SSE
EA
AA
AN
ND
DC
CO
OA
ASST
T PPR
RO
OG
GR
RA
AM
MM
ME
E IIII
INTRODUCTION
The Sea and the Coast Programme, partnered by the South African Network for Coastal and
Oceanic Research (SANCOR), Foundation for Research Development (FRD, now the National
Research Foundation-NRF) and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
(DEA&T), has been recognized as highly successful in a critical independent review (SANCOR
Occasional Report No. 6). In particular it has contributed greatly both scientifically and in
developing new capacity in marine and coastal science. This programme will finish at the end of
2000. Institutions in South Africa involved in marine and coastal research can build on this
success by initiating a new programme that broadens the scope of the previous programme while
retaining those elements that have been successful and are still needed. The new programme will
take into account updated national needs and objectives and the independent critique provided of
the previous programme.
Why study the sea, the coast and estuaries?
Marine, estuarine and coastal resources of South Africa represent an enormous national asset for
growth and development. Conservative estimates place a direct value of R45 billion and indirect
value of R134 billion on coastal goods and services within a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of
approximately R600 billion. Tens of thousands of South Africans are employed in marine and
coastal sectors while millions could and should benefit from the leisure and spiritual attributes
generated by our seas. For the country and its people to benefit from these resources require both
wise development and a good understanding of the resources and the underlying dynamic
processes involved.
The Vision for this proposed programme is therefore to:
Provide information, advice and training in support of optimal and sustainable
use and development of our sea, coasts and estuaries.
Past programmes and structures
The principle of multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary approaches to marine science, engineering
and technology (MSET) in South Africa dates back several decades. SANCOR, representing the
broader MSET community (including DEA&T and NRF representation), was transformed in
1994 into a countrywide network through which all interested MSET participants could make a
contribution to the understanding and wise development of South Africa’s marine and coastal
resources.
Currently, more than 50 organizations, representing some 400 individuals in academia, public
service, parastatals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector, make up
SANCOR. There are two major stakeholders (DEA&T and the NRF) who contribute to overall
research policy and direction and also provide the bulk of the funding. SANCOR has a dedicated
secretariat, a widely distributed regular newsletter, and a variety of coordinating and working
groups that address specific issues of concern. Examples of the latter include linefish,
mariculture, marine and coastal education and policy evaluation.
SANCOR
April 2000
48
During 1993, SANCOR embarked on the development of a new programme aimed at fulfilling
the country’s needs in terms of what was ultimately embodied in the Reconstruction and
Development Programme (RDP). The Sea and the Coast (S&C) Programme was fully endorsed
and funded by the two major stakeholders (FRD and DEA&T) and enthusiastically supported by
all the members of SANCOR. It comprised four main thrusts and two associated thrusts (*) from
elsewhere in the FRD programmes:






