota. In the long run, invasive species may hinder sustainable development through the pressures they exert on the ecosystem.

Whether in or outside the MPAs, South African marine ecosystems remain vulnerable to anthropogenic impacts (E.g. subsistence, recreational or commercial use, habitat modification, accidental or deliberate introduction of invasive species, climate change and pollution). While management authorities develop critical policies, taking into consideration both ecological and socio-economic factors, each and one of us can further contribute to the safeguard of the oceans by making the right choices.

“Each one of us can make a difference. Together we make change”- Barbara Mikulski

How can you help?

For one, if you are in South Africa, choose to eat fish only from sustainable fisheries such as snoek, hake, gurnard and calamari. You can even check the status of a fish before you order or buy it. SMS the kind of fish or seafood, e.g. squid, to 079-499-8795 and a return message will tell you about the fish.

-Tried it... it actually works!!!

For more information you can visit the SASSI  website.

Green- fine to eat

Orange-uncertain, so eat less often

Red- it is illegal to sell these fish. The fishery is either over-exploited, damages the ocean, or is illegal.

Also on the help list;

• Obey marine regulations and refrain from destructing marine habitats 
• Help protect the coast taking part in conservation programs like Coastcare and the Adopt-a-beach initiative. 
• Educate others about the importance of a healthy ocean 
• Report problems when you see one 

For more information you can refer to: 

DAFF. 2012. Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Aquaculture Annual Report 2011 South Africa. ISBN: 973-1-868-71-355-4. 

Les Pied dans L’eau

Celebrating Marine Week with The Crags | Western Cape | South Africa

Hardly able to contain our excitement, the kids and I quickly lost our shoes and rolled-up our pants. Gone the neat attire, we were ready for the surprises Natures’ Valley had reserved for us.

The Crags Primary School at the Natures’ Valley Beach during Marine Week 2014

I’ve been playing Dora the explorer for the past few weeks, months even, and “Marine Week” was no exception. Joining hands with Natures’ Valley Trust (NVT), SANParks organised a day at the seaside for The Crags Primary school grade 7 students. This year’s National Marine Week theme was # OCEANS 70/20: Decoding Mysteries, Optimising Opportunities. Yes, I know… not even the OCEANS can escape social media nowadays (hashtags everywhere!).

Ruth Moeti (wearing the white hat) from NVT, 

teaching kids about the influence of oceans on climate

Anyhow, in this context though, the acronym OCEANS was derived from the phrase “Opportunities for Community and Economy: Advantages from Natural Services”. Talking about communities and opportunities, South Africa is celebrating 20 years of freedom this year. My interpretation; equal opportunities for every member of the community, yay! Hence, the theme also reflecting what has been achieved in the past 20 years by the South African government and what is being planned for the 20 years to come.

Answering questions just like in a “normal” classroom

And, if you were wondering about where the 70 fits in? Well… it’s for the 70% of Earth’s surface that’s covered by the mysterious oceans, waiting to be explored, understood and utilised in a sustainable manner. Humans have been collecting seafood and making use of the oceans’ resources and services for tens of thousands of years. However, the ways and extent to which we exploit those marine resources have undergone great changes over time. Given the ever-growing list of scientific discoveries and innovations, it became easier to make use of once inaccessible resources. Thus, now more than ever, we need to understand the difference between “use” and “abuse”. Not only do we benefit from substantial harvests, but amongst other tourism, recreational activities and climate regulation depend heavily on healthy oceans.

R. Gewers (green hat) busy interpreting

In an attempt to teach our little leaders of tomorrow the importance of oceans and why we should optimise instead of maximise our use of the seas, lagoons and coasts, we organised small lessons on the beach for them. Assembled around a rock pool, the 7th graders were scrutinising each and every mussel, anemone, sea urchin, Kilpvis, etc…, that Richmond Gewers, Tsitsikamma National Park’s People and Conservation officer, was fervently describing.

