africandiver issue 19

October / November 2011 | Issue 19

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Contents REGULARS

5

Ed’s Logbook

64

F E AT U R E S 6

Dancing with Dolphin’s

30

Paradise lost

54

Shark Products

Rainer Schimpf Photography

C O N S E R VAT I O N 21

South Africa’s marine p ro t e c t e d a re a s

Cover Photographed by Cormac McC r e e s h

Editors:

Published by:

Cormac McCreesh & Paul Hunter

African Diver cc

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P.O. Box 67779

subscribe@africandiver.com

Bryanston

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2021

Adele Sherratt

South Africa

083 708 3847

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editor@africandiver.com

Email: editor@africandiver.com

Paul: 083 391 8961

47

82 Amanda Jackson

Seahorses

www.africandiver.com

Fax: 086 503 7177

Underwater Photography

P.O. Box 67779 Bryanston 2021

38

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Wo m a n & D i v i n g

+ 27(0) 83 391 8961

Editorial Enquiries Cormac: 073 036 5829

C R E AT U R E F E AT U R E

The red sea

Contents

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E d’s Logbook Issue 19 marks the anniversary of our third birthday. It’s been a fabulously wonderful journey so far and we’re looking forward to the next three years. What began, as a labour of love has become an all-consuming passion. Paul and I want to express our most sincere gratitude you all of our followers and subscribers. Between all of you, you have downloaded over 46 000 copies of our magazines and articles. We have almost 8 000 followers all over the world and this list is growing daily. Thank you all.

Shark attacks have dominated the news recently, the most high profile of which was the attack on Ian Redmond in the Seychelles on the 16th of August. Two days ago a Cape Town man was attacked by a great white. He survived no thanks to his own recklessness.

Shark attacks seem to be on the rise, or maybe it’s that there are more people in the water these days exposing themselves to risk? If I were the suspicious type, I’d think that sharks are fighting back. Yet for each person killed or maimed by a shark many millions of sharks are killed for sport, medicine, and food and even for pet products. In this issue we cover the Seychelles attack and take a look at how sharks are being exploited for cosmetics, joint supplements and even as a body-building supplement.

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Marine conservation is never far from our mind and Dr Camilla Floros shares her findings on her study of the coral reefs in northern KwaZulu Natal’s marine protected areas: giving good reasons for the continued, and perhaps even greater, management of these areas. In that vein we invited Rainer Schimpf to share his conservation efforts and images with us as this issue’s Samsung Featured Photographer. It’s gratifying to see underwater photography being used to get a message out.

Speaking of underwater photography, Paul shares with us his experiences and advice on lens choice and how this is affected by conditions and subject matter based on his recent trip to the Red Sea. And in our Women and Diving section we introduce you to Amanda Jackson who is passionate about the business of diving.

But all is not doom and gloom out there. There are many beautiful creatures to see and many beautiful places to visit and so we’re proud to showcase the little guys in our seahorses article and the big guys in our dolphin one.

Here’s to the next three years and responsible marine environmental management. Dive well, dive safe and may your bubbles always be free.

Cormac and Paul.

Contents

Featured Article

Dances with

Dolphins

Article & Photographs by: Cormac McCreesh

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Contents

They “see” us before we see them. Yet we become aware of their presence almost immediately on entering the water. Despite the near twenty-metre visibility, their whistles, burst pulses, bubble trails and chirps “inspect” us well before they come into view.

Suddenly they are upon us, surrounding us. Pod “fission” and “fusion” ensues as the dolphin split up and reform, inspecting each of us in turn as they orbit us like planets circling the sun.

Maintaining eye contact with the dolphin personalizes and intensifies the interaction. So we steadfastly try to maintain eye contact. But it all happens too fast. Circle swims, deep dives, winks, turns, bubble blowing and calls. This pod wraps us in an aquatic storm of high-cetacean energy that somehow touches our souls and invites us to dance with the dolphin.

Fifteen minutes later, the calls change and the dolphin simply disappear and get on with whatever they were doing before they came to play with us. Yet twice more that day they chose to indulge us. Leaving the shoreline where they’ve been surfing and jumping the waves, they come out to play. Each time we are invigorated and energized, and at the end of each engagement find ourselves strangely at peace and speechless.

The bustling town of Ponta do Ouro (Point of Gold) situated in the southernmost bay in Mozambique and a few short kilometres from the South African border is rapidly becoming a playground to Mozambicans seeking relief from the hustle and bustle of Maputo and South Africans looking for a unique and exotic beach and diving experience.

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Well known as a diving destination, Ponta (as everyone refers to it) comes alive over weekends and holidays. Its myriad bars, restaurants and clubs resonate to the sound of people having a good time.

But there’s a growing niche experience to be had that transcends the music, drum beats, parties and dive sites and its popularity is on the rise. Swimming with dolphin makes visiting Ponta a vastly different experience. Usually the preserve of scientists who study dolphin, it is now possible to experience wild dolphin in their natural environment under the leadership of knowledgeable and professional guides.

Angie and Steve Gullan pioneered swimming with dolphin almost sixteen years ago. One of the early converts to this fledgling business was Harry van den Heever who became involved in 1996 and has since built up a deep knowledge of the Ponta dolphin.

Meanwhile, the siren call of the Ponta dolphin pod seduced Noleen Withers who on a visit to Ponta, found herself playing mistress to this engaging pod of Co n t e n t s

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inshore bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Five years ago, Harry together with Noleen set up Somente Aqua Dolphin Centre to promote sustainable dolphin tourism through education and conservation.

Today, Noleen and the team at Somente Aqua Dolphin Centre draw on the collective knowledge of many years of experience to delight in exposing seasoned divers, tourists and non-diving family members to the experience of swimming with dolphin.

Using dorsal fin identification, some 250 resident dolphin have been identified in an observed 40 to 70-kilometre home range that includes the bay of Ponta do Ouro.

The exact range of this pod is not really known and estimating population size and range is a daunting task. The dolphin split up regularly with some going to deeper waters to feed, returning sometimes weeks later. Often bigger, more dominant males are found offshore yet they too return to the pod inshore. There is a constant process of splitting and reuniting – a process termed “fission” and “fusion”.

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For the most part, the Ponta pod is habituated to human intervention and interaction in its habitat and range. The dolphin are accustomed to the passing traffic from dive boats and on rare occasions will pay scuba divers on the reef a friendly visit. Equally, the pod is experienced in being observed by dolphin guides and tourists. Many years of regular visits have built a high degree of trust between the dolphin and the humans that crave their company so much.

This “bond” that has been developed over the years is unique yet fragile. Along with restricting clients from diving down to the dolphin, the team at Somente Aqua Dolphin Centre enforces a strict “no-touch” policy when interacting with the dolphin in order to avoid bacterial transfer between human and dolphin and to maintain the relationship of trust.

Trust underlies any relationship and trust is earned, not given. Regular trusting interactions build greater trust and cement relationships. The Ponta dolphin accept unfamiliar humans into their space because of the trust implicit through regular and careful interactions. Most often, these interactions take the form of play, and

mimicry is an often-played game. In the last two years, Noleen has developed a special bond with a particular female and juvenile who play mimic games with her. She holds her arms out in front of her and nods her head. They mimic this by holding out their pectoral fins and nodding with their heads. She also goes into a tuck position, which they also mimic.

They love to play and one of her favourite games is to hide from them when swimming behind them - as they look at her from one eye she moves to their blind side behind them so they roll to the other side to see her and she repeats the hiding action. They love this game and have been known to do complete back flips to see her.

Sometimes, Noleen will dive down to the sand and wait, ignoring the dolphin (the Somente Aqua Dolphin Centre team sometimes dive down to sex the dolphin).

Their natural curiosity getting the better of them as they dive down to investigate her. When they’re really in the mood to play they will bring her toys, such as seaweed, to play with. This is called “object play”.

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Regular interaction has led to the development of a game, which the guides call “circle swims”. Circle swims generally begin when eye contact is made between human and dolphin. In order to maintain eye contact it is necessary for the dolphin and human to swim in circles, hence circle swims. These circle swim affairs can be highly energetic and fast if done with juveniles or synchronized, graceful and calm when performed with older dolphin.

It’s a favourite game played between human and dolphin with the dolphin oftentimes jostling for prime position in the eye-contact-circle-swim dance. In this way, the underwater ballet of “dances with dolphins” is performed.

The years invested by the Somente Aqua Dolphin Centre team interacting with the dolphin is manifest in the special relationships that have developed between certain team members and dolphin. And it is these special relationships that allows for time in the water for clients to witness interactions between team members and dolphin and to establish trust on the part of the dolphin to accept the unfamiliar humans in water.

All cetaceans use echolocation to hunt and assess objects and life forms.

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Interestingly, this ability is believed to enable dolphin to be able to pick out a pregnant woman from a non-pregnant one. Dolphin seem particularly sensitive and Noleen has observed changes in their behaviour when interacting with the dolphin during her menstrual cycle.

