Jabulani Ndaba & Nobuhle Mpanza from @saiab sharing insights of how local indigenous knowledge can contribute to #ecoengineering at #ITRS @fporri.bsky.social
July 3, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Jabulani Ndaba & Nobuhle Mpanza from @saiab sharing insights of how local indigenous knowledge can contribute to #ecoengineering at #ITRS @fporri.bsky.social
Denticeps clupeoides is truly a unique fish and the last surviving member of a very ancient lineage of clupeiforms that diverged from the clupeoids during the Mesozoic era. Below is an example of one with life colors that I and others collected in Benin years ago.
July 20, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Denticeps clupeoides is truly a unique fish and the last surviving member of a very ancient lineage of clupeiforms that diverged from the clupeoids during the Mesozoic era. Below is an example of one with life colors that I and others collected in Benin years ago.
I miss those SAIAB field vehicles.
May 11, 2025 at 4:32 AM
I miss those SAIAB field vehicles.
Happy #WorldOceansDay! More than seventy percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. It’s where life began - and even now, where most of it lives. So biobanks that tackle aquatic biodiversity will definitely have their work cut out for them. Luckily, the NRF-SAIAB biobank is up to the task.
June 8, 2026 at 11:44 AM
Happy #WorldOceansDay! More than seventy percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. It’s where life began - and even now, where most of it lives. So biobanks that tackle aquatic biodiversity will definitely have their work cut out for them. Luckily, the NRF-SAIAB biobank is up to the task.
ON THE NEWS!
Ezemvelo, the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), two of WILDTRUST’s key partners, together with our scientists, have been featured in The Citizen article titled “Sea life thriving in uThukela Banks marine protected area.”
Ezemvelo, the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), two of WILDTRUST’s key partners, together with our scientists, have been featured in The Citizen article titled “Sea life thriving in uThukela Banks marine protected area.”
September 23, 2025 at 7:29 AM
ON THE NEWS!
Ezemvelo, the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), two of WILDTRUST’s key partners, together with our scientists, have been featured in The Citizen article titled “Sea life thriving in uThukela Banks marine protected area.”
Ezemvelo, the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), two of WILDTRUST’s key partners, together with our scientists, have been featured in The Citizen article titled “Sea life thriving in uThukela Banks marine protected area.”
Hmm. SAIAB doesn't seem to be on Bluesky. @jessicaglass.bsky.social one for your South African colleagues :)
Led by the Iroro Tanshi for the @biojlinnsoc.bsky.social
Announcing a special issue in the Biological Journal of the Linnean Society titled:
"Mobilizing Natural History Collection in the Global South"
I am a guest editor, learn more below...
academic.oup.com/biolinnean/p...
Announcing a special issue in the Biological Journal of the Linnean Society titled:
"Mobilizing Natural History Collection in the Global South"
I am a guest editor, learn more below...
academic.oup.com/biolinnean/p...
Mobilizing Natural History Collections in the Global South
Abstract Natural History Collections (NHCs) are vital repositories of information about Earth's history, underpinning key developments in biological thought fr
academic.oup.com
December 3, 2024 at 2:51 PM
Hmm. SAIAB doesn't seem to be on Bluesky. @jessicaglass.bsky.social one for your South African colleagues :)
Hacks | Hannah Einbinder diz que 5ª temporada será a última da série; saiba mais:
www.omelete.com.br/series-tv/ha...
www.omelete.com.br/series-tv/ha...
Hacks | Hannah Einbinder diz que 5ª temporada será a última
Vencedora do Emmy no último domingo, a atriz Hannah Einbinder confirmou que a quinta temporada de Hacks será a última da série - saiab mais
www.omelete.com.br
September 15, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Hacks | Hannah Einbinder diz que 5ª temporada será a última da série; saiba mais:
www.omelete.com.br/series-tv/ha...
www.omelete.com.br/series-tv/ha...
The Indian Ocean Workshop team visited the specimen collections at South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) this week.
The collection houses over 1 million fish specimens, representing nearly 6,000 species! Alongside amphibians, tunicates, cephalopods, and tissue samples.
The collection houses over 1 million fish specimens, representing nearly 6,000 species! Alongside amphibians, tunicates, cephalopods, and tissue samples.