Coastal Communities and Living Marine Resources
The Coast as a Resource
Offshore Living Resources and Society
Mariculture
Marine Biodiversity and Conservation*
Ocean Dynamics and Coastal Geomorphology*
The S&C Programme was to run for five years and, at the beginning of 1999, SANCOR initiated
peer evaluation of the overall programme. This review highlighted a number of positive
achievements. Corrective action, in the context of student training, was seen to have been
enhanced. Significant advances were also made in expanding links beyond industrial fisheries
matters to a wider fisher community, including the subsistence fishery sector. While this
provided globally encouraging endorsement, it also identified a number of key needs or poorly
met objectives. These shortcomings, for instance the integration of natural and social science and
economics, have now been considered in the development of the future programme proposals.
(Supporting documents on the S&C review, thrust outputs and other SANCOR activities are
available from the SANCOR secretariat.)
Meeting new challenges
Recognising the changing needs of the nation and considering the experiences of the successful
S&C Programme, the DEA&T, the NRF and the MSET community, initiated early in 1999 the
development of proposals to underpin a potential new five year national programme.
This proactive process commenced with regional fora being tasked to identify regional and
national needs and also to generate innovative suggestions towards developing new scientific
activities or ensuring the continuation of currently successful initiatives. This was followed by the
articulation of stakeholder needs through interpretation of the 1998 NRF Act and the DEA&T key
focus areas and associated objectives (as outlined in the department’s February 2000 business
plan). These stakeholders were represented throughout the process at both regional and national
levels.
Effectively this ensured that the needs for marine and coastal resource development were
expressed from the “bottom-up” (regions) and the “top-down” (from stakeholders). A workshop
was held (end March 2000) to review the regional inputs, evaluate the needs and to develop
potential solutions that could be addressed in specific research thrusts.
The proposed programme encompasses applied and fundamental research and can be
characterized by a problem-solving approach. Hence it is inherently multi-disciplinary in nature,
promoting partnerships between marine and coastal researchers, economists and social scientists.
It is acknowledged that, while individual thrusts may not address all needs simultaneously, the
combination of the proposed thrusts ensures a cohesive approach and also a good balance
between the goals of promoting resource development and human advancement. The latter will
SANCOR
April 2000
49
specifically focus on corrective action. Furthermore, it was seen that research would not only
support opportunities for development but would also be able to help identify the constraints.
The programme could also assist in redistributing scientific endeavour to the regions of South
Africa which historically and traditionally have not received adequate coverage. It seeks to
encourage the submission of projects that will either make conceptual and analytical advances at
a high level or contribute to the management of local resources.
The programme also offers opportunities to retain and to forge new international links and hence
to ensure that internationally recognized standards and perspectives are maintained and
obligations honoured. This would enhance our leadership role in an African context, and
specifically through our SADC responsibilities and contacts.
National needs
DEVELOPMENT
Foremost was the recognition of the need to develop the country’s resources, which were
identified as both human and natural resources.
The development of human skills would include such issues as:
 Skills development and capacity (training and education)
 Protection of community rights
 Equitable development
 Job creation
 Poverty alleviation
 Economic growth
The scope for conventional use and development of natural living resources was recognized to be
limited. However, opportunities to develop them in more innovative ways have been explored
and seen to include non-consumptive use, mariculture, tourism and value-added technology.
CARING
Caring for the natural resources and their environment was also identified as a logical prerequisite
for ensuring sustainability of development. Included would be:
 Conserving biodiversity
 Protecting the environment in order to improve quality of life
USING AND MANAGING
Wise resource use and management would include such key issues as:
 Decision support and associated tools
 Enhancing food production
 Reversing overexploitation
 Research into policy and its implementation
 Provision of good information
UNDERSTANDING
Fundamental to development, care and use is sound understanding in terms of natural science, the
social issues and economics. The foci of this understanding include:
 Processes that influence the abundance and health of resources
 Biological, physical and chemical parameters that drive these processes
 Social needs and expectations
SANCOR
April 2000
50


The economics of use
Indigenous knowledge
Some solutions
In response to the needs outlined above, a suite of potential scientific and technological areas of
activity is proposed.
In terms of Human Development:
 Education, training and skills development
 Co-management
 The principle of “best practice”
 Innovative technology
 Understanding sustainability
 Supporting tourism development
In terms of Caring:
 Promoting national awareness and the ethic of voluntary compliance
 Developing environmental and water quality indices
 Establishing transparent decision support systems
 Understanding and alleviating the effects of pollution
 Realising the benefits of protecting valuable areas and other conservation measures
In terms of Using and Managing:
 Implementing the concept of sustainability
 Improving monitoring and data management
 Reporting on the state of the environment
 Refining management systems
 Developing simple, but effective, models and management procedures
 Understanding and improving compliance
In terms of Understanding:
 Investigating driving forces and factors behind production
 Understanding biological constraints
 Carrying out basic research in biological, social and economic disciplines
These potential areas of endeavour are amalgamated into seven potential thrusts (Fig. 1.) that are
expanded in the following pages. In drafting this programme it was recognized that it is important
to provide support for developing specialized skills and to provide for needs that are generic in
nature Statistical and numerate skills
 Communication and awareness
 Education
 Assessment and development of policy
 Student integration
 Scientific and management liaison
A separate document (Essential Elements to Enhance SANCOR's Sea and Coast II) has been
submitted to the NRF seeking their guidance on how best to accomplish this.
SANCOR
April 2000
51
THRUSTS
COASTAL PROCESSES
UNDERSTANDING THE COAST
Introduction and Motivation
The focus of this thrust is to understand the coast and nearshore environments to allow for their
sustainable use. Maintaining the diversity, health and productivity of our coast is central to
realising the economic and social benefits thereof.
South Africa has unique oceanographic conditions. Nowhere else in the world are there such
contrasts in currents and physical conditions. This leads to an extraordinary biological diversity
and puts South Africa in a position to make an outstanding contribution to understanding how
physical conditions influence the coast and its biological productivity and diversity.
One third of our population lives on and uses the coast. Uses include the harvesting of organisms
such as mussels (in subsistence fisheries), rock lobsters (in recreational, subsistence and
commercial fisheries) and corals (the heart of the tourist diving industry).
We need to understand the physical, chemical and biological processes that influence the
structure and functioning of ecosystems in order to manage the coast and its resources wisely.
Scope