She has observed that the female dolphin become more protective and intentionally prevent male dolphin from interacting.

This nurturing behaviour on the part of the female dolphin is well known to extend to the care they lavish on their own calves.

Because of this, Somente Aqua Dolphin Centre does not encourage interaction with dolphin mothers and newborn calves.

Voluntary interaction by the mothers usually occurs when the calves are two to three weeks and older. In these instances the proud mothers have been known to bring in their calves to as if to “show them off” to specific people they have built relationships with. Calves generally swim between their mother’s pectoral fins as if hiding. But when mothers show off their calves, they will swim closer and then tip to one side, raising a pectoral fin to show off the baby. Excited whistles and chirps by the mother usually accompany this as if describing and telling the calf about humans.

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Incredibly, these curious and intelligent dolphin have established a bond with Noleen’s labrador, Kira. Kira often accompanies the Dolphin Centre crew on the boat and long before the dolphin are sighted Kira will become aware of their presence. She will bounce from side to side on the boat straining to see her friends. Yet only when the dolphin approach the boat to interact will she jump in the water and swim with them. Kira has never jumped in the water when the dolphin are resting, almost as if she picks up their behaviour – when at rest dolphin give out a strong ammoniac smell that she would pick up. Paddling on the surface she will swim in circles while her friends delight in circling beneath her – a marvelous sight to bear witness to.

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There are only two authorised dolphin operators in Ponta and they adhere to a strict code of conduct, which they rigorously apply to each dolphin interaction. This code of conduct has been designed to ensure the well-being and safety of the dolphin at all times and is based on years of experience and careful observation.

On finding a pod of dolphin, the boat skipper and swim facilitator will assess the dolphins’ behaviour before considering entering the water to interact. Dolphin that are resting are left alone, as is a pod that evidences avoidance of the boat. If newly born calves are spotted, then that pod too is left alone.

Resting is easily determined – loud exhale breaths, slow movement on the surface and longer dive times indicate a pod at rest.

Dolphin brains, like all cetaceans, comprise two distinct lobes and this enables them to shut down one side of their brain to rest while the other remains awake. Resting can be between seven minutes and seven hours long. Feeding is very obvious – the dolphin dive regularly, swim at a fast pace and cover a large area in their search for food.

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Dol phin interaction code o f co nd u c t :

1.

2.

3.

Dolphin are not to be touched

Dolphin that are resting are left alone A pod with newly born calves are left alone

Contents

While it is sometimes more difficult to interact with the dolphin when they are feeding it is a fantastic experience to be had – to see how they use teamwork to hunt their prey and also how they often play with their food.

The Dolphin Centre’s main aim in conducting dolphin interactions is to promote a safe environment for sustainable dolphin tourism through education and conservation.

Consequently, their pre-launch briefing is detailed and informative. They spend time explaining the species of dolphin that may be encountered and the behaviour to be anticipated.

During the boat trip, the swim facilitators or skipper provide a running commentary of the behaviour they see, interpreting for the benefit of the visitors onboard the boat. So you never feel that you’re missing out on a potential interaction.

The team from Somente Aqua Dolphin Centre most commonly sees three species of dolphin. These are: the inshore bottlenose dolphin - a social and playful dolphin, the indo-pacific humpback dolphin – shy and elusive, and spinner dolphin – found in deep water and so-named for their great spinning leaps into the air.

Often chance encounters with larger animals occur - whales, mainly humpback whales, migrating during the months of July to November and whale sharks in the summer months.

Inshore bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

Indo-pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis)

Spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris)

Ponta lies in a partial marine reserve that runs from Santa Maria in the north to Kosi Bay in the south. Research, discussions and negotiations are developing and it is hoped by many that this area will be declared a full marine reserve. The area appears to be unique with its coral reefs, migratory animals and special dolphin.

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Contents

During peak holiday periods Ponta experiences a high degree of diver and tourist traffic which encourages dive operators to incorporate dolphin encounters in their service offerings.

While this is good business, it’s not good conservation practice though as it takes experience and know-how to work with the dolphin. So a lack of application of protocols and depth of knowledge of dolphin behaviour can lead to a negative impact on the pod and a concomitant breach of trust.

Guests who come to the Somente Aqua Dolphin Centre to experience dolphin are mainly women and non-divers. There is however, a steady increase in the number of men taking a dolphin trip and the team encourages divers to experience these dolphin in the correct manner so as to promote respect and conservation of this pod.

The healing powers of dolphin are legendary and steeped in mysticism. While there are many people who are skeptical, there are many who believe in the abilities of dolphin. Noleen shared two stories with

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me of encounters she’d experienced with dolphin and disabled children.

The first was of an autistic child that found the ability to speak having learned to vocalize the words “dolphin” and “Ponta” following her interactions with the dolphin.

The second was of a young boy who had lost an arm and was slightly brain damaged following a serious car accident. While he was in the water with Noleen and his sister two dolphin came out of nowhere (Noleen could hear their vocalisations before she saw them) and they drew belly-up to the boy gently touching him with their pectoral fins ... almost as if lifting him to the surface of the water. This pair then stayed close-by and in an upright position watching him until he left the water.

Interacting with dolphin is not a guarantee on every trip as these are wild creatures that are untamed and free. They don’t “play” on demand. They have moods, activities and conditions that may take them away from interacting. But the more trips you do, the better your chances of having an interaction. Therefore it is best to book for at least three trips in order

to up your chances of interacting with them. Also, as dolphin are super-sensitive, you need to modify your behaviour and mental state when in the water with them.

Quick, urgent, flapping movements will scare them off, as will any tension, bad or low energy and anxiety. You need to keep a calm demeanor and be relaxed in the water. Keep your arms by your side and fin gently. Also seek to make eye contact with the dolphin; this is what they look for as a prelude to interacting.

Dolphin trips are essentially “seafari” trips, albeit looking for a specific type of animal. The chance of encountering other large marine animals is great, so anticipate this - whale sharks, whales (humpback whales), turtles and sometimes mantas.

And working with professional guides, like those at the Somente Aqua Dolphin Centre, who know the dolphin intimately and can assess their behaviour is reason enough to find out more.

Knowing that the guides are committed to sustainable tourism and that they have both your and the dolphins’ interests at heart makes for the best kind of interactions.

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Conservation

South Africa’s

coral reef marine p r ot e c t ed a r e a s Article & Photographs by : Dr. Camilla Floros

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Coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. They are estimated to provide habitat for one million species, which includes at least 4 000 species of fish and 800 known species of coral. Not only are these ecosystems ecologically important, but coral reefs also provide approximately US$ 30 billion in net benefits in goods and services to world economies (see table below right for breakdown). They act as natural barriers against storms and waves from the ocean and thus provide protection to thousands of miles of coastline.

They provide habitat to 25% of the world’s fish species and supply fish protein to more than one billion people in the developing world. Tourism and recreation on coral reefs is enjoyed by millions of people every year and many island nations depend heavily on this revenue to sustain their economies. In recent years, the medical industry has turned to the ocean in search for new pharmaceuticals (bioprospecting) and coral reefs are now referred to as the medicine cabinet of the 21st century because of their contribution towards treating diseases such as cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s and heart disease.

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Potential net benefits per year of the world’s coral reefs (From Cesar et al. 2003) Contents

The future, however, looks bleak for

Such efforts include the creation of

South Africa’s coral reefs stretch for

coral reefs because they are threatened

areas where human activities are strictly

approximately 150 km along the northern

by a variety of human related stresses.

controlled and are termed marine

KZN coast from north of Cape Vidal to

Scientists estimate that 19% of the world’s

protected areas (MPAs). While MPAs

the Mozambique border. They are situated

coral reefs have been lost beyond recovery

cannot protect coral reefs from the effects

in the Maputaland Marine Reserve and

and a further 20-40% will be lost in the

of global climate change i.e., elevated sea

St Lucia Marine Reserve, which form the

next 40 years. The main threats to coral

temperature and increasing ocean acidity,

reefs include tourism-related damage,

they can reduce stresses to coral reefs

unregulated coastal development, land-

by limiting the direct impacts of human

based pollution, overfishing and global

activities such as damage and overfishing.

climate change.

Currently, MPAs are being advocated These threats are not new to reef managers

as one the most important management

marine component of the iSimangaliso Wetland park; a World Heritage Site.

