Bernadette gave a number of talks to communities around St Helena Bay, outlining the potential of growing Gracilaria to anyone who was interested. As a result of Bernadette's talks, a community group became interested in the potential of seaweed mariculture. This community group, with support from IOI-SA, applied for a permit to grow Gracilaria on floating rafts in St Helena Bay. At that time, no-one had grown any seaweed commercially anywhere in South Africa, and there were no regulations in place regarding seaweed mariculture. This proved a considerable delay to application processing. To cut a long story short, about five years and much paperwork later, a permit was granted.

The community group had in the meantime been forced to formalise their group by forming a company, as this was required for their permit to be processed. They called the company Maribus Industries (taking the name from IOI's slogan). IOI-SA have supported them throughout, running business and mariculture training programmes, and arranging a visit to a Gracilaria farm in Lüderitz, Namibia. Maribus Industries now also have a permit to harvest kelp around St Helena Bay, and so have been able to generate some income from seaweed.

The Present

The Seaweed Unit of Marine and Coastal Management, who have produced a handbook on growing Gracilaria, offered to run a workshop for Maribus Industries. The workshop was to review the basics of Gracilaria mariculture, and to focus on construction of floating rafts for Gracilaria mariculture.

On the day before the workshop, Seaweed Unit divers, along with staff from IOI-SA and Maribus Industries, went out to Saldanha Bay to recover anchors (lengths of heavy chain) that had been used for seaweed rafts there. After hunting around, all the anchors were found and dragged to the shore. The Seaweed Unit generously donated these to Maribus Industries.

    Workshop for Seaweed
     Farmers                              p.1
    IOI-SA attends the first
    GISIN meeting                      p.3
    Marine Pollution Prevention
    and Port Management          p.5
    Polychaete Aquaculture
    Project                                  p.6
    Staff Profile:Tanya Potts      p.7
    Did You Know                      p.8
    Upcoming Events                  p.8

At the workshop the next day, Dr Rob Anderson of the Seaweed Unit reviewed results of growth experiments with Gracilaria. He showed how the seaweed had been grown at experimental and commercial scale, and discussed the results of growth trials in St Helena Bay. Finally, he presented information on the construction of floating rafts, and reviewed maintenance and upkeep of those rafts.

Gracilaria in Netlon mesh tube

After the talk, a workshop was run to show how to construct a raft, with the aim of building one pilot-scale raft by the end of the workshop. A pilot-scale raft is basically a floating 25×5m rectangle, with mesh tubes holding seaweed running across the rectangle. The raft is anchored at the corners, and held near the surface with six floats. The raft is made mostly of ropes, and the only hard objects are the anchors.

Splicing eyes into ropes to attach to anchors

   Global Invasive Species Information Network (GISIN)

IOI-SA attends the first meeting to establish a GISIN

In April this year Martin Cocks (IOI-SA) and Kobie Brandt (GISP) were invited to attend a meeting of experts for the establishment of a Global Invasive Species Information Network (GISIN). The invitation to IOI-SA follows close collaboration with the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) in the development and maintenance of GISP’s website (http://www.GISP.org) and online databases. The workshop, held in Baltimore, Maryland, USA was convened by a team from the U.S. National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), headed by Annie Simpson and followed a series of other meetings held under the GISP partnership network. It was funded by the Bureau of Ocean and International and Scientific Affairs of the U.S. State Department and was attended by 76 participants from 26 countries, which included wide range of Invasive Alien Species database experts.

The Internet today contains an ever-growing number of online databases with information about Invasive Alien Species. Unfortunately much of this information is not compatible as it uses different standards and protocols. A Global Invasive Species Information Network has as its objective the establishment of protocols and technology standards to make it possible for these databases to share information. As the threat from Alien Invasive Species looms ever larger in virtually all ecosystems and on all continents (recently an invasive crab species was found in Antarctica) the timely access to Invasive Alien Species Information becomes ever more critical.

The aims of the Baltimore meeting were therefore:

• The establishment of common gateways to allow for global searches and comparisons of Invasive Alien Species information
• Reaching agreement on common approaches to the types, formats and field names of Invasive Alien Species information collected in online databases.

The database experts at the meeting started the process of cataloguing a minimum set of simple but widely applicable data types expressed in standard formats, which may be accessed by the nodes making up a Global Invasive Species Information Network. The data types and standard formats are currently still evolving but they include fact-sheets, species profiles, non-native and invasive checklists, experts, observations, specimens, bibliographies, identification or diagnostic information, images, and projects all tagged with source information. Participants also forged new partnerships and agreed on collaboration especially the linking of online databases some of which may serve as examples for the way in which a global network may work in the future.

IOI-SA is currently developing an Invasive Alien Species database for the Interactive Map available on the GISP website (This project will be featured in the next issue of the IOI-SA newsletter). This database includes information on experts, organizations, projects, Internet links, conferences and events and bibliographies. IOI-SA and GISP hope to see this information offered into a future global information network as a data provider node. The GISP website will, in future, also become a major portal for finding information through the Global Invasive Species Information Network.