Inshore oceanography & hydrology, including upwelling, circulation patterns, waves and
nearshore hydrodynamics
Recruitment
Productivity
Geology, including geological rock type, coastal geomorphology and sediment dynamics
Biological interactions
Estuarine research, including the effects of freshwater inputs and their consequences for
estuaries
The thrust will cover estuaries, rocky shores, sandy beaches, and inshore reefs. It will concentrate
on what happens nearshore, but can extend offshore and inland to cover processes which
influence the coast.
The emphasis will be on how these processes and their interactions influence the utilization and
management of the coast and its resources. This thrust offers a wide range of opportunities for
collaborative and multi-disciplinary research and will benefit from regional comparisons.
Expected Outcomes

Understanding of coastwide sediment budgets and their effects on nearshore ecosystems
SANCOR
April 2000
52



Knowledge of how biotic and abiotic factors (including large and small scale oceanographic
processes) affect the recruitment, productivity, survival of and interactions between
organisms
Improved understanding and management of estuaries
Capacity building and training students
This knowledge will underpin the management of the coast and utilization of resources demanded
by the White Paper for Sustainable Coastal Development in South Africa and the Marine Living
Resources Act.
Links
Strong linkages between this thrust and all the other thrusts are expected since this thrust deals
with fundamental knowledge underpinning management. Linkages are also expected to develop
with terrestrial research programmes that impact on the coast.
BIODIVERSITY
RICHNESS OF LIFE
Introduction and Motivation
South Africa is located in a unique position globally, being influenced by waters of the Indian,
Atlantic and Southern Oceans. The sheer range of physico-chemical conditions, the habitat
diversity and the range of exposure along our coastline create a richness in marine biodiversity
unequalled elsewhere in the world. This rich biodiversity is of enormous economic importance,
not only for direct harvesting of resources but also for its tourism potential (e.g. whale watching,
seabird viewing, diving, fishing) and for the extraction of chemical products and the use of
medicinal products by indigenous coastal people. This unique heritage is under threat by a wide
range of activities, including the introduction of alien species, pollution, over-harvesting, coastal
development, fishing and mining activities.
Under the Convention on Biological Diversity, South Africa is obliged to provide adequate
protection for its flora and fauna. To do this, we need to understand the factors that influence
biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and to develop ways of minimizing adverse human
impacts. The emphasis will be on studies that will increase the understanding or underpin the
management of ecosystems.
Scope






Identifying the factors that affect biodiversity and ecosystem
Identifying developmental and research opportunities presented by biodiversity
Minimising deleterious effects of human activities e.g. alien introduction, mining, pollution
and fishing
Developing indices of ecosystem health
Ensuring the development of an adequate network of marine protected areas (MPAs)
Assessing the function and effectiveness of MPAs
SANCOR
April 2000
53


Providing the taxonomic, systematic and evolutionary studies necessary to document our
fauna and flora and their phylogenetic relationships
Developing skills and providing training to generate the expertise necessary to manage our
biodiversity
Outcomes











An inventory of those groups of South Africa’s marine flora and fauna necessary for the
understanding and management of marine ecosystems
Clarification of the systematics and evolutionary biology of neglected groups of fauna and
flora
An analysis of spatial distribution of biodiversity at various scales to allow rational planning
of conservation areas, resource allocation and development
Identification of species used as medicines or for their biologically active properties
Identification of stocks that are genetically separated and require independent management
Provision of advice to ensure a network of protected areas sufficient to ensure conservation of
biodiversity and support for fisheries management
Contributions to the development of economic opportunities and job creation by way of
ecotourism
Promotion and development of environmental education and educational resources, such as
signage and guide books
Production of identification guides and spatial analyses of distribution patterns
Identification of human impacts adversely affecting biodiversity and means of reducing these
impacts
Production of skilled personnel and well trained students and managers
Links



