Exploring the Frozen Ocean of Terra Australis Incognita
Marine Science in Antarctica’s Southern Ocean as part of the SCALExperiment Spring 2019 Expedition. My polar adventure while atlasing seabirds for BirdLife SA’s AS@S Project.
From Cabo Talhado to Seal Mountain – Discovering the Robberg Magic
Robberg is a special place; one shrouded in mystery, steeped in history and abundant in natural wonders. Stepping onto the trail transports you into a world of tranquillity and peace, a world free from the white noise of our daily pressures. Take a moment to listen, to feel, to absorb the atmosphere… take a moment to discover the Robberg Magic.
Surviving the Vomit Comet – Life Aboard the RV Algoa
Life at sea onboard the R/V Algoa. Stories from the marine research cruises of the Annual West Coast Humpback Whale Survey, the February 2017 Integrated Ecosystem Program (IEP) and the Cape Canyon Survey along the West Coast of South Africa.
Dune Restoration vs Sand Stabilisation
The use of the term “Dune Restoration” in scenarios where restoration measures are questionable and restoration goals undefined, is misleading and incorrect. Analysing three case studies in the Cape Peninsula it becomes clear that “Dune Restoration” is a pipe dream under current conditions and the term is rather used as a guise for personal gain.
A Common Yet Swift Antarctic Sandwich
This article is the result of a request from one of the Long Beach locals to learn more about the life history and migration behaviour of the tern species frequenting South Africa’s extensive coastline.
Baptism of Ice: Birding on the SA Agulhas II to the Antarctic Marginal Ice Zone
I recently spent two weeks sailing the Good Hope Line aboard the SA Agulhas II with a team from BirdLife SA. We spent the time recording the seabird and mammal species encountered between Cape Town and the Antarctic Marginal Ice Zone.
Visitors from the Deep: The Tale of “Fish” and “Hoek”
The historic story describing my late grandfather’s extraordinary encounters with a pair of bottlenose dolphins off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, back in 1953.
Penguins on Parade
The charismatic African Penguin is a species in freefall as a result of increased fishing pressures and shifts in the distribution of their prey species. Here in Cape Town, we have a number of breeding colonies on our doorstep and should be doing everything in our power to ensure the recovery and survival of this important coastal bird.
Exploring the Driving Forces Influencing the Evolutionary History of the Extant Latimeria Genus within the Coelacanth Taxon
Thought of as a “Living Fossil”, the Coelacanth has piqued the interest and captured the imaginations of fishermen, scientists and the general public alike. Throughout its history, forces have acted to mould this fish into the strange looking specimen that we encounter today… an appearance reminiscent of its ancient ancestors.
The “Elephant in the Room” in Marine Protected Areas: Problems of Locally Overabundant Species
A review of the literature pertaining to the issues brought about by local overabundance in MPAs and the degree to which both reserve design and general ocean health can influence this phenomenon.
Scientist in Limbo 