February 5, 2025 at 10:32 AM
The Indian Ocean Workshop team visited the specimen collections at South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) this week.
The collection houses over 1 million fish specimens, representing nearly 6,000 species! Alongside amphibians, tunicates, cephalopods, and tissue samples.
The collection houses over 1 million fish specimens, representing nearly 6,000 species! Alongside amphibians, tunicates, cephalopods, and tissue samples.
The article notes: “Ezemvelo, working with the WILDTRUST and the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), researchers have gathered valuable data on mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) and fisheries.
September 23, 2025 at 7:29 AM
The article notes: “Ezemvelo, working with the WILDTRUST and the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), researchers have gathered valuable data on mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) and fisheries.
[READ] As genomic technologies evolve, researchers may require DNA of higher quality than what traditional preservation methods provide. The NRF–SAIAB National Aquatic Biodiversity Biobank, in partnership with @diplomics.bsky.social, has launched a project to help.
bbsa.org.za/2026/03/06/b...
bbsa.org.za/2026/03/06/b...
Biobanking News: SAIAB's DIPLOMICS Partnership Expands Biobanking Potential - Biodiversity Biobanks SA
The NRF–SAIAB National Aquatic Biodiversity Biobank, in partnership with DIPLOMICS, has launched a method development project aimed at identifying optimal long- and short-term preservation strategies ...
bbsa.org.za
April 30, 2026 at 10:02 AM
[READ] As genomic technologies evolve, researchers may require DNA of higher quality than what traditional preservation methods provide. The NRF–SAIAB National Aquatic Biodiversity Biobank, in partnership with @diplomics.bsky.social, has launched a project to help.
bbsa.org.za/2026/03/06/b...
bbsa.org.za/2026/03/06/b...
While we handled the recovery, cleaning, and redeployment, the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) facilitated the data download and analysis.
📈 Results? Multiple species detections — including sharks, rays, fish, and sea turtles.
📈 Results? Multiple species detections — including sharks, rays, fish, and sea turtles.
May 8, 2025 at 12:50 PM
While we handled the recovery, cleaning, and redeployment, the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) facilitated the data download and analysis.
📈 Results? Multiple species detections — including sharks, rays, fish, and sea turtles.
📈 Results? Multiple species detections — including sharks, rays, fish, and sea turtles.
Post #IMCC7 we are here in Makhanda for 🧪🌎🦈
#MyliobatusMonday with the Marine Biodiversity & Conservation lab; measuring metabolic morphology traits at @nrf_saiab
#MyliobatusMonday with the Marine Biodiversity & Conservation lab; measuring metabolic morphology traits at @nrf_saiab
October 21, 2024 at 6:33 PM
Post #IMCC7 we are here in Makhanda for 🧪🌎🦈
#MyliobatusMonday with the Marine Biodiversity & Conservation lab; measuring metabolic morphology traits at @nrf_saiab
#MyliobatusMonday with the Marine Biodiversity & Conservation lab; measuring metabolic morphology traits at @nrf_saiab
Look, more than 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. It’s where life began – and where most of it still lives. Tackling all that requires a lot of brainpower. That's why the NRF-SAIAB aquatic biobank believes that when it comes to science, sharing is caring.
#OpenAccessWeek #MarineMonth
#OpenAccessWeek #MarineMonth
October 27, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Look, more than 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. It’s where life began – and where most of it still lives. Tackling all that requires a lot of brainpower. That's why the NRF-SAIAB aquatic biobank believes that when it comes to science, sharing is caring.
#OpenAccessWeek #MarineMonth
#OpenAccessWeek #MarineMonth
Last week, DIPLOMICS and NRF-SAIAB officially launched the newest EAGR lab at Walter Sisulu University as part of our ongoing mission to expand genomics infrastructure and training access through spatial transformation.
youtu.be/ygBIT0jyAVU?...
#EAGR #DIPLOMICS #SAIAB #SpatialTransformation
youtu.be/ygBIT0jyAVU?...