The reefs can be separated into three groups termed the Northern, Central and Southern Reef Complex. Although all of the coral reefs lie within MPAs they do not have the same levels of protection.

and policy makers, but governments have

tools for protecting coral reefs because

been slow to react to scientific predictions

they have the potential to simultaneously

and warnings. The threats that face coral

address issues of overexploitation, tourism

(Sodwana Bay) are the focal point of

reefs are complex and synergistic in that

development and conservation. South

tourism, where SCUBA diving and boat-

they work at different scales and each

Africa is very fortunate to have all of its

based fishing is permitted. Most of the

stress makes the other more severe. While

coral reefs situated within MPAs. This is

Northern Reef Complex and all of the

the issues of climate change are global and

a commendable achievement considering

Southern Reef Complex are no-take

require intervention at the international

Australia has only 69 % of their coral reefs

sanctuary reefs, where all forms of human

level, efforts to help save and protect reefs

in MPAs, while ~2% of coral reefs in the

activity, except for scientific research, are

at local or regional scales are critical.

central Indian Ocean are protected.

prohibited.

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The reefs in the Central Reef Complex

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More than sixty thousand tourists visit Sodwana Bay annually to dive and fish on the reefs. However, limited research has investigated the impacts of these activities on the coral reef fish communities. The high levels of human activity on the reefs were a concern and a PhD project, conducted by Camilla Floros, was thus initiated by the Oceanographic Research Institute.

The aim of the research was to perform a biodiversity assessment of fish in the Northern, Southern and Central Reef Complexes. The study then focused on using indicator species to assess whether SCUBA diving and fishing were having an influence on the fish communities. Comparisons were again made between the three reef complexes to include reefs with and without human activity.

A reef from southern Mozambique, at Ponta Malongane, was also included because there was no active protection in the region at the time of the PhD study.

The assessment methods involved an underwater visual census technique called point counts. This technique was chosen because it is non-lethal and allows fish diversity as well as fish abundance and size (biomass) to be estimated on the reef. This technique does not rely on sophisticated equipment, but the diver must have good knowledge of the reef fish species and be experienced at size estimation underwater. Point counts were conducted on seven representative reefs.

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The results of the biodiversity assessment revealed that South Africa’s coral reefs have high numbers of fish species despite their sub-tropical location. A total of 284 species were recorded, but it is estimated that fish species diversity on the reefs is closer to 500 as cryptic species and nocturnal species can get overlooked with visual census techniques. The indicator assessment produced some very interesting results and clearly demonstrated that human activities are having an influence on the coral reef fish communities. The reefs within sanctuary zones were recorded to have the highest diversity and abundance of fish species.

In addition, predator biomass on sanctuary reefs was three times greater than on the reefs at Sodwana Bay and six times greater than on the southern Mozambique reef.

Predators such as kingfish and green jobfish are targeted by fisherman and consequently these species were expected to have lower abundances on reefs open to fishing.

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Such results were found on Seven-mile

South African coral reef fish communities

proclaimed in order to protect the marine

Reef, Nine-mile Reef and in southern

have not been affected by human impacts

ecosystems in the region, including coral

Mozambique where these species were

to the same degree as many coral reefs in

reefs. This is a very positive step for the

lower in abundance and smaller in

east Africa. Although MPAs do exist in

region and will hopefully be a valuable

size. In addition, a number of the target

east Africa, poaching and illegal activities

management tool.

species were completely absent from the

such as dynamite fishing still continue to

southern Mozambican reef, suggesting

degrade reefs.

that overfishing is occurring. Two other important predator species, the potato

The high abundance and diversity of South Africa’s coral reef fish

Law enforcement and policing of activities

communities adds another dimension

bass and twinspot snapper, also had lower

in MPAs is central to their function as a

to the unique nature of the reefs.

abundances on the reefs at Sodwana Bay

conservation and management tool, and

Nevertheless, differences between the

compared to sanctuary reefs.

without them MPAs will remain ‘paper ’

fish communities at Sodwana Bay and

parks. At the time of data collection, the

the no-take sanctuary reefs should not

southern Mozambican coral reefs were not

be ignored and demonstrates that even

located within an MPA.

regulated activity can have a negative

These two species are protected from fishing at Sodwana and it is unclear why their abundances are lower on these reefs.

The abundances of these two species were

effect.

The lack of protection was clearly

particularly low on Two-mile Reef, which

evident in the fish communities which

has approximately 50 000 dives per year.

were characterised by small fish and low

constantly under pressure, the message

This intensity of diving is among the

numbers of predators/target species.

is clear; continued monitoring is critical

highest in the world and further research is needed to investigate the impact of diving on fish communities.

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In a world where natural resources are

and adaptive management is necessary However, in July 2009, the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve (PPMR) was

to preserve these reefs for future generations.

Contents

S

Ponta da Ouro

N7

27º

ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK

Melkbosstrand

TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK MPA

N9 Dog Point

Robben Island Shell Bay Point SHBW2/ SHB3

28º

Stompneus St Helena Point Bay SHBW1/ SHB2

Orange River

S

Doctor’s Stompneus Reef Point SHBE/DR SHBW1/ SHB2

KARBONKELBERG RESTRICTED ZONE Salamander Point Leentjiesklip No. 2

30º

Umkomaas

te

e n

ST JAMES RESTRICTED ZONE

M

il

e

Be

h

Simon’s Town Scarborough

Schuster’s Bay

Rooipan se Klippe Yzerfontein

Lambert’s Bay

Millers Pt

Wadrifsoutpan Elands Bay

33º

Gans Bay Harbour (west breakwater) Dyer Is. Dyer Is. Diving and possesion of gear prohibited within 1 nautical mile.

Dassen Yzerfontein Island Bok Point Robben Island 34º

CAPE TOWN

Gansbaai-Ratel River.

Diving prohibited within 2 nautical miles of the coast.

Breede River

Hermanus

Danger Point

17º

Cape Point

PORT ELIZABETH

Gonubie Point EAST LONDON Nahoon Point Gxulu River Christmas Rock

Port Shepstone

45´

PONDOLAND MPA

50´

KwaZulu-Natal

55´

Centre Rocks N1 Mpenjati River N2

31˚ 00´

Hawston Harbour Mudge Point Harder Bay

05´

Bushy Park P.E.C.R.2

Bloukrans River

Storms River

Skipskop DH2

Gans Bay

10´

Sikombe River Mtentu River

15´

Groot River 25´

Mboyti River

TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK

20º

35´

Closed areas

RESTRICTED ZONE

Mzintlava River Port St Johns

Mntafufu River

Nkodusweni River Mzimvuba River

40´

Inshore Controlled Zone Restricted Zone

2nd OFFSHORE CONTROLLED ZONE

Rock lobster closed areas Quoin Point

19º

Marine Protected Areas (MPA)

1st OFFSHORE CONTROLLED ZONE

Msikaba River Mkweni River

20´

DE HOOP MPA

Dyer Is.

Mzamba River

Mnyameni River Schoenmakerskop P.E.C.R.1

SARDINIA BAY MPA

DH1 Cape Infanta

Kraal Rock HR1 Rietfontein HR2

TRAFALGAR MPA

Port Edward

Cape St Francis

Groot River

Margate

Bird Is.

Algoa Bay BIRD ISLAND MPA

Breede River

Hermanus

Cape Hangklip BETTY’S BAY MPA

18º

DWESA-CWEBE MPA

S

30´

B1 Sto ne B4 ‘Jo y Point ck-se -baai’

False Bay

16º

Nyara River

Plettenberg Bay

Simon’s Town

See inset

Mbashe River

Great Kei River

Cape Point

30m 50m

ROBBERG MPA

Gordon’s Bay

PONDOLAND MPA

HLULEKA MPA

Eerste River

MPA Hoek Kalk Bay Glencairn Beach

TRAFALGAR MPA

Mtentu River Msikaba River Port St Johns

Port Alfred Nature’s Knysna Valley GOUKAMMA MPA

CAPE TOWN

Hout Bay

Lourens River “Die Josie” Muizenberg HELDERBERG Strand Fish H1 St James

37º

Fafa River

CASTLE ROCK RESTRICTED ZONE

Great Fish River

Goukou Estuary Restricted Area 34°20’.463S 21°24’.187E Rietvleivywers Goukou Estuary Stilbaai Skulpiesbaai Geelkrans Restricted Restricted Area Area Noordkapperspunt STILBAAI MARINE PROTECTED AREA

Struis Point Cape Agulhas

Melkbos Point MB1

36º

Sanctuary Area

Mtamvuna River

25´

Cape Agulhas

Witsand

35º Robben Island

100m

Ratel River -west bank

Restricted Area with limited fishing

ZONE

Quoin Point

Mossel Bay Gouritz River

False Bay

Mzimayi River

Margate

Smitswinkel Pt Hoek van die PAULSBERG Bobbejaan RESTRICTED CAPE OF GOOD HOPE ZONE RESTRICTED ZONE 15m 20m