For more information about GISIN, including the workshop proceedings and the “Baltimore Declaration” which was drawn up during the closing session of the meeting visit http://invasivespecies.nbii.gov/as/gisin.htm.

Marine Pollution Prevention and Port Management
In Eastern Africa

The subjects of marine pollution and environmental management in ports received much attention at a recent workshop organised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in collaboration with UNEP, for the East African region (26-30 April 2004). The event was hosted by the Ministry of Transport and Communications in Kenya. Similar workshops were previously held in 1998 (Cape Town, South Africa), 2000 (Townsville, Australia) and 2002 (Ocho Rios, Jamaica).

Over 60 participants from 12 African countries attended the workshop, to identify and discuss the capacity-building needs of countries in relation to combating pollution from ships, the spread of invasive marine species and dredging of port channels. The delegates, who included government officials, port authorities and technical experts, delivered thought-provoking presentations and case studies on challenges facing the region. Experts from agencies such as Environment Canada, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the World Organisation of Dredging Associations (WODA) also provided useful guidance based on experiences elsewhere in the world.

During the latter half of the workshop, delegations from Eastern Africa compiled national reports on problems in their countries and identified the technical assistance needed in order to address these. Of the many issues raised, common problems were highlighted, such as the need for some governments to develop national legislation for the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 1973), for authorities to ensure compliance from seafarers, for waste reception facilities to be developed at ports and for personnel to be trained in the enforcement of maritime law.

IOI-SA’s SEA-WASTE network, which is funded by the IMO, was promoted further at the workshop and delegates were encouraged to use the network as a platform for further cooperation and information sharing.

Presentations delivered at the workshop can be downloaded at: http://seawaste.uwc.ac.za/public/imoworkshop.asp

Polychaete Aquaculture Project

As part of IOI-SA’s ‘People, Oceans and Coasts’ programme research is being conducted into the possibility of ‘worm farming’ in South Africa, i.e. the intensive culture of marine worms to supply as bait to local sea anglers. Worm farming is a highly successful industry in the United Kingdom, with farmed worms being supplied to sea anglers and as brood stock diet to the finfish aquaculture industry worldwide. There is potential for a similar industry to be set up in South Africa, where sea angling is a popular sport and bait collecting is known to seriously impact on the biodiversity of intertidal communities.

An essential pre-requisite for the successful aquaculture of any species is a thorough understanding of their reproductive biology, including the hormonal maturation of gametes and experimental induction of spawning. The background research for this project is being conducted by post-doctoral researcher Ceri Lewis, and involves the description of the reproductive biology of 2 local species of marine worm and the development of larval rearing techniques.

This summer saw the first successful breeding of one of the species being studied, the bloodworm, Arenicola loveni (see picture below). Worms were induced to spawn their eggs and sperm using a hormone manipulation technique and successful fertilizations produced millions of ‘baby’ bloodworms. Fertilized embryos develop into swimming larvae (see picture below), which then settle to the bottom after one week and become ‘stuck’ to sand grains, where they form mucus burrows and begin to feed on algae and detritus. These worms only breed once a year in the wild, but experiments aimed at extending the breeding season in laboratory conditions were also successful, with worms being ‘held back’ from breeding for up to 3 months.

The findings of this research will be submitted for scientific publications to major international marine biology journals. A report on the research findings will also be produced enabling further work to be conducted and presenting recommendations for the possible aquaculture of this worm. Further research is currently underway into the reproductive biology of a second species of worm that is popular as bait, the ‘Wonderworm’ Marphysa sanguinea.

For more information contact Ceri Lewis at clewis@uwc.ac.za

Adult Bloodworm(Arenicola loveni)

Swimming larval phase(7 days old)

1-month-old juvenile Arenicola loveni

Staff Profile: Tanya Potts

The International Ocean Institute of South Africa’s (IOI-SA) secretary, Tanya Potts, when asked if she enjoys her work never opted to take time out to think about the response. She immediately smiled, then said that she enjoys her job because every day brings a variety of work to do and people to liaise with, resulting in no fixed routine, therefore making her job interesting.

Like most secretaries, Tanya spends most of her time playing the role of a ‘chief administrator’ for the company. Her primary duty is to assist the director and the deputy director of the IOI-SA. There are days when she is caught up in typing documents, letters or e-mail, making telephone calls, sending faxes, ordering stationery or office supplies and maintaining equipment used by all staff members, i.e. the photocopier, fax machine, telephones, etc. She also has to report problems in the building such as blocked toilets and faulty air-conditioners among other things. Then there are periods when she has to liaise with people to arrange meetings or the logistics for conferences or workshops, which she claims to be the busiest time for her.