#EAGR #DIPLOMICS #SAIAB #SpatialTransformation
Walter Sisulu University - EAGR Lab Launch
YouTube video by DIPLOMICS ( Distributed Platform in Omics)
youtu.be
April 2, 2025 at 6:16 AM
Last week, DIPLOMICS and NRF-SAIAB officially launched the newest EAGR lab at Walter Sisulu University as part of our ongoing mission to expand genomics infrastructure and training access through spatial transformation.
youtu.be/ygBIT0jyAVU?...
#EAGR #DIPLOMICS #SAIAB #SpatialTransformation
youtu.be/ygBIT0jyAVU?...
#EAGR #DIPLOMICS #SAIAB #SpatialTransformation
Our #BRUV camera captured incredible interaction between a shark & a hagfish www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts... #SANParks #SAEON #SAIAB
When researchers hid a camera off the coast of South Africa, a "creepy creature" appeared and attacked this shark | Discover Wildlife
Shark “finds out the hard way” why it shouldn’t mess with this bizarre ocean creature.
www.discoverwildlife.com
May 13, 2025 at 5:49 AM
Our #BRUV camera captured incredible interaction between a shark & a hagfish www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts... #SANParks #SAEON #SAIAB
Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer was born #OTD (South Africa, 24 Feb 1907-17 May 2004). She's best known for her key role in the 1938 rediscovery of the #coelacanth, a #fish with a fossil record going back 410mya but assumed #extinct since K-Pg 66mya. See ALTs for more info!
February 24, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer was born #OTD (South Africa, 24 Feb 1907-17 May 2004). She's best known for her key role in the 1938 rediscovery of the #coelacanth, a #fish with a fossil record going back 410mya but assumed #extinct since K-Pg 66mya. See ALTs for more info!
The Ocean Census joins Dr. Dave Ebert, known as the ‘Lost Shark Guy’, and scientists at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) to investigate one of the ocean’s most endangered and overlooked groups: guitarfish.
www.marinebio.org/discovering-...
www.marinebio.org/discovering-...
Discovering Lost Sharks With Dr Dave Ebert
The Ocean Census joins Dr. Dave Ebert, known as the ‘Lost Shark Guy’, and scientists at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) to investigate one of the ocean’s most endangered a...
www.marinebio.org
July 19, 2025 at 2:47 PM
The Ocean Census joins Dr. Dave Ebert, known as the ‘Lost Shark Guy’, and scientists at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) to investigate one of the ocean’s most endangered and overlooked groups: guitarfish.
www.marinebio.org/discovering-...
www.marinebio.org/discovering-...
This week, DIPLOMICS and NRF-SAIAB launched the 1st EAGR lab at the University of Zululand. The lab will support the Zoology, Botany, Biochemistry, and Agriculture departments. More EAGR labs will be rolled out to expand access to state-of-the-art genomics infrastructure nationwide. #EAGR #Genomics
March 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM
If you are interested in Indian Ocean fish diversity but haven’t checked “Coastal Fishes of the Western Indian Ocean” (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, SAIAB) you are missing a lot ! 🐠🐡🐟
saiab.ac.za/publications...
saiab.ac.za/publications...
Coastal Fishes of the Western Indian Ocean – South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
saiab.ac.za
February 24, 2025 at 5:57 PM
If you are interested in Indian Ocean fish diversity but haven’t checked “Coastal Fishes of the Western Indian Ocean” (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, SAIAB) you are missing a lot ! 🐠🐡🐟
saiab.ac.za/publications...
saiab.ac.za/publications...
Still annoyed I didn't get my copy of "a fascination for fish" signed by David Powell, who also attended.
books.google.co.uk/books/about/...
Was also one of, if not the, last public appearance of Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer. Picture courtesy SAIAB.
books.google.co.uk/books/about/...
Was also one of, if not the, last public appearance of Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer. Picture courtesy SAIAB.
March 19, 2024 at 6:37 PM
Still annoyed I didn't get my copy of "a fascination for fish" signed by David Powell, who also attended.
books.google.co.uk/books/about/...
Was also one of, if not the, last public appearance of Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer. Picture courtesy SAIAB.
books.google.co.uk/books/about/...
Was also one of, if not the, last public appearance of Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer. Picture courtesy SAIAB.
Eu tamén, y era entretido. E sabes xq o escoitaba? Xq n s horario na radio galega era a hora dos noticias e dos sabelotodo. E se non me trabuco a partir das 9:30 cambiaba para a galega, co gran Santiago Davila(DEP) e despois con Xusto. Que a partir das 10 saíab 2 tipos decíndo caralladas. Lembraste?