Hermanus

Cape Columbine Saldanha

N4 Cape Vidal

ALIWAL SHOAL MPA

CROWN AREA RESTRICTED

Partridge Pt

Gansbaai-Quoin Point diving prohibited area

St Helena Draaihoek Bay

Mzinto River

BOULDERS RESTRICTED ZONE

ac

Restricted zone Sanctuary zone

32º

20´

N6 Leven Point

DURBAN Aliwal Shoal

Scottburgh

Doring Bay

ST LUCIA MPA Lake St Lucia

PRODUCE RESTRICTED ZONE

Mkomazi River

Mpambanyoni River

Kalk Bay

Olifants River

Red Cliffs N5

Tugela River

15´

Muizenberg

Controlled zone

Richards Bay

Amanzimtoti

Lovu River

Hout Bay

ix

31º

N3 Sodwana Bay

05´

Oudekraal

LB1

S

Hondeklip Bay Spoeg River

MAPUTALAND MPA

55´E

50´

Lake St Lucia

10´

Marcus Malgas Island Island Jutten Island Langebaan Perlemoen LB3 Oesterwal South Plankies Point Head Bay SH1/SH2 Kraal Bay LB2 LB4

Buffels River Kleinsee

45´

KwaZulu-Natal CAPE TOWN

Sea Point

Saldanha North Head NH1/NH2

40´

30° 00´

Milnerton

Green Point

29º Port Nolloth

30°35´

ALIWAL SHOAL MPA

Velddrif Berg Estuary

N27

N13 Boteler Point N8

21º

35´

40´

45´

50´

55´

30˚ 00´

05´

10´

15´

20´

25´

30´

E

Cape Agulhas

22º

23º

24º

25º

26º

27º

28º

29º

30º

31º

32º

33º

E

MPA Map (above) sourced from google images.

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Co n t e n t s

Pa g e 2 8 | w w w. a fr i c a n d i ve r. c o m

Destination HOT SPOT - Northern KwaZulu-Natal

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Featured Article

Paradise Lost Article by Cormac McCreesh & Images by Clive Ferreira

A week of shocking attacks ... but what is to be done?

Pa g e 3 0 | www.africandiver.com

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On August the 16th, at approximately 3pm (UK time) , Briton Ian Redmond was attacked by a shark while on honeymoon in the Seychelles.

Ian probably never saw it coming. The shark that bit him did so voraciously, ruthlessly and with intent. The attack was likely to have been swift and efficient. Ian’s terror must have been absolute and the pain and fear all consuming. The moments after the attack, as his life slowly ebbed away from him, must have been incredibly sad and despairingly lonely. Gemma Houghton, his wife of 10 days must have been beside herself with grief and fear. Powerless to help him, she must have seen her dreams disappear with the dispersing blood from Ian’s considerable wounds, one of which was to his left arm where once the hand that wore his wedding ring was.

Two weeks earlier, on August the 1st, at the same beach and at approximately the same time, Frenchman Nicolas Virolle lost his life to a shark in an equally vicious attack. Eyewitnesses described his wounds as if “he’d been struck by a boat´s propeller”.

According to the Shark Attack Monitor, a blog dedicated to reporting on global shark attacks, there were 7 recorded shark attacks worldwide between August 1 and August 17. Ian and Nicolas’ attacks are included in these statistics.

On the day that Ian was attacked, and for that matter on the day that Nicolas was attacked too, elsewhere in the world a shark caught on a vicious hook was hauled across the deck of a fishing boat.

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Four pairs of hands held the shark down and prevented it from wriggling free while a fifth pair of hands wielding a wickedly sharp knife swiftly cut through the shark’s skin and flesh and removed its pectoral, dorsal and ventral fins. Once the fins were removed, the shark was dumped overboard where it drifted downward to settle on the bottom of the ocean and drown.

Shark researchers estimate that a median of 36 million sharks are killed annually for shark fin soup and other traditional cures.

Buoyed on by economic market conditions and improvements in fishing technology, sharks are ruthlessly and relentlessly hunted to satisfy a growing demand for conspicuous consumption of luxury goods and services. Assuming the researchers median statistic of 36 million sharks killed annually, 1 578 082 sharks were killed between August 1 and August 17 - some 92 828 per day.

When the news broke of Ian’s death the British media machine went into overdrive. Sky News posted stories of the attack every five minutes. Experts and so-called experts were interviewed and interrogated. The big questions being posed were “why did it happen” and “what can be done to prevent it happening again”. Many of the experts that were interviewed made the point repeatedly that very little is known about sharks and that not much could be drawn from the facts of Ian’s attack.

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The point was never made that to avoid being attacked by a shark you need to stay out of the water!

Both attacks took place at Anse Lazio, an exquisite sandy beach on the northwestern shore of Praslin in the Seychelles archipelago. Praslin is one of the most popular islands in the archipelago and Anse Lazio is considered the best beach in the Seychelles - some rate it in the top ten in the world.

Nestled in Baie Chevalier the white sandy beach merges with turquoise blue water and is fringed by Takamaka trees and Palm trees. At the extremities of the beach are large granite boulders, which add to the feeling of seclusion. The beach is not separated from the sea by a coral reef, which would protect it from waves, and the influx of apex predators. It is a popular honeymoon destination with the North Island being visited by Prince William and his wife, Duchess Kate, when on their honeymoon.

It is a tourist hotspot and a source of revenue and employment to many Seychellois. It is reported that some

Co n t e n t s

100 000 tourists visited the Seychelles

attack. Being scuba divers they are used

between January and July this year. As in

to seeing sharks in the water and were

the movie Jaws, the shark attacks on Ian

unperturbed by the news of sharks in the

and Nicolas threaten to close this tourist

bay but naturally were horrified to learn

destination down.

of Ian’s death and their hearts went out to Ian’s widow, Gemma.

The day after Ian died of a loss of blood from his wounds, Evan Jones and Este

The travel agent told them that bathing;

James, both South African tourists in need

swimming and snorkeling had been

of a well-deserved holiday, arrived at

banned immediately after the attack by the

Praslin.

Seychellois government who were doing everything possible to contain the growing

On arrival, they were picked up by their travel agent and informed of the shark

crisis that was threatening to shut down the tourism industry.

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The last recorded shark attack in the

When Evan and Este went to the beach

air of near hysteria and even bloodlust.

Seychelles dates back to 1963 and was

they were prohibited from swimming and

Evan described to me how he witnessed

reportedly by a tiger shark on a local

snorkeling. The beach was patrolled while

an excess of fishing activities in the bay;

fisherman who was hunting for turtles. In

the Seychelles Navy patrolled the bay.

“local government had put out a bounty

his book, Shark for Sale, William Travis

On the night they arrived they went on

for the capture of the shark, nets baited

tells of his exploits fishing for large sharks

a sunset cruise done under the watchful

with pork and chicken had been laid to

in the Seychelles archipelago. He planned

eye of the Navy. The bay they cruised in

catch the shark. This resulted in massively

to profit from the demand for high quality

was littered with fishing nets set by local

destructive behaviour and fishing. They

dried and salted shark and developed long

fishermen out to catch the shark responsible

line fishing techniques to catch sharks.

for the attack and to claim the reward for

Over a two year period he caught hundreds

capturing it. The Seychelles government

of sharks, many of them large tiger sharks

was doing everything possible to be seen

of four metres and longer. He describes

to resolve the situation and prevent a

watching sharks come close inshore in the

recurrence.

late afternoon to feed on turtles during the night and return to the “safety and

The question on everyone’s lips was

darkness of the abyss” in the predawn.

“what kind of shark was it that made

Shark for Sale was published in 1961, after

the attack(s)”. Divers who travel to the

William had retired from the shark fishing

Seychelles will tell you that mostly white

game because it wasn’t sustainable.

tip reef sharks and nurse sharks are seen when diving. Occasionally bull sharks are

Shark attacks in the Seychelles had

seen in deeper waters and tiger sharks are

become a rarity and the last thing anyone

rarely seen. Gossip and speculation was

would have expected. Unsurprisingly, Evan

rife and there were many whispers of a

and Este arrived to an island in a mild state

“rogue shark” that had developed a taste

of panic - “this was the second attack in a

for human flesh.

period of about two weeks - everyone was spooked, not knowing what was going on” Evan told me.

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While the story of the attack dominated the British media, locally there was an

were hauling everything out because every kind of fish was attracted to the bait. There was no understanding of conservation in the fishing process”.

Speculation on both the type and causes of the attack was rife with the Bull shark being the most popular culprit. Evan came across three main theories attempting to explain the cause of the attack. The first blamed a restaurant for dumping its scraps in the sea at night, which attracted sharks into the bay. Yet another theory blamed the many yachts that moor in the bay for attracting sharks with what they dump overboard or when cleaning their bilges.

The best theory though attributed the attacks to nearby Somali pirates who attract sharks with their dumping activities.

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Two dive charters (White Tip Divers and Octopus Divers) met

reduce shark fishing, there may have been a slight rebound

with the local fishing community attempting to convince them of

in the shark population but this is pure speculation, as is

the rashness of the fishing methods being employed. Evan told me

much in cases of shark attacks.

that there were heated discussions between the parties as “tourism is everything to these communities and is a year-round business.