Resources for the Future
Coastal Processes
Innovative Technologies
OCEAN DYNAMICS
KNOWING THE OCEAN
Introduction and Motivation
South Africa has an enormous marine region within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), larger
than the land area. Moreover, major oceans that plays a crucial role in global and regional climate
variability surround it on three sides. Interactions between these ocean forces are the focus of
international attention. Many of the major driving forces governing the oceanography of the shelf
are large-scale, oceanic features, which need to be investigated. Sea states, currents and waves
affect marine transport, naval operations and fisheries operations, as well as productivity of the
living resources.
Marine populations respond over decadal time scales to changes induced by climate variability.
Both productivity and behavioural changes occur, manifested as regime shifts, distributional
changes and alteration in dynamic processes such as recruitment success and growth rates. This
SANCOR
April 2000
54
variability has important repercussions for management and utilization of these resources. South
Africa has a proud reputation for inter-institutional and multidisciplinary research in coastal and
oceanic waters and that tradition should be maintained. Generation of data to detect changes in
dynamic processes and long term trends are essential to facilitate adaptive management of
resources in coastal and shelf waters.
Scope
This thrust will continue to involve physical, chemical and biological oceanographers and
fisheries scientists, using new technology such as satellite imagery, acoustics, numerical
modeling and new oceanographic survey techniques.
 Basic studies of productive mechanisms coupled with fisheries investigations and surveys on
the continental shelf to examine the dynamics of regional fisheries, including previously
neglected areas such as the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal continental shelves
 International research cruises with South African scientists providing information on the
large-scale oceanic processes
 To investigate the oceanography of seamounts and continental slopes as part of the
development of new deep water resources (Prince Edward Islands)
 Climate change, weather and ocean processes
 Impacts and environmental modifications of the marine ecosystem(s) due to mining and
related activities
Outcomes
 Information for operational shipping, naval, fishing and mining activities
 Possible causes of short-term variability of living resources from the nearshore to the oceanic
region
 Basic data for the detection of long-term changes in the environment and resources
 Information for the improvement of weather and climate predictions
 Enhancing South Africa’s capacity to participate in international initiatives taking place in
regional waters
 Development of high tech methods of real-time ocean monitoring and prediction
Links



Coastal Processes
Resources for the Future
Innovative Technologies
MARICULTURE
FARMING THE SEA
Introduction and Motivation
Farming the sea (mariculture) is recognized as one of the most important solutions to increased
demand for marine resources. The intensive culture of commercially important species for food
and other marine products (bio-active compounds, chemicals etc) is a rapidly expanding source of
SANCOR
April 2000
55
employment and foreign currency, both in South Africa and internationally. In addition,
mariculture could play an important role in restocking over-exploited wild stocks and saving
threatened species from extinction. The effects of mariculture on the environment need to be
understood.
Scope






The domestication and cultivation of useful marine species
The development of research capacity to underpin the mariculture industry in South Africa
The development of partnerships between research institutions, government, mariculture
industry and coastal communities
The training of students in mariculture techniques and technology
This thrust has the potential to include demonstration projects that can lead to additional
commercial-scale ventures
Analyses of the environmental, legal and socio-economic implications of mariculture and
how to best address these
Anticipated Outcomes
This thrust will create jobs, lead to increased foreign earnings, stimulate economic growth and
result, among others, in the following outcomes:
 The development of new mariculture resources
 Improved production of existing mariculture resources
 Reduced pressure on wild stocks
 Replenishment of over-exploited wild stocks
 Culture and release of threatened species
 Collaboration between researchers, government, industry and coastal communities
 Training of students for employment in the mariculture field
 Improved technology and creation of capacity in the mariculture industry
 Improved methods of mitigating potential impacts caused by mariculture ventures
 Improved understanding of the environmental, legal and socio-economic implications of
mariculture and how to best address these
Links



Resources for the Future
Biodiversity
Innovative Technologies, which includes aspects such as bio-engineering and genetically
modified organisms
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
SANCOR
April 2000
56
INVENTING THE FUTURE
Introduction and Motivation
Marine resources worldwide are limited, and the understanding and optimal use of the marine
environment is increasingly reliant on innovative technologies and the application of all available
knowledge systems.
Limited human and material resources necessitate the development of innovative new approaches
to problem solving. This may include the transfer of new technologies developed elsewhere, and
the harnessing of indigenous knowledge.
The aim of this thrust is to promote the discovery, development and application of innovative
ideas and technologies in the context of the marine environment.
Scope








Biotechnology including applications in mariculture
Genetics including the development of genetic markers
Development of new instrumentation and methodologies for environmental monitoring
Improved systems of data capture and maintenance
Development and application of geographical information system (GIS) technology
Computer assisted learning and communication in the marine sciences
New harvesting technologies
Development of value-added technologies
Anticipated Outcomes







