DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.13912023
Long-term monitoring of inshore temperatures in Elands Bay to support physiological research

To better understand the physiological effects of climate change and ocean acidification on marine organisms, information on the environmental conditions experienced in their natural habitats is required. Data from long-term monitoring studies capture in situ variability of environmental parameters that are used to relate experimental findings with field conditions. Elands Bay on the west coast of South Africa is a key location for such research and monitoring. It is a popular location for West Coast rock lobster (Jasus lalandii) fishing and therefore an important sentinel site for a commercial fishery species and the benthic communities upon which it depends. Low pH conditions exist along the west coast due to effects of upwelling, while cold-bottom waters in Elands Bay often result in low oxygen events responsible for mass walkouts of rock lobster. Additional exposure to extreme stressors associated with climate change can exacerbate impacts on their physiological processes. For...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.19052026
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Long-term monitoring of the shallow water benthic communities of Olifantsbos within Table Mountain National Park MPA

Benthic invertebrate communities, particularly sessile and semi-motile organisms like sponges, cnidarians and echinoderms, are effective for assessing long-term change, since they respond to factors such as marine pollution or climate change through measurable changes within populations over weeks to years. Exploratory research on these communities and their habitats has contributed substantially to increased understanding of benthic biota, and to the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). However, very few repeat observations in the same areas are available to assess changes in benthic community structure and function over time. With long-term monitoring being a key DFFE mandate, such data availability is becoming increasingly important to assess the credibility of management strategies within MPAs. The key objective of this study was to establish long-term monitoring of the sessile and semi-motile benthic invertebrate communities occurring at various depths in a...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.25042026
Processed CTD discrete observations from the South Coast Demersal Biomass Survey on the Africana Voyage 131, September 1995

Here we present processed Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) discrete data from the downcast collected between 29 September and 19 October 1995, during voyage 131 on the Africana, in the Agulhas Current Large Marine Ecosystem (ACLME) on the south coast of Southern Africa. Neil Brown MK3 and MK4 CTD instruments were used to measure pressure, temperature and conductivity through the water column during research and monitoring cruises between 1983 and 2000.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.23042026
South Coast Demersal Biomass Survey on the Africana Voyage 131, September 1995

The South Coast Demersal Biomass Survey was conducted on the Africana Voyage 131 from 28 September to 20 October 1995. The primary objective of the cruise was to conduct a stratified bottom trawl survey to assess the biomass, abundance and distribution of hake, sole, horse mackerel, squid and other trawl species on the Agulhas Bank up to 200m, but biased in terms of number of stations in depths up to 120m; to investigate the hydrology and current profiles of the South Coast and to relate this to the distribution of the major demersal trawl species, including five transects extending from specified areas on the South Coast and approximately perpendicular to the coastline out towards the main stream of the Agulhas Current; to do a selected number of deep bottom trawls, if time allows, to investigate the distribution and abundance of deepwater fauna; to conduct routine biological and length frequency sampling of demersal species; to sample squid intensively to establish their...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.27042026
Processed CTD continuous observations from the Pelagic Fish Spawner Biomass Survey on the Africana Voyage 132, November 1995

Here we present processed downcast Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) continuous data collected between 13 November and 28 November 1995, during voyage 132 on the Africana, in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) on the west coast of Southern Africa and the Agulhas Current Large Marine Ecosystem (ACLME) on the south coast of Southern Africa. Neil Brown MK3 and MK4 CTD instruments were used to measure pressure, temperature and conductivity through the water column during research and monitoring cruises between 1983 and 2000.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.26042026
Pelagic Fish Spawner Biomass Survey on the Africana Voyage 132, November 1995

The Pelagic Fish Spawner Biomass Survey was conducted on the Africana Voyage 132 from 10 November to 4 December 1995. The objectives of the cruise were to estimate the biomass and population length structure of anchovy, pilchard, round herring and horse mackerel off South Africa by means of echo-integration and midwater trawling; the collection of anchovy, pilchard and round herring otoliths for age determination; the estimation of pilchard and, if time permits, anchovy biomass by means of the egg production method; the description of distribution and behaviour patterns of commercially harvested epi-pelagic and meso-pelagic fish, and the influence of oceanographic variables on these; the collection of biological data on reproduction, condition factors and diet of pelagic fish species; the profiling of currents by means of the acoustic doppler current profiler (ADCP) in order to track egg and larval drift; to determine phytoplankton biomass in the nanophytoplankton (<10 μm) and...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.29042026
West Coast Demersal Survey on the Africana Voyage 133, January 1996

The West Coast Demersal Survey was conducted on the Africana Voyage 133 from 12 January to 20 February 1996. The objectives of the cruise were to survey by means of trawling the abundance of adult and recruiting hake in South African waters; to conduct routine biological and length frequency sampling of demersal species; to investigate the environmental and ecological inter-relationships of hake and other demersal species; to investigate the occurrence, distribution, reproduction and abundance of squid species; to investigate the distribution and biology of demersal species in water at depths greater than 500 m by means of demersal trawling; to sample catches for hake sex ratios and frequency of gill parasites; to conduct demersal environmental studies including intercalibration of bottom temperature measurements with commercial trawlers, CTD and ADCP measurements at ALL trawl stations and other specified stations, and box cores and transmissometer profiles at HODSA sites on the...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.31042026
Processed CTD discrete observations from the West Coast Demersal Survey on the Africana Voyage 133, January 1996

Here we present processed Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) discrete data from the downcast collected between 13 January and 19 February 1996, during voyage 133 on the Africana, in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) on the west coast of Southern Africa. Neil Brown MK3 and MK4 CTD instruments were used to measure pressure, temperature and conductivity through the water column during research and monitoring cruises between 1983 and 2000.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.28042026
Processed CTD discrete observations from the Pelagic Fish Spawner Biomass Survey on the Africana Voyage 132, November 1995

Here we present processed Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) discrete data from the downcast collected between 13 November and 28 November 1995, during voyage 132 on the Africana, in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) on the west coast of Southern Africa and the Agulhas Current Large Marine Ecosystem (ACLME) on the south coast of Southern Africa. Neil Brown MK3 and MK4 CTD instruments were used to measure pressure, temperature and conductivity through the water column during research and monitoring cruises between 1983 and 2000.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.24042026
Processed CTD continuous observations from the South Coast Demersal Biomass Survey on the Africana Voyage 131, September 1995

Here we present processed downcast Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) continuous data collected between 29 September and 19 October 1995, during voyage 131 on the Africana, in the Agulhas Current Large Marine Ecosystem (ACLME) on the south coast of Southern Africa. Neil Brown MK3 and MK4 CTD instruments were used to measure pressure, temperature and conductivity through the water column during research and monitoring cruises between 1983 and 2000. Any additional calibrations or corrections have been specified in each data file, where applicable and available.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.20112024
Experimental manipulations of the density of Cymbula granatina on rocky shore community

Densities of a commonly-harvested intertidal limpet Cymbula granatina were manipulated at two sites within a no-take marine protected area on the west coast of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa, using four treatment levels ranging from zero to maximum natural densities, together with control plots, to evaluate the effects of different harvesting intensities on rocky shore community composition. Following removal or thinning of C. granatina, community composition changed: cover of corticated and ephemeral algae increased and recruitment of C. granatina decreased. These outcomes were, however, dependent on the time frame considered, as algae underwent an annual cycle, and the effects of limpet removal were evident predominantly during the summer upwelling season when the algae proliferated. The management implications of the results of this experiment are discussed.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.18052026
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Microplankton image observations for August 2019 on the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB)

Microplankton, comprising both phyto- and zooplankton in the 20-200μm size range, are a diverse and ecologically significant group. They form the foundation of the food web, are instrumental in carbon and nutrient cycling, generate at least 50% of global oxygen and facilitate the transfer of energy to higher trophic levels. Although microplankton occur throughout the world's oceans, their diversity and abundance varies spatially and temporally. Due to their high sensitivity and rapid response to changes in the environment, their biomass and diversity are considered Essential Ocean Variables (EOV's) for routine and sustained long term observations to assess global ocean changes. This dataset forms part of the routine monitoring along the west coast of South Africa under the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela, which occurs biannually in February and August. This resource contains raw image data for August 2019 obtained from water samples processed using a FlowCam VS3...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.17052026
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Microplankton image observations for February 2019 on the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB)

Microplankton, comprising both phyto- and zooplankton in the 20-200μm size range, are a diverse and ecologically significant group. They form the foundation of the food web, are instrumental in carbon and nutrient cycling, generate at least 50% of global oxygen and facilitate the transfer of energy to higher trophic levels. Although microplankton occur throughout the world's oceans, their diversity and abundance varies spatially and temporally. Due to their high sensitivity and rapid response to changes in the environment, their biomass and diversity are considered Essential Ocean Variables (EOV's) for routine and sustained long term observations to assess global ocean changes. This dataset forms part of the routine monitoring along the west coast of South Africa under the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela, which occurs biannually in February and August. This resource contains raw image data for February 2019 obtained from water samples processed using a FlowCam VS3...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.16052026
No Download
Microplankton image observations for November 2018 on the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB)

Microplankton, comprising both phyto- and zooplankton in the 20-200μm size range, are a diverse and ecologically significant group. They form the foundation of the food web, are instrumental in carbon and nutrient cycling, generate at least 50% of global oxygen and facilitate the transfer of energy to higher trophic levels. Although microplankton occur throughout the world's oceans, their diversity and abundance varies spatially and temporally. Due to their high sensitivity and rapid response to changes in the environment, their biomass and diversity are considered Essential Ocean Variables (EOV's) for routine and sustained long term observations to assess global ocean changes. This dataset forms part of the routine monitoring along the west coast of South Africa under the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela, which occurs biannually in February and August. This resource contains raw image data for November 2018 obtained from water samples processed using a FlowCam VS3...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.15052026
No Download
Microplankton image observations for August 2018 on the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB)

Microplankton, comprising both phyto- and zooplankton in the 20-200μm size range, are a diverse and ecologically significant group. They form the foundation of the food web, are instrumental in carbon and nutrient cycling, generate at least 50% of global oxygen and facilitate the transfer of energy to higher trophic levels. Although microplankton occur throughout the world's oceans, their diversity and abundance varies spatially and temporally. Due to their high sensitivity and rapid response to changes in the environment, their biomass and diversity are considered Essential Ocean Variables (EOV's) for routine and sustained long term observations to assess global ocean changes. This dataset forms part of the routine monitoring along the west coast of South Africa under the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela, which occurs biannually in February and August. This resource contains raw image data for August 2018 obtained from water samples processed using a FlowCam VS3...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.14052026
No Download
Microplankton image observations for May 2018 on the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB)

Microplankton, comprising both phyto- and zooplankton in the 20-200μm size range, are a diverse and ecologically significant group. They form the foundation of the food web, are instrumental in carbon and nutrient cycling, generate at least 50% of global oxygen and facilitate the transfer of energy to higher trophic levels. Although microplankton occur throughout the world's oceans, their diversity and abundance varies spatially and temporally. Due to their high sensitivity and rapid response to changes in the environment, their biomass and diversity are considered Essential Ocean Variables (EOV's) for routine and sustained long term observations to assess global ocean changes. This dataset forms part of the routine monitoring along the west coast of South Africa under the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela, which occurs biannually in February and August. This resource contains raw image data for May 2018 obtained from water samples processed using a FlowCam VS3...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.13052026
South African records of azooxanthellate Scleractinians (i.e., stony cold-water corals)

South African azooxanthellate Scleractinia have not been comprehensively reviewed since Boshoff’s 1980 study, despite decades of additional sampling and scattered regional reports. This study updates the country’s coral species inventory by examining museum collections, particularly from the Iziko South African Museum and the Smithsonian Institution, alongside historical imagery, recent survey data, and existing literature. The results increase the known diversity from 77 to 108 species across eleven families, including 28 new national records, three new species, and one newly described genus.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.35042026
Agulhas Eddy-Filament Interactions on the Africana Voyage 138, December 1996

The Agulhas Eddy-Filament Interactions were conducted on the Africana Voyage 138 from 19 December to 24 December 1996. The objectives of the cruise were to characterise the Agulhas water observed off Cape Town in satellite imagery; to characterise the associated Agulhas Current leakage between the Agulhas intrusion and the shelf; to identify the cooler Agulhas Bank water associated with the intrusion, and to characterize their interaction; and to identify the plankton associated with the various components of the intrusion and shelf circulation.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.37042026
Processed CTD discrete observations from the Agulhas Eddy-Filament Interactions on the Africana Voyage 138, December 1996

Here we present processed Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) discrete data from the downcast collected between 19 December and 24 December 1996 during voyage 138 on the Africana in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) on the west coast of Southern Africa. Neil Brown MK3 and MK4 CTD instruments were used to measure pressure, temperature and conductivity through the water column during research and monitoring cruises between 1983 and 2000.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.36042026
Processed CTD continuous observations from the Agulhas Eddy-Filament Interactions on the Africana on the Africana Voyage 138, December 1996

Here we present processed downcast Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) continuous data collected between 19 December and 24 December 1996 during voyage 138 on the Africana in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) on the west coast of Southern Africa. Neil Brown MK3 and MK4 CTD instruments were used to measure pressure, temperature and conductivity through the water column during research and monitoring cruises between 1983 and 2000.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.30042026
Processed CTD continuous observations from the West Coast Demersal Survey on the Africana Voyage 133, January 1996

Here we present processed downcast Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) continuous data collected between 13 January and 19 February 1996 during voyage 133 on the Africana in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) on the west coast of Southern Africa. Neil Brown MK3 and MK4 CTD instruments were used to measure pressure, temperature and conductivity through the water column during research and monitoring cruises between 1983 and 2000.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.30092025
Plankton Dynamics During an Upwelling Cycle on the Africana Voyage 128, February 1995

The Plankton Dynamics During an Upwelling Cycle cruise was conducted from 14 to 28 February 1995 to study plankton processes following coastal upwelling off Cape Columbine and the Cape Peninsula. Mesoscale upwelled water masses were tracked using drogues, and routine sampling included CTD/rosette casts, nutrient uptake experiments and measurements of phytoplankton, microzooplankton and mesozooplankton. Transects perpendicular to the drogue track provided spatial perspective on bloom development and decline.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.35092025
Processed CTD discrete observations from the Plankton Dynamics During an Upwelling Cycle on the Africana Voyage 128, February 1995

Here we present processed downcast Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) discrete data collected between 16 February 1995 and 26 February 1995, during the Plankton Dynamics During an Upwelling Cycle cruise on the Africana Voyage 128, in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) region on the west coast of Southern Africa. The main objective of the cruise was to study plankton processes following upwelling and to track upwelled water masses with drogues.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.34092025
Processed CTD continuous observations from the Plankton Dynamics During an Upwelling Cycle on the Africana Voyage 128, February 1995

Here we present processed downcast Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) continuous data collected between 16 February 1995 and 26 February 1995, during the Plankton Dynamics During an Upwelling Cycle cruise on the Africana Voyage 128, in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) region on the west coast of Southern Africa. The main objective of the cruise was to study plankton processes following upwelling and to track upwelled water masses with drogues.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.33092025
Processed CTD discrete observations from the West Coast Demersal Biomass Survey on the Africana Voyage 127, January 1995

Here we present processed downcast Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) discrete data collected between 07 January 1995 and 02 February 1995, during the West Coast Demersal Biomass Survey on the Africana Voyage 127, in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) region on the west coast of Southern Africa. The main objective of the cruise was to estimate the abundance of hake and other demersal species and to collect hydrological data.

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Temporal extent