Geremy and Mike were asked to provide options and

People there take tourism seriously: they study it at school. Their

recommendations for preventing further attacks and they

whole life revolves around tourism. The attacks happened on their

pointed out that while there had been two attacks in the

number one beach with the previous attack having taken place in

area in a short period, time is a great healer. However the

the same place. Both victims died. It’s a tragedy for the tourism

Seychelles authorities insisted they wanted something more

industry”.

concrete and capable of implementation.

When I asked Evan about the site of the attack he told me that

Given the pressure to make recommendations the team

it took place on the right hand side of the bay in an area that

expressly did not recommend shark nets as an option

slopes up from a much deeper shelf. Because of the swimming

because the nets catch indiscriminately and are costly to

and snorkeling ban Evan was unable to confirm this though but it

maintain. They recommended small mesh exclusion nets

appears to be in an area twenty metres from shore and where the

- effectively a closed in barrier for swimmers; keeping

topography slopes steeply.

swimmers in and sharks out.

A few days after the attack, Geremy Cliff and Mike AndersonReade of the KwaZulu Natal Sharks Board were flown to the

While the exclusion net option would be a workable

Seychelles at the invitation of the government. Geremy and Mike’s

solution the problem is that because of the importance of

mission being to assess the situation and provide advice to the

tourism, the authorities cannot close off all the beaches to

Seychelles government on minimising the risk of further attacks.

swimming and snorkeling indefinitely. At the insistence of the authorities, the then recommended the implementation

Two weeks later Geremy, an extremely humble and

of a shark fishing device; not the traditional net option but

knowledgeable man, agreed to meet with me and explain to me

rather a “drum line” device. A drum line is a large baited

their findings and recommendations. The first point he made was

hook suspended beneath a large float or drum, which is

that the local Seychellois eat shark meat and that shark fishing

anchored to the sea bed. Because a large hook is used it will

is therefore more prevalent than is known. While the Seychelles

only catch large predators and not small sharks.

government does have a conservation plan and there is a move to

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Pa g e 3 4 | w w w. a fr i c a n d i ve r. c o m

The bounty put out by the authorities for the shark’s head had created a shark fishing hysteria with fishermen being Th e Su sp ec ts

attracted to the hunt from Mahe. Geremy

Tiger Shark

and Mike advised the authorities to stop

Galeocerdo cuvier

the hunt because they noted that the nets being used to catch the shark were indiscriminate and that the tackle being used by anglers was inappropriate with only small nurse and gray reef sharks

Tiger

being caught using this tackle – the hooks the fishermen were using were too small

ark

Great White Sh

to catch large sharks which is why mainly

rias

Carcharodon carcha

small sharks were being caught. Geremy told me that of the approximately 40 sharks caught these were mainly gray reef and nurse sharks and that there was one sickle fin, a bull, two black tips and a

White

hammerhead caught. He also pointed out

mbezi Shark

Bull Shark aka Za

that of the sharks caught, a certain amount

s

Carcharhinus leuca

would have been caught in the normal course of fishing there.

When Geremy and Mike arrived in the Seychelles they made an initial inspection of the bite marks and wounds on Ian’s

Bull

body, which were indicative of that from a Tiger shark. Print and online media had published that the fragment of tooth found was from that of a great white.

Pa g e 3 5 | www.africandiver.com

Contents

However the fragment was very small and

On the penultimate day of the team’s

the Sharks Board team was not allowed to

field inspection, a large tiger shark was

take the tooth fragment away to examine

caught and they had an opportunity to

it in detail. So they compared it to teeth

look at the stomach contents. Because

samples that had brought over with them.

of the sensitivity of the issue, the

Geremy makes the point that the fragment

shark’s stomach was cut out while still

was very small but did evidence serrations.

in the boat in which it was caught and

Great Whites, bulls and tiger sharks all

the contents bagged and taken with

have serrated teeth, which would indicate

the police to the hospital mortuary

that the tooth fragment was from one of

for inspection. The stomach contents

these sharks. However Geremy and Mike

contained a tern and the remains of a

could not match the serrations to the teeth

hawksbill turtle - no human remains

samples they had brought with them and

were found.

they suggested DNA testing to conclusively identify the shark responsible for the attack.

Finding Ian’s indigestible wedding ring would have been conclusive proof of the

I asked Geremy what the point of

culprit shark but as this shark had been

identifying the type of shark was and he

caught some ten days after the second

explained it was in order to know what to

attack the likelihood of finding human remains was reduced because the shark may have coughed it up (they do this if unpalatable) or been digested. The wedding ring was not found.

look for and what preventative action to take. He went on to explain that if it was a great white, this may be reassuring to the industry as great whites are unlikely to be resident and may simply have been passing through.

The other two species are more concerning because bull sharks are known to take up residency at certain reefs and tiger sharks are common there.

Co n t e n t s

Owing to the swimming and snorkeling ban Geremy was unable to do a proper inspection of the site of the attack and was only afforded a twenty-minute swim there. Geremy told me that the general area of the attack is a fairly

steep sloping beach that goes out for approximately one hundred metres offshore with the depth at the actual attack site being some five to six metres - a depth at which most shark attacks occur.

A more gradually sloping beach with a coral reef would, generally, be more of a deterrent with a natural barrier and this accords with what Evan had told me of his analysis of the area.

The Sharks Board team’s final recommendations included setting up a proper lifeguard service, the acquisition of shark packs (emergency first aid) and to improve emergency procedures. It was suggested that they could try aerial surveillance but bull and tiger sharks don’t necessarily swim near the surface and therefore this early warning system may not be effective.

They suggested relaxing the swimming and snorkeling ban, specifically to relax the ban in the morning because, based on experience, most attacks take place in the late afternoon.

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It was also recommended that nearby mooring yachts do not throw waste overboard when anchored there and that the Sharks Boards standard best practices be adopted in managing beach activities.

It is unclear at the time of writing what approach the Government will take with regard to relaxing the ban, implementing best practices and netting and drum line preventative measures. But statistically speaking, between the time of the attack on Ian and the publishing of this article approximately 4 177 260 sharks have been slaughtered for their fins, cartilage and meat. Go figure.

Co n t e n t s

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Photography

Underwater Photography in the Red Sea: Which lens to use?

Article & Images by Paul Hunter Pa g e 3 8 | www.africandiver.com

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This is a question I have been asked numerous times and a question I often ask myself. On a recent trip to the Southern

My underwater photography lenses

Red Sea, I was faced with this dilemma a few times, and the

The Nikon 10.5mm fisheye

reason for this had a lot to do with the conditions: ocean

My personal favorite underwater lens.

current, visibility, time of day and most importantly, subject matter.

Broadly speaking, underwater photography is divided into two categories namely: macro and wide-angle. Both cater for close focus, which is important as it allows you to get closer, reducing the amount of water between your camera and the subject. This in turn produces better quality images. In this article I will explain my lenses and some of the choices I made during the trip to the Southern Red Sea and what was more successful for me and why.

I’m fortunate enough to own a number of lenses from which

This is an ultra-wide lens with a 180-degree view.

It provides for close focus, 14cm to be precise, which lets you get close to the subject for better lighting and image quality. One of the interesting features of this lens is a characteristic called ‘Barrel Distortion’. This distortion results in curved lines at the edge of the image. This may be seen as a negative aspect but it provides for a curved perspective and loads of depth of field. The other thing to remember is that for the most part, there are little or no naturally occurring straight lines underwater. This lens is really excellent for reef shots, large marine life, wrecks, over-under shots and a host of other scenarios.

Sigma 10 - 20mm zoom lens Another favorite of mine I think this lens is great value for money with a good reputation for underwater photography.

It also has a minimal close focusing distance of just 24cm, which is ideal for wide-angle reef shots and large subjects like sharks, whales, dolphins and turtles. With this lens, lines remain straight (no barrel distortion) and this feature also makes this lens great for topside landscape photography. The ability to zoom between 10 and 20mm makes for a very versatile lens underwater.

I can select to use underwater. The three lenses I primarily use are: the Nikon 10.5mm fisheye, Sigma 10-20mm zoom

Nikon 105mm macro lens

lens and the Nikon 105mm macro lens. Before we jump in

For all my macro photography

and discuss different lens choices, I think it is important to analyse each lens and the different advantages and shortfalls relating to them. For the purpose of understanding each of the lenses I use, I have included a short description of each.

Pa g e 3 9 | www.africandiver.com

This lens offers 1:1 magnification and a longer working distance than the 60mm, which is great for skittish subjects. It also works very well with a diopter. For me, the only downside to this lens is that it battles to focus in low lighting conditions, but this can be corrected with a focus light. I would highly recommend this lens or something similar for anyone starting out in underwater photography.

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With a better understanding of the

Conditions

capabilities of each of the above lenses, it makes my choices a little easier.

Obviously, these are not the only elements I have to take into consideration. As I mentioned earlier, different conditions also play an important role in my overall lens choice. While in the Southern Red Sea, we had some extraordinary weather: everything from strong winds, raging currents,

choppy

surface

conditions

and remarkable surge. Visibility was constantly changing and the time of day ie: the natural (ambient) light was noticeably different, from one dive to the next.

One of the main reasons I enjoy diving the Southern Red Sea is the diversity it contains. For the photographer it offers everything from walls, wrecks, sharks, awesome soft corals, caves and plenty of macro opportunities. My first week was spent on both the Brother Islands and Daedalus and Elphinstone Reefs.

These three reefs are all renowned for sharks and that is what I wanted to photograph. This was the main factor in my lens choice for the week. Even though the fisheye is my favorite, it

Co n t e n t s

Pa g e 4 0 | w w w. a fr i c a n d i ve r. c o m

is not the right lens for shark, unless the shark is large and right up against your dome port. I opted for the 10-20mm zoom lens, which gave me more flexibility to photograph skittish sharks, reef scenes and everything in between.

I have found the following approach to this lens delivers the best results: I start out by setting the lenses to its widest and then depending on how close I get to your subject I zoom in if necessary. Unfortunately, just because you have the right lens setup does not guarantee the subjects you want will appear on command. I only got to see a reef shark in the distance on Big Brother and a few hammerheads on Daedalus, but couldn’t get close enough to photograph them.

Like any other type of nature photography you have to be patient and be ready for the unexpected and try and use the opportunities that arise to the best of your ability. Sadly, this was not to be my time to capture the Hammerheads.

Besides the subject matter determining my choice of lens, the dive guides indicated that there was a high possibility of strong currents on these reefs and this was also to influence my choice. The strong currents make it almost impossible to do macro photography as I would not be able to stay in one place long enough to photograph anything. I’ve seen photographers attempting macro photography in strong currents, holding onto the reef and finning ferociously causing destruction. This is something I’m opposed to as no image is worth any degree of damage to frail eco-systems.

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Surroundings

It is important to pay careful attention to the reef and surroundings as this often influences my choice of lens, especially when I get the opportunity to dive the same reef numerous times. I did this on Big Brother with the large fan corals. My 10-20mm lens could not handle the size of these fans, as I wanted to get close enough to light them with my strobes, but then couldn’t fit the entire fan into the image.

On the third dive I decided to use my fisheye, which allowed me to accomplish this.

Co n t e n t s

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Subject Matter

En route to Elphinstone I once again prepped my camera with the 10-20mm lens, as I was optimistic that I would get to see my first oceanic white tip shark on this reef. Upon arrival, as we moored the boat, there was great excitement as there was a shark under the zodiac. It was an oceanic and I was ready for it.

This was my chance to capture a shark I had long been searching for. As luck would have it we encountered the shark during our dive but I was at 30 meters and the shark at 5 meters and it was not waiting for anybody. You can just imagine how I was cursing. I was finally ready to capture this beautiful creature and I was too deep. Which brings me to my next point.

It does not help to have the right equipment and the right subject; you also need to understand your subject’s behavior. These sharks spent most of their time near the surface and under the boats. I had learnt a valuable lesson during the first dive. The next dive I spent 90 minutes under 3 boats at about 7 meters and got to witness the sharks over and over - at one stage there were three oceanics and a large silky which had come in to see what was happening.

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Contents

images came. It’s unbelievable how my mindset changes when I do macro work. I somehow blank out the entire surrounding environment and only concentrate on the small area around me as I move slowly looking for small critters to photograph.

After the dive I was told about large Napoleon Wrasse, turtles and much more that I had missed during the dive. I was so thoroughly focused and enjoying shooting macro again that nothing else seemed to exist. It was a huge difference to the previous weeks photography.

No matter what I photograph in the I was rewarded with my lens choice and the results I had achieved with it.

Using natural light and a slower shutter speed I could capture the beautiful cathedral light produced by the sun

The second week we moved further south to St John’s and Fury Reefs.

through the openings in the reef system.

Throw in a model and you have a perfect scenario for great photography.

Totally different diving was presented: less current and wind, shallower dives and

Macro photography: On the second

cave systems. I decided to experiment a

week I also decided to do some macro

little with both the fisheye and zoom lens

photography. It had been a while since

in the numerous caves. After examining

I had last used my macro lens and I

my images I honestly think the fisheye

was a little rusty to start with but once I

obtained better results.

settled down and got the hang of it - the

Co n t e n t s

ocean, big or small, I always think of it as a privilege to be able to do this. Just being able to experience what the ocean has to offer is something I don’t take for granted.

Every dive, no matter what we see is something all of us should appreciate. Who knows how much longer the ocean life will survive and a question I always ask myself is: “will the future generation be able to share in this experience”?

Remember to take only images and leave only bubbles.

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Co n t e n t s

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Creature Feature

Seahorses & their kin Article by: Georgina Jones Photographs by Geoff Spiby Pa g e 4 7 | www.africandiver.com

The pygmy seahorse Hippocampus bargibanti is so tiny it was only found by accident when gorgonian fans were being collected for an aquarium Contents

Pygmy seahorses are camouflage masters: here Hippocampus bargibanti blends almost invisibly with its host gorgonian, Muricella plectana Co n t e n t s

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Seahorses are the best known of a strange little family of fishes known in the trade as the Syngnathidae.

The family also includes: • pipefishes • seadragons • pipehorses and • pygmy seahorses.

So strange are these fishes, in fact, that they were once thought to be related to insects. Members of the family all have delicate horselike heads with eyes that swivel independently of one another, like chameleons’. Instead of normal fish scales, their bodies are covered with body armour of fused and overlapping plates and rings.

This hard exterior probably inspired long-ago scientists to consider an insect connection. Peculiar in appearance though they may be, and about as far from the standard fish shape as they are, seahorses and their close kin are most certainly fish, with the backbone, gills, swim-bladder and fins to prove it.

Although, to be fair, the gills are pretty strange, being formed of tufted clusters rather than the standard leaf-like gill arches found in other fish. And instead of the normal crescent-shaped gill cover, the Pa g e 4 9 | www.africandiver.com

The yellow morph of Hippocampus bargibanti lives equally invisibly on the gorgonian Muricella paraplectana Contents

gill-openings are small pores on

temperate waters.

the back of the head. The gill structure is probably connected

The different species have

with the shape of the head and

become exquisitely adapted to

the size of the gill opening, but

different habitats, ranging from

no-one’s really sure.

seagrass beds to gorgonian corals and underwater caves.

In terms of fins, the family is also relatively unusual.

So tiny and perfectly

Normal fish have dorsal,

camouflaged are the pygmy

ventral, pectoral and tail fins.

seahorses, in fact, that the group was only discovered when

For seahorses and their kin,

gorgonian fans were collected

both the number and size of

The pygmy seahorse doesn’t seem to get larger than 2.4cm in total length, though the juveniles are born as fully developed, if minuscule, seahorses

their fins is drastically reduced.

Seahorses, for example, have no ventral fin and finless,

for a project and a couple of these delightful animals were, completely by accident, part of the haul.

prehensile tails, all the better

seagrasses. Some scientists

excellent camouflage, this

for clinging. Not unsurprisingly,

believe that the family may

enables the family to live as

none of the family are very

have developed to take

stealth hunters.

strong swimmers, and most

advantage of the shelter and

members spend their lives

ambush potential offered by

either close to or attached to

these seagrass-filled shallow

crustaceans which they suck out

existence, most not even

their preferred substrate.

seas.

of the water or off the substrate

reaching 2cm in total length.

Observers can be forgiven for not noticing them though.

Pygmy seahorses are among

Almost all of them eat small

the smallest vertebrates in

with the vacuum created by The family evolved around

On this basis, the small fins

their tubelike snouts.

Probably the strangest thing

50 million years ago, coinciding

make more sense. They are

with the development of

not at all useful for speed, but

large areas of shallow sea

are excellent for remaining in

found in almost all sub- and

fish, there is an unusual level

and a correlated profusion of

one position. Added to their

tropical seas, as well as in

of parental care, and even

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about the family though, is its These days the family can be

method of reproduction. For

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more unusually, the primary carer is the male. Mating pairs engage in elaborate courtship rituals until they signal mating readiness to one another, usually by a brightening in colour.

The female then either deposits the eggs onto a special sticky patch on the male’s belly, or into a semi enclosed fold of skin or a special pouch. The presence of a pouch depends on the relative swimming ability of the animal: the more sedentary members need a pouch to keep their brood safe from crawling

adults and float off to begin their stealth hunting lives.

Each brood can be anything up to 1500 young in size, but there is significant attrition while young by planktivorous predators.

Once the male has given birth, the female returns and deposits more eggs, so that the male is usually continuously pregnant throughout the mating season.

Some studies suggest that this makes the most energetic sense, since the female, at the moment of egg transfer, has up to a third of her body weight in eggs and that she needs the male’s incubation period to develop the next lot.

predators.