Tanya matriculated from Belhar Senior Secondary School and then completed a Girl Friday course at The Academy of Learning. She subsequently also completed a certificate course at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Child and Youth Care, which involves working with youth at risk. The course has since been converted to a degree course at Technikon SA (now merged with UNISA). She would like to complete this degree in the not-too-distant future. She has attended a Stress Management course and a ‘From Victim To Victor’ course, which she said helped to improve her on a personal level. While at IOI-SA, she completed a Business Writing course, a Workflow Management course, an Event Management course, a First Aid course, Health and Safety training and Fire Marshall training. These courses have not been put to waste since Tanya is the Health and

Safety representative for the IOI-SA as well as one of the Fire Marshalls in the department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). She believes that these courses keep her updated, teach her new ways of thinking and keep her methods of working relevant and more efficient. This ties in with her belief in life-long learning.

In 1997 Tanya provided secretarial relief for the Botany department at the University of the Western Cape. Thereafter, the director of IOI-SA at the time, Prof. Derek Keats, had a look at her Curriculum Vitae and after interviewing her, offered her the position as the secretary of the newly established IOI-SA in 1998. Needless to say, Tanya has been with the IOI-SA ever since. In addition to being the secretary for the IOI-SA, she is the coordinator of the organization’s newsletter team, she also forms a part of the logistics team for some of the organization’s projects and is a member of the Health and Safety committee, i.e. BOtany and ZOology Health And Safety (BOZOHAS).

Secretaries are faced with so many different personalities in the workplace. She was asked how she copes with this type of situation regardless of her mood. She said that in every job for each unique individual on this earth, you apply yourself to the job you do by using your unique personality, gifts, talents and abilities (abilities would include any training you may have received). Moods do not have a place at work. She is a people-person, friendly, enjoys working with people and loves variety in her job so this definitely makes this easier for her to deal with. Although the work required from her is not a huge challenge for her in view of the fact she has been doing secretarial work for seven years, she finds that working with varying personalities is the most challenging aspect of her job. She believes in providing a friendly, effective service, which includes assisting people who approach her with queries or requests of any kind. She would not allow her emotions to prohibit her from doing what is required of her in terms of work.When asked how she would describe her colleagues, she said: “ I am not going to put any of my fellow employees in a box.” She appreciates the fact that everyone is unique and different and said that a fresh perspective can really be helpful when you need it. She declares “it is possible to iron out difficulties and clashes in a reasonable way where everyone benefits. If all else fails, you pass it on to a higher level. That is just standard business practice.”

Well, without a doubt, it is clear that Tanya enjoys her job. She has learnt, and still accepts each positive and negative experience in the workplace resourcefully and as a part of her learning curve.

Did You Know???

"“Improving Municipal Wastewater Management in Coastal Cities” Training Course
(2-6 August 2004)

IOI-SA will host a 5-day training course from 2-6 August 2004 in conjunction with the UNEP/GPA Coordination Office and the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, entitled “Improving Municipal Wastewater Management in Coastal Cities”. The UNEP/GPA, with its global mandate to reduce land-based sources of marine pollution, is concentrating efforts to assist governments and municipalities to address pollution from untreated wastewater.

The course will be run at UWC’s School of Government, and will provide participants with analytical tools, substantive information and skills on how to select, plan and finance appropriate and environmentally sound municipal wastewater management systems. The training is meant for project managers at municipality level, mandated with the task to develop and manage municipal wastewater collection and treatment systems, often with very limited resources.

A ‘Train the Trainer’ day will end the course officially on Saturday, 07 August 2004.

More information about this training can be found at: www.gpa.unep.org/training

Upcoming Events

Southern African Marine Science Symposium
First Announcement and Call for Scientific Sessions

The 12th SAMSS will be hosted in Durban, South Africa on or about 4 – 8 July 2005 by the Oceanographic Research Institute in association with other organizations in KwaZulu-Natal involved in marine research. It is requested that all interested parties complete and return the attached EXPRESSION OF INTEREST form to ensure receipt of the Second Announcement.

In order to facilitate planning of the symposium, this is also a call for SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS to identify persons wishing to organize special sessions or workshops on particular topics.
Draft outlines of suggested sessions should be forwarded to the Oceanographic Research Institute
Email: samss12@ori.org.za,
Fax: 031 328-8188
Date: 14 May 2004.
Please note that the preferred method of communication is per email.
We look forward to seeing you in Durban!

IOI-SA:  Mission statement

The International Ocean Institute, Southern Africa (IOI-SA) promotes the peaceful and sustainable use of ocean space and resources in a southern African context by facilitating sustainable livelihoods of coastal people through awareness creation, education, information dissemination, research, and community initiatives.

Our goals include:
Environment research, awareness,
Sustainable livelihoods supporting research, community initiatives, mariculture,
Awareness - computer technology
Education, training, capacity-building

IOI-SA achieves its goals through its 4 programmes:
Education through Technology,
People, Oceans and Coasts,
Biodiversity,Conservation & Environmental Assessment
IOI-SA Online Services

Enquiries:
Editors:	Tanya Potts Tel. +27 21 959 2594 tpotts@uwc.ac.za Deidre Bester Tel. +27 21 959 3782 dbester@uwc.ac.za Yazeed Petersen Tel. +27 21 959 3408 ypetersen@uwc.ac.za
Graphic Design:	Jody Munnik Tel. +27 21 959 2074 jmunnik@uwc.ac.za