Development of new products and services
Interactive, multi-media training tools for marine and coastal science and communities
Genetic markers for biological stock identification
Genetically modified organisms, providing the basis for the development of useful new
products
New measurement techniques or instruments
New methods for the reduction and utilization of by-catch
Decision support tools
Links
Strong links are expected with the Mariculture thrust, but Innovative Technologies could impact
on research in all other research thrusts.
RESOURCES FOR THE FUTURE
RISK AND REWARD
Introduction and Motivation
SANCOR
April 2000
57
South Africa’s coastal and marine resources are a critical component of our national economy.
Approximately one third of South Africans live within 30km of the coast.
Against a background of increasing climate and system uncertainty, in a world with growing
demands and needs, managing these resources requires high quality scientific and economic
information to allow sustainable development, while extracting maximum benefits for society.
We need to assess the options and resolve and quantify the key uncertainties for decision-makers.
Scope
Managing resources well requires an optimal interface between scientific knowledge and the
needs of society.
Scientific components include
 Resource assessment and modelling, including survey design
 Formulating operational management protocols and procedures
 Optimal management of recreational, subsistence and small-scale commercial resources
 Ecosystem analyses
 Analyses of threatened reef fisheries
Economic analyses of resources including
 Bio-economics
 Socio-economics
 Fishery economics
 Public economics
Social needs and indicators of social well-being
Linkages between scientific and human components include
 Assessment of policy impact, including issues of equity, sustainable resource use and sector
stability
 Management options and their effectiveness
 Design of short and long term monitoring programs
 Co-management of resources
 Indigenous knowledge systems
 Database management
 Development of new fisheries, including exploratory fishing
 Education and mentorship
 Training of managers and local authorities
 Integrated management approaches
 Research on compliance and enforcement
Expected Outcomes


Sound and cost-effective scientific advice and analysis
Better and more comprehensive use of resources including
 Optimal economic benefits to society as a whole
 Stimulation of additional economic activity
SANCOR
April 2000
58




 Alleviating poverty by better management of subsistence, recreational and commercial
fisheries and empowerment of small-scale commercial fishers
Providing a better basis for understanding resource and social dynamics
Improved compliance
Development of potential deep-sea resources
Capacity building, training of students and managers and corrective action.
Links






Mariculture
Ocean Dynamics
Coastal Processes
Tourism and Development
Innovative Technologies
Biodiversity
TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT
SHAPING THE FUTURE
Introduction and Motivation
Our coast and near-shore marine area provide immense benefits to the people of South Africa. In
the early 1970s, the Pretoria-Witwatersrand-Vereeniging area was the fastest growing region in
South Africa. Since the 1980s this trend has changed. Economic growth is now fastest in the
major coastal cities and this trend is predicted to speed up. The equivalent of about one third of
the national GDP is generated in the coastal zone. Of this, tourism makes the largest contribution
(R13.5 billion per annum). The sustainable development of coastal tourism depends on the
sustainable management of coastal systems.
The coast is a distinctive, complex and interconnected natural system, with resources that are
finite and vulnerable to overuse and degradation, when poorly managed. This research thrust will
underpin the maintenance of the diversity, health and productivity of our coast, which is central to
realizing and sustaining the economic and social benefits. This thrust is fully in line with the
White Paper for Sustainable Coastal Development in South Africa that was adopted by Cabinet in
December 1999 and the DEA&T’s business plan for the year 2000.
Scope






Assessing the economics and value of the coast and near-shore area
Identifying the natural assets for tourism development, including coastal and inshore habitats,
such as estuaries, rocky shores, sandy beaches, reefs and islands
Identifying the role of recreational fisheries in tourism
Identifying tourism and other economic opportunities, including those in coastal and marine
protected areas and trans-frontier parks
Understanding and minimizing negative impacts of tourism development on communities and
the environment
Contributing to more effective coastal planning
SANCOR
April 2000
59

Assessing the value of indigenous knowledge systems and their contribution to tourism
development and ecosystem management
Anticipated Outcomes







Economic development and foreign earnings through
 SMME (small, medium and micro enterprises) development;
 Growth of the tourism industry; and
 Coastal development
Job creation and empowerment of communities through tourism and coastal development
Promotion, preservation and exchange of cultures
Awareness, education and training
Understanding and mitigating the impacts of tourism and development on local communities
and the environment
Improved coastal planning and management
Supporting local demonstration projects
Links




Mariculture
Biodiversity
Coastal Processes
Resources for the Future
SANCOR
April 2000
60