As the pregnancy progresses, the female visits the male every day and they dance together.

The ornate ghostpipefish, Solenostomus paradoxus, floats vertically head downwards among gorgonians and corals.

This serves the dual purpose of hiding the fish from its predators and concealing it from its crustacean prey Co n t e n t s

This, romantic though it sounds, is a very efficient way for the female to keep tabs on the development of the male’s pregnancy. In most species, the babies are born as miniature

Even more mysteriously, their close relatives, the ghost pipefishes, all have ventral fins and the females brood the eggs in a pouch made by clasping these fins together like praying hands. Just why male parenting should have developed in the seahorse family and not in the ghostpipefishes is still a matter for speculation.

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Quick Facts on the Knysna Seahorse

Conservation Status

Classification Kingdom: Animalia

Family:

SYNGNATHIDAE

Phylum: Chordata

Genus:

Hippocampus capensis

Class:

ACTINOPTERYGII

Order:

SYNGNATHIFORMES

Did You Know

• Seahorses have no teeth and swallow their food whole.

• Seahorses are masters of camouflage, changing color and growing skin filaments to blend in with their surroundings.

The Knysna seahorse, Hippocampus capensis, is restricted to only four South African estuaries (Knysna, Keurbooms, Kleinbrak and Swartvlei) Pa g e 5 2 | www.africandiver.com

• The Seahorses have no true stomach; food passes rapidly through their digestive system.

• Seahorses have prehensile tails.

• Pygmy Seahorses can measure up to 2.5cm (just under a inch tall) and are amoung the tiniest known vertebrates.

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Image by Rainer Schimpf our featured photographer

SSI Dive Professional More Knowledge

SSI offers the most modern educational system with interactive media and the most detailed teaching material for specialty areas.

More Flexibility

SSI Instructors are allowed to modify programs to students or environmental needs instead of just following rough guidelines.

More Professionalism

Intensive Business-SupportEducation during the Instructor Training Course guarantees best career chances

More Career Options

SSI provides dreamjobs around the world and a Global ISO Certification. Dive Professional with SSI means being able to succeed in the challenges of the Diving Industry with competence and innovation.

SSI Headquarter Southern Africa, Port Elizabeth Rainer & Petra Schimpf 0 721 420 420 southernafrica@diveSSI.com

THE ULTIMATE

DIVE EXPERIENCE Start today!

Visit www.diveSSI.com

Co n t e n t s

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Featured Article

Shark Products: A Consumer’s Guide

Commentary by Dr Lynne Hepplestone

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SHARK products Mahatma Gandhi said “the morality of a nation can be judged on

• Where are shark products found in the market place?

the way it treats its’ animals”. The saddest reflection of Humanity today is what we have done, and aggressively persist in doing, to our living dinosaurs: the Rhino and the Shark. That a species can exist for over 400-million years, and come so close to extinction in

• Are you aware of the moisturizing ingredients in your cosmetics?

• Did you have your annual “flu jab” this year?

these last 50years alone, is no accolade.

That both are so brutally- cruelly “harvested” only aggravates the travesty. Sadly again, it’s the same market driving the demand for both: China - the Rhino for perceived medicinal purposes, the Shark as a bourgeois

• What supplements are you taking for joint health?

culinary dish (soup).

• What questions should you be asking as an environmentally-friendly, conservation-minded consumer?

In the face of such a global conservation crisis, this is truly absurd.

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United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) statistics indicated in 2007 that more than 100 million sharks were being removed from the ocean annually, of which 73 million were targeted for shark-fin alone. The other 27 million are caught as fishing by-catch, in long-lines, netting, and deep trawling, the products then sold by the fisheries, for various uses.

Shark fin soup is the Asian culinary delicacy driving the Asian buyer’s market, the largest trade of shark fin. Other uses of shark fin are as a source of chondroitin sulphate in chondroprotective nutraceuticals, and misguidedly as a treatment for cancer. Shark-sourced squalene, an extract of shark liver, has been used as an adjuvant in Influenza vaccines since 1997, and is also widely used as a moisturizing agent in the cosmetics

Did you know that the flu vaccine uses squalene, from shark liver, as the adjuvant to the vaccine? All flu vaccines manufactured since 1997 (14 years of millions of doses) contain shark-sourced squalene. In fact, squalene is a common, naturally-occurring substance, and is found in plants, animals, and humans. It is manufactured in the liver of every human body, circulating through our bloodstreams. It can also be found in, and utilized from, olive oil, wheat-germ oil, and rice-bran oil.

Is it necessary to obtain squalene from shark livers for pharmaceutical purposes when so many alternative, conservation-friendly sources are readily available? Is it cheaper? As deep-trawled fishing by-catch, 2kg of (an endangered) shark liver has a higher yield of squalene than olives, wheat-germ, or rice, despite the obvious deduction that you can farm olives, wheat, and rice.

industry.

Rightfully so, attention to conservation should be a matter of urgency. These oceanic apex predators belong in the water, not on the pharmacy shelves, nor on the dining-room table. They are strategic in effecting the necessary balance across their own eco-systems, and are being destroyed with scant regard for the impact across an increasingly imbalanced ocean.

Next visit to the local fish-and-chips shop may very well have shark-and-chips on the menu, never declared, and almost certainly without a consumer’s knowledge or consent.

Had you known, would you still have ordered and eaten your portion?

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I understand the stringent and rigorous regulatory procedures incurred in the process of making a vaccine, and respect the personal choices made by anyone wanting to be vaccinated against any disease, including ‘flu. My statement to the pharmaceutical manufacturers is this: please change your source of Squalene used in the adjuvant of your vaccine to a smarter, conservation-oriented choice, of which there appear to be many.

I have heard this corporate response all too often: “it takes time” and “it costs money”. Surely all involved in the industry have more than made their money on this vaccine? As an informed consumer, I request investment in a responsible conservation programme. I would like to hear “we are well on our way to utilizing an alternative source, and will no longer source sharks for their livers for the use in vaccines.”

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Shark-liver squalene is also a moisturizing ingredient in certain cosmetic creams and preparations.

Handcreams – read the label. If the product states squalene as an ingredient, (without declaring the specific source), you can be pretty sure it is shark. Familiar, well-known treatment preparations for haemorroids contain shark-liver-squalene.

The most extensively used shark product on the market is the cartilaginous shark fin, along with the entire cartilaginous exoskeleton of the sharks’ body.

Outside of the high-demand Asian market, this cartilage is readily used in the nutraceutical industry, as joint supplements, and anti-cancer agents.

In the destruction of the Caribbean shark population, through a manipulative campaign, fuelled by misleading information, the cancer myth was finally exposed to the public in a $1 million FDA lawsuit, ordering a formal clinical trial. The results of this randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled trial, published in 2005, conclude that they were unable to demonstrate any suggestion of efficacy for shark cartilage in patients with advanced cancer.

(Loprinzi, Charles L. et al. Evaluation of shark cartilage in patients with advanced cancer. CANCER Journal. July 1, 2005.

Vol 104, Number 2.)

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What are nutraceuticals ?

Joint Supplements All those shelves filled with commercially available products promising to hold the ultimate cure for your joint

These are the wide range of “health� supplements

commercially

available

over the counter, that are neither food (nutrients) nor drugs (pharmaceutics).

disease, at a price someone has yet to better! Understand, from the outset, that there are reputable manufacturers, with good products. The big BUT is ... the requirement to be an informed and educated consumer, to be able to protect yourself and the enviroment against the inevitable fly-by-night opportunists that have a loophole ( = lack of

This nutraceutical category is broad,

regulation) to enter the market.

and not recognized by the FDA (Food

Most joint supplements contain a variation of the following

and Drug Administration, a governing

key ingredients: MSM powder (a natural anti-inflammatory,

body regulating public safety).

MethylSulfonylMethane, an organic form of sulphur), chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. Other ingredients enhancing the uptake of these three key active ingredients

The

significance

of

this

lies

in

understanding that there is no regulation in the industry for human products, allowing unscrupulous manufacturers to deceive and manipulate the public.

are sometimes also included, most commonly Manganese and Ascorbic Acid ( Vitamin C).

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) and Glucosamine are the most commonly found products used to relieve old, injured, arthritic or painful joints. These are called chondroprotective agents (protecting cartilage). They keep cartilage elastic, resilient, strong and healthy, helping to keep the joints comfortable. Chondroitin sulfate is readily available.