November 22, 2024 at 7:39 AM
Eu tamén, y era entretido. E sabes xq o escoitaba? Xq n s horario na radio galega era a hora dos noticias e dos sabelotodo. E se non me trabuco a partir das 9:30 cambiaba para a galega, co gran Santiago Davila(DEP) e despois con Xusto. Que a partir das 10 saíab 2 tipos decíndo caralladas. Lembraste?
The archives at SAIAB hold over 50 years of aquatic research, helping scientists:
🦠 Identify new species
📊 Track biodiversity changes
🌡️ Understand climate change impacts on marine life
Find out more about the collection here 👉 saiab.ac.za/platforms/na...
🦠 Identify new species
📊 Track biodiversity changes
🌡️ Understand climate change impacts on marine life
Find out more about the collection here 👉 saiab.ac.za/platforms/na...
February 5, 2025 at 10:39 AM
The archives at SAIAB hold over 50 years of aquatic research, helping scientists:
🦠 Identify new species
📊 Track biodiversity changes
🌡️ Understand climate change impacts on marine life
Find out more about the collection here 👉 saiab.ac.za/platforms/na...
🦠 Identify new species
📊 Track biodiversity changes
🌡️ Understand climate change impacts on marine life
Find out more about the collection here 👉 saiab.ac.za/platforms/na...
Feed: "Ocean Census"
By: Maya de Paz on Friday, February 13, 2026
By: Maya de Paz on Friday, February 13, 2026
Supporting conservation through taxonomy: The Comoros Species Discovery Workshop
Building on the success of our co-founder Nekton’s First Descent: Comoros 2025 mission, this Species Discovery Workshop took place at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) in Makhanda from January 26 to February 13, 2026.
oceancensus.org
February 14, 2026 at 12:36 PM
Feed: "Ocean Census"
By: Maya de Paz on Friday, February 13, 2026
By: Maya de Paz on Friday, February 13, 2026
When the grid can't keep up: how South African laboratories handle power outages
->Nature | More on "South African labs surviving power outages" at BigEarthData.ai
->Nature | More on "South African labs surviving power outages" at BigEarthData.ai
When the grid can't keep up: how South African laboratories handle power outages
As a scheduled blackout hits in the afternoon heat of Makhanda, it elicits a moment of crisis inside the National Research Foundation’s South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB). Inside thousands of glass jars on kilometres of mobile shelving, more than one million specimens sit vulnerable. Most of the institute’s collection of fish, amphibians and cephalopods, comprising lineages shaped by 400 million years of evolution, float in 70% ethanol at temperatures around 18 °C. If temperatures rise even a few degrees past this threshold, the preservative becomes a severe fire hazard. Given that summers in the region can exceed 30 °C, active cooling is essential to prevent the archive from turning into a giant fuel tank. The lights blink out, plunging the rooms into darkness. For a minute, the crucial air conditioning falls silent, before backup generators slowly rattle to life. The collection, the largest of its kind in Africa and home to rare specimens of coelacanths, a group of fish that were once thought extinct, sits on a knife-edge between preservation and ruination. These planned blackouts, known as load-shedding, reached their peak in South Africa in 2023, with power cuts occurring on nine in every ten days. As the...
www.nature.com
May 26, 2026 at 7:58 PM
🦈 White shark tracking update (Jan–July 2025) 🌊
In collaboration with the Shark Research Foundation, SAIAB, and Stellenbosch University, our program has followed two very different shark stories this year.
In collaboration with the Shark Research Foundation, SAIAB, and Stellenbosch University, our program has followed two very different shark stories this year.
White shark tracking 2025: first 7 months - Oceans Research
White shark tracking 2025: first 7 months
www.oceans-research.com
October 2, 2025 at 6:31 PM
🦈 White shark tracking update (Jan–July 2025) 🌊
In collaboration with the Shark Research Foundation, SAIAB, and Stellenbosch University, our program has followed two very different shark stories this year.
In collaboration with the Shark Research Foundation, SAIAB, and Stellenbosch University, our program has followed two very different shark stories this year.