Yanga (NVT) facilitating the MPA lesson

That day, my new maatjies also got to learn more about nature’s complexity and species interdependence (humans included) by taking part in interactive games. Through an enactment exercise, in which the children themselves portrayed major organisms of specific marine food chains, the latter were introduced to the concept of ecological pyramid (producers and primary, secondary and tertiary consumers). Each and every one of the species they playacted are integral part of their biological communities and the slightest disturbance could eventually wobble balanced ecosystems.

Published in South African Network for Coastal and Oceanic Research Newsletter #207 page 18. 

Echoes World Wild: Turtling

Echoes World Wild: Turtling: Encounters with the Wild  | Ontario | Canada | Volunteering for the Freshwater Turtle Project has been event...

Turtling

Encounters with the Wild | Ontario | Canada 

Hello Blanding's!

Volunteering for the Freshwater Turtle Project has been eventful, challenging and very exciting at times to say the least. Driving on the trail leading to our first mark-recapture survey transect on day one and overlooking the reed beds through the windshield of our “Turtle-Mobile”, I was oblivious to the array of species populating the coastal wetland.

Juvenile Snapping turtle ready to be released after 
having been measured and notched

Through my novice’s eyes, the great wall (of reeds) seemed hostile and more of an impassable barrier than a prime habitat for some of the most endangered turtle species in Ontario. But, soon enough, after successfully learning the ropes of walking in chest-waders and after literally getting my feet wet a couple of times, I caught my first turtle: Big Ben, an adult Snapping turtle. This encounter and subsequent ones with Spotted, Blanding’s, Painted and Map turtles were definitely exhilarating. The best was yet to come though. On May 30th 2014, I had the chance to come face to face with a Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera) – a.k.a. the “pancake turtle”.

Wow, I don’t even know where to begin; being one of the fastest-swimming turtles around, it is rather difficult to catch a Spiny Softshell when it is in its aquatic element. So as soon as we caught a glimpse of its long neck sticking out of the water, we knew we had to act super fast. In unison, both Xiao Tian and I yelled “paddle faster Joe, paddle faster!” We were just about 3 meters away from the reptile then. With Joe steering, Xiao Tian directing the manoeuvre and me holding the net, ready to catch the turtle, we reached our target in no time. I still could not believe that we made it to the peculiar looking animal as I reached out and the net touched the leathery carapace adorned with dark outlined spots. I was thrilled to be so close to the first Spiny Softshell of the season – and it got even more exciting as I watched Xiao Tian grab the turtle bare-handed and draw it out of the water as I moved it closer to the canoe with the landing net. 

Spiny Softshell (front) and Snapping 
turtle (back) in the canoe

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention… we had caught a feisty Snapper a few minutes before spotting the Spiny Softshell. Thus, the 2 prehistoric looking creatures we had on our canoe that day. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity I got to work with dedicated ecologists/ aspiring ecologists, who slogged through deep murky waters and rain in an effort to help restore the native turtle populations numbers of Ontario. Seeing these shy turtles in their natural habitat was indeed a privilege given the many threats hovering over their heads. Shoreline development and agricultural activities in Ontario have resulted in habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation. And as if all this wasn't not enough, many more turtles do succumb from poaching, egg and young predation, environmental contamination and injuries from boat propellers and fishing.

Projects like the Freshwater Turtle Recovery Program might shine just enough light at the end of the tunnel for the turtles of Ontario. To really make a long-lasting difference however, I believe everyone needs to do the right thing.

 “It's the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.” - Mahatma Gandhi

What can you do to help? (Source: Wildlife Preservation Canada- Species in Need)

• Every year, turtles must cross busy roads to get to their nesting sites – watch for turtles on the roads!
• Never buy native species of turtles or any turtles that have been caught in the wild.
• Don’t disturb nests, young or adults – be respectful and observe from a distance.
• Help reverse the loss of turtle habitat by protecting or restoring wetlands and surrounding vegetation on your property.
• Make a contribution today towards WPC’s Freshwater Turtle recovery activities. Feel free to adopt a turtle!!

Wanna read more about the amazing work of the turtle team and WPC? 

Check out their blog and website. 

My adventure in Ontario’s Carolinian wilderness has been an incredible one. And I am looking forward to many more encounters with some fascinating species.