This project falls under SHARKLIFE MAIN OBJECTIVE: Through scientific research, education and awareness bring about positive change to the current destructive trends of ocean exploitation. The study aims to assess biodiversity, species richness, acoustic diversity in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (ISWP)

Image: Mike Fraser

Project Overview:

The study that is to be performed will be analysing the soundscape that exists in Sodwana Bay’s coral reef systems. The soundscape of the coral reefs in Sodwana Bay have not yet been analysed or characterised by any means in published literature. By analysing the soundscape in the study area, an opportunity to assess biodiversity, species richness, acoustic diversity is presented (Putland et al., 2017). The analyses conducted during this study will open opportunities for further ecological studies in the area, which can play a significant role in raising awareness about the biological status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site present in South Africa.

Principal Researcher: Shahir Ramndit (UKZN)

If you would like to be part of this ongoing study please review the options on our Internship Page 

This study is in collaboration with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, UKZ and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority.