24 datasets found Page 1 of 1
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
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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
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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.40072024
Processed CTD continuous observations from the Physical Oceanography Gear Trials on the Africana Voyage 091, April 1991

Here we present processed downcast Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) continuous data collected, between 29 April and 30 April 1991, during voyage 091 on the FRS Africana, in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) region 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.29072024
Processed CTD discrete observations from the Pelagic Biomass Survey on the Africana Voyage 087, November 1990

Here we present processed Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) discrete data from the upcast collected, between 06 November and 30 November 1990, during voyage 087 on the FRS Africana, in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) region on the west coast of Southern Africa and the Agulhas Current Large Marine Ecosystem (ACLME) region 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.28072024
Processed CTD continuous observations from the Pelagic Biomass Survey on the Africana Voyage 087, November 1990

Here we present processed downcast Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) continuous data collected, between 06 November and 30 November 1990, during voyage 087 on the FRS Africana, in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) region on the west coast of Southern Africa and the Agulhas Current Large Marine Ecosystem (ACLME) region 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.41072024
Processed CTD discrete observations from the Physical Oceanography Gear Trials on the Africana Voyage 091, April 1991

Here we present processed Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) discrete data from the upcast collected, between 29 April and 30 April 1991, during voyage 091 on the FRS Africana, in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) region 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.09022026
Behavioural responses of Cape fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus to swim-with-seal tourism activities in the Robberg Marine Protected Area in South Africa

Behavioural changes are often regarded as a key indicator of the effect of human disturbances on animals, and responses are commonly used as indices of disturbances. Tourism is an increasingly common source of disturbance to wild animals, including marine mammals. Swim-with-seals (SWS) tourism is an emerging industry that has grown in countries such as New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. We studied behavioural impacts of SWS in the Robberg Marine Protected Area (Western Cape, South Africa) on the adjacent Cape fur seal Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus colony through a modified Before-After-Control- Impact (BACI) behavioural study designed for simultaneous observations of impact and control sites (site factor) and before, during and after SWS activities (phase factor). Elevated observations were carried out at distances from the sites using sequential photography of the colony to enumerate seals in different behavioural categories, allowing comparisons between sites and between...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.08092025
Benthic‑bycatch dataset from Prince Edward and Marion Islands longline fisheries (2009‑2023)

This dataset presents a time series of benthic invertebrate bycatch records collected during pelagic longline fishing operations targeting Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) in the Prince Edward Islands region of the sub-Antarctic Southern Ocean from 2009 to 2023. The data were obtained from independent scientific observers aboard commercial vessels in accordance with Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) Conservation Measure 22-06, which mandates the reporting of taxa associated with Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs). Each record includes an entry number, observer segment unique identifier, vessel unique identifier, observer logbook number, year the record was collected, line segment number, taxonomic code as given in 2009 CCAMLR VME guide, associated taxonomic name, bycatch weight at random segments per fishing line/set, gear type used, number of fishing hooks used at the specific segment, and anonymous vessel number. The...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.12642023
Cape Canyon Benthic Invertebrates Tissue samples

Submarine canyons are heterogeneous environments known to support a variety of benthic organisms, and often considered biodiversity hotspots. Canyon morphological features facilitate the funneling of organic matter to the seabed, making them significant hubs of food resources for benthic life. In light of this, the DFFE: Oceans and Coasts initiative undertook the collection of benthic tissue data aimed at understanding how hydrography affects food availability for benthic species within and surrounding the Cape Canyon. This effort involved examining 15 stations, comprising six within the canyon and nine outside it, leading to the identification of six distinct trophic groups.

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Raw SDS data from ACEP Deep Secrets: The Outer Shelf and Slope Ecosystems of the Eastern Cape on the Algoa Voyage 230, September 2016

This is raw Scientific Data System (SDS) data collected on the ACEP Deep Secrets Cruise which set out to fill in gaps and shed light on the priority areas and research questions identified during the recent Marine Protected Area and Marine Spatial Planning Initiatives of Operation Phakisa’s Marine Protection and Governance Lab. Using underwater cameras (SkiMonkey and Drop camera), grabs, dredges and a CTD the study aimed to improve our knowledge on marine offshore habitats, as well as to build understanding of the effects of the expanding fishing and petroleum industries on marine offshore communities.

(No DOI)
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Raw CTD data from ACEP Deep Secrets: The Outer Shelf and Slope Ecosystems of the Eastern Cape on the Algoa Voyage 230, September 2016

This is raw Conductivity, Temperature, Depth (CTD) data collected on the ACEP Deep Secrets Cruise which set out to fill in gaps and shed light on the priority areas and research questions identified during the recent Marine Protected Area and Marine Spatial Planning Initiatives of Operation Phakisa’s Marine Protection and Governance Lab. Using underwater cameras (SkiMonkey and Drop camera), grabs, dredges and a CTD the study aimed to improve our knowledge on marine offshore habitats, as well as to build understanding of the effects of the expanding fishing and petroleum industries on marine offshore communities.

(No DOI)
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Raw SAWS Weather data from ACEP Deep Secrets: The Outer Shelf and Slope Ecosystems of the Eastern Cape on the Algoa Voyage 230, September 2016

This is raw SAWS weather data collected on the ACEP Deep Secrets Cruise which set out to fill in gaps and shed light on the priority areas and research questions identified during the recent Marine Protected Area and Marine Spatial Planning Initiatives of Operation Phakisa’s Marine Protection and Governance Lab. Using underwater cameras (SkiMonkey and Drop camera), grabs, dredges and a CTD the study aimed to improve our knowledge on marine offshore habitats, as well as to build understanding of the effects of the expanding fishing and petroleum industries on marine offshore communities.

(No DOI)
Chl-a data from the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) on Algoa Voyage 248, May 2018

First look at Chl-a data from a survey of West Coast of South Africa, Algoa Voyage V248, as part of the Integrated Ecosystem Programme.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.26042025
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Microplankton monitoring along the west coast of South Africa

Microplankton, comprising of both phyto- and zooplankton in the 20-200μm size range, are a diverse and ecologically important 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 energy flow to higher trophic levels. Although they are found in all oceans globally, their diversity and abundance is varied. 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 - Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela which occurs biannually in February and August. This resource contains raw image data for February 2018 obtained from water samples processed using a FlowCam VS3. The dataset comprises all images obtained of both...

(No DOI)
Processed Chl-a data from the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) on the Algoa Voyage 235, February 2017

This is processed Chl-a data from the Integrated Ecosystem Programme: Southern Benguela (IEP:SB) cruise which was conducted on the Algoa Voyage 235 from 16 February 2017 to 28 February, 2017. IEP:SB focuses on the biologically productive, cold waters of the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem, which are inherently variable on short time-scales and responsive to changing weather patterms. The research aims to provide relevant, reliable and improved assessment of the ecosystem, in support of its effective management, preservation and conservation, so that South Africans can benefit from a healthy and well-functioning ocean environment. The overarching objective is to enhance understanding in process studies by assessing the importance, timing and magnitude of mechanisms and processes that influence the Southern Benguela ecosystem structure and functioning, including the climate variability.

(No DOI)
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Echo sounder data from ACEP Deep Secrets: The Outer Shelf and Slope Ecosystems of the Eastern Cape on the Algoa Voyage 230, September 2016

This is Echo Sounder data collected on the ACEP Deep Secrets Cruise which set out to fill in gaps and shed light on the priority areas and research questions identified during the recent Marine Protected Area and Marine Spatial Planning Initiatives of Operation Phakisa’s Marine Protection and Governance Lab. Using underwater cameras (SkiMonkey and Drop camera), grabs, dredges and a CTD the study aimed to improve our knowledge on marine offshore habitats, as well as to build understanding of the effects of the expanding fishing and petroleum industries on marine offshore communities.

(No DOI)
No Download
Raw TSG data from ACEP Deep Secrets: The Outer Shelf and Slope Ecosystems of the Eastern Cape on the Algoa Voyage 230, September 2016

This is raw Thermosalinograph (TSG) data collected on the ACEP Deep Secrets Cruise which set out to fill in gaps and shed light on the priority areas and research questions identified during the recent Marine Protected Area and Marine Spatial Planning Initiatives of Operation Phakisa’s Marine Protection and Governance Lab. Using underwater cameras (SkiMonkey and Drop camera), grabs, dredges and a CTD the study aimed to improve our knowledge on marine offshore habitats, as well as to build understanding of the effects of the expanding fishing and petroleum industries on marine offshore communities.

(No DOI)
No Download
Raw SADCP data from ACEP Deep Secrets: The Outer Shelf and Slope Ecosystems of the Eastern Cape on the Algoa Voyage 230, September 2016

This is raw Shipboard Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (SADCP) data collected on the ACEP Deep Secrets Cruise which set out to fill in gaps and shed light on the priority areas and research questions identified during the recent Marine Protected Area and Marine Spatial Planning Initiatives of Operation Phakisa’s Marine Protection and Governance Lab. Using underwater cameras (SkiMonkey and Drop camera), grabs, dredges and a CTD the study aimed to improve our knowledge on marine offshore habitats, as well as to build understanding of the effects of the expanding fishing and petroleum industries on marine offshore communities.

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.12652023
Cape Canyon Suspended Particulate Matter CTD water sample

The Cape Canyon, situated on the western continental shelf of South Africa, stands as the country's largest bathymetric feature. Despite its prominence, understanding of the food web dynamics within the system and the significance of the benthic community for higher trophic levels remains incomplete. In response to this knowledge gap, the DFFE: Oceans and Coasts launched a multidisciplinary expedition aboard the RV Algoa. The expedition aimed to characterise the physical environment and investigate food web connections in the vicinity of the Cape Canyon by analysing isotopic signatures in suspended particulate matter (SPM) relative to those found in benthic tissue samples. Prior to dredge operations, conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) water samples were collected at each dredge station. However, due to the inherent challenges associated with sampling in canyon systems, not all dredge operations were successful in obtaining samples, resulting in an unbalanced design where...

DOI: 10.15493/DEA.MIMS.05322023
Benthic invertebrate presence data, in and around the Cape Canyon (Southern Benguela Upwelling region)

Canyon research is still an emergent field in South Africa and the true potential of canyons as biodiversity hotspots has seldom been studied in an integrated context. In response to this, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment: Oceans and Coasts collected benthic data to better understand benthic species profiles within and around the Cape Canyon. This equated to 39 stations (whereby 13 were canyon and 26 non-canyon) and yielded 180 species.

24 datasets found Page 1 of 1

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