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It is literally the pearly-white

What’s important to understand about

cartilaginous surface covering the joints

these varying sources is that they are not

of all mammals. Ingesting chondroitin

equally bio-available to the mammalian

sulfate can strengthen the natural

body.

cartilage in the body. The most common reputable sources for manufacturers

The raw product requires refinement,

to obtain are from chicken, pigs, and

ultimately to the lowest molecular weight,

cattle, from the abbatoir. They obtain the

because only low-molecular weight

trachea (windpipe), which is the densest

(measured in KiloDaltons) CS can be

cartilaginous structure of the mammalian

taken up by the body. Top-end, beyond

body.

which the product is ineffective, is 40KDa. The molecular weight of refined shark CS

It can be lab-manufactured, but synthetic

is +40KDa, much higher than that of beef,

CS is not utilized as it is too expensive

chicken, or pork. So not all chondroitin

to manufacture, increasing costs to the

sulfate is “good” chondroitin sulfate….

manufacturer.

The high(er) molecular weight (KDa), the less effective, and it passes through

Chondroitin sulfate can also be sourced

the body as waste/faeces, despite the

from shark cartilage, shark fin, skates and

client’s belief that they really are doing

rays. Dolphin fin is also cartilaginous,

the “right and healthy thing”! There is a

although the dolphin is mammalian, and

recognized synergistic effect between CS

may also be used as product from fishing

and glucosamine, but that does not excuse

by-catch. Never declared on labels, rather

the use of higher KDa shark-sourced CS in

commonly hidden as Marine source, (if

a product. Efficacy and Synergism would

Marine is even declared at all). It is widely

improve with low-molecular CS. Some

used because it’s possibly the cheapest

of the most expensive joint supplements

source of CS available, in an unethical and

on the human market are not what they

largely-unregulated trade of shark, and

promise to be.

fishing by-catch.

Co n t e n t s

Anything containing shark cartilage has no health benefit, not as a joint supplement nor as any mythical cancer treatment.

The molecular weight is far too high, in it’s most refined state, and so is not taken up and used by the body. It’s simply passed through with faecal bulk. That’s a high price to pay for a 400-million-yearold species close to extinction: a useless product alongside a +90% population decimation with IUCN listing.

Glucosamine is sourced from Crustaceans / Molluscs, for example Green Lipped Mussel Extract. These can be farmed, as expected to be used in a reputable product.

There are legitimate concerns being raised regarding food hygiene in these intensive marine farming ventures. Unfortuneately, industrial fishing by-catch is the most common source of glucosamine, hiding under the label “marine”, and creating another loop-hole for manufacturers to keep their costs down while not declaring product source to the public.

If you are informed that the source of CS used is chicken, pigs, or cattle, you know immediately that this is (1) a more conservation-friendly choice, and (2) that the molecular weight should be more bioavailable to the body.

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However, I still ask if they will declare the molecular weight, as this may also be unrefined. I have seldom had that question

What should the consumer look for?

answered; reasons given are “competitive trade secrets” or, by implication, deduce that it may not be refined enough and so have a KDa weight a little too high for optimal efficacy?

As a general rule, I support products that are transparent on their labelling, willingly declaring sources of all ingredients contained therein, and happy to answer my questions.

• Read the ingredient list on the label • Key words: squalene, chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine, marine • See if the source is declared / listed on the label • Some label-dressing will state the source as “marine” or “natural”, or marine exoskeleton • Request the specific source, or find another product

However, there are shelves filled with products in the pharmacies with very little information on their labels, and

You are the paying customer; ask the questions, and make the choices

very little response to inquiry. A data base is being compiled of

that pre-empt the bigger changes we’re all looking for of personal

as many joint products as possible with their declared sources

responsibility, integrity, conservation, and sustainability, amongst others.

of chondroprotective agents, with the intention of informing consumers about their choice of nutraceutical, and so serving as a helpful reference.

To find out more please visit www.rethinkorextinct.co.za Pa g e 6 2 | www.africandiver.com

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Our 3rd Birthday Issue

Featured Photographer

Introducing

Rainer Schimpf Photography

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Rainer is a passionate marine conservationist who combines photography, video and marine expeditions in order to spread his conservation message.

Rainer began taking photographs at the age of eleven with a Photo Porst and a variety of lenses. Naturally attracted to the environment, Rainer’s photography skills grew as he left his native Germany and travelled the world.

Settling in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Rainer began guiding European tourists, showing them the natural beauty of the Southern African coastline. His guiding activities grew into a fully-fledged tourism business specialising in marine activities and this, naturally, attracted film production companies. Throughout the years, Rainer has worked with film crews on various productions covering marine life and marine environmental issues.

For Rainer, photography and marine conservation go hand in hand. Photography and video are powerful media for communicating both the beauty of nature as well as the challenges nature has to endure from man’s encroachment on the environment.

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Two of Rainer’s short-film

the conclusion being “if we can train as

documentaries, Opaque and Ocean

many people as possible to become scuba

Messengers, have won national and

divers it is less likely they will destroy

international prizes - the Jury Award in

the marine environment and think twice

Antip for the environment, and the Kudu

if they are in decision making jobs at

award. Both documentaries use powerful

Industry, Government or Universities”.

imagery to communicate a conservation message. He also markets his images stills images through Gallo Images.

Working with SSI, Rainer developed ISO Certified Marine Guiding Course in conection with Dive Guide training

Rainer and his wife, Petra, established

to enable South African Tour Guides

an NGO called Ocean Messengers with

and future trainers to, not only find jobs

the aim of protecting the environment

locally, but to spread the conservation

in Algoa Bay, which is where he bases

message in all of their activities.

his activities. One of Ocean Messengers’ successful projects has been securing

Being based in Port Elizabeth means that

sponsorship from Scuba Schools

Rainer is able to guide tourists to sardine

International (SSI) and Rufford (RSG)

run activity outside of the normal sardine

to train and support three hundred

run time frame - the sardine territory

underprivileged and previously

extends into Algoa Bay and onward to

disadvantaged persons as well as

Port Alfred. By following the sardines

government and industry leaders

in this area, over the years Rainer has

as open water divers.

observed the “food chain” that follows

“it’s only when you physically see what is at stake that you can understand the need to protect it”.

the sardine food store.

Rainer says “it’s only when you physically see what is at stake that you

Bryde’s whales, humpback whales,

can understand the need to protect it”.

southern right whales, common dolphin,

And this was the driving force behind the

cape gannet, cape fur seals and mola mola

training program at Ocean Messengers -

all feature in this unique eco-system.

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Perhaps one of his highlights, is the observation of predation by killer whales on common dolphin.

Rainer’s video footage and stills imagery led to Discovery channel incorporating his work in a documentary on killer whale hunting techniques.

In August of 2010, Rainer and four other professional and amateur photographers travelled by boat on a ten-day trip from Port Elizabeth to Port St John’s, a distance of six hundred kilometres. The trip was a photographic expedition to photograph and document the marine wildlife on the eastern cape coastline.

Rainer focuses a lot of his photography on marine pollution such as oil spills and leakage, over-fishing by industrial fishing boats and the impact of shipping on whale migration routes.

Consequently much of his imagery is not pretty but shocking.

Documenting this pollution and marine abuse is difficult to capture in a single image. However sometimes it all comes together as in the image of a cape fur seal feeding next to a sardine trawler. This is a powerful message.

Rainer’s driving mantra is to see “the future for our children and the sea as one. Education, awareness and understanding the impact we humans have on our marine environment is of upmost importance”.

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Featured Photographer Co n t e n t s

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Featured Photographer Co n t e n t s

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Featured Photographer

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Featured Photographer Co n t e n t s

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Featured Photographer

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Featured Photographer

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Featured Photographer

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Featured Photographer

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Amanda Jackson Pa s s i o n a t e a b o u t t h e business of diving

Pa g e 8 2 | www.africandiver.com

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Pop in to any of the almost 100 PADI dive centres in South Africa to do a dive course and chances are that your PADI materials will come from Kewe Sales.

Tucked in a quiet road in a leafy suburb of Johannesburg this family business has a national footprint for all things PADI as well as dive industry consulting. Poke your head round the door or call them on the phone and you’ll be greeted by the ever friendly, smiling Amanda Jackson.

Amanda started diving as a way to spend quality time with her Dad. Her father had qualified with SSI and Amanda started out by qualifying with NAUI but she switched over to PADI when she commenced with her Advanced Diver course at Sandton Scuba.

Unlike most diving professionals, Amanda’s passion has always been in the “Business of Diving”. Amanda claims that she only really qualified as an instructor to broaden her diving knowledge and to gain credibility and acceptance with people who are now her clients.

Like most people bitten by the diving bug, Amanda went on to qualify as an instructor in 1997, but never really immersed herself in diver training because she was too busy following her passion for business.

Kewe Sales is headed up by Amanda and her Mum, Wendy, and distributes PADI materials throughout Southern Africa. They employ a representative in Cape Town too. Kewe Sales stock and distribute the full range of PADI products and Amanda consults extensively to the industry on product related issues.

It was while she was doing her PADI Rescue Diver course in 1996, that Amanda spotted a business opportunity that was to shape her future. At the time, she was dating a PADI instructor and witnessed dive centres or individual instructors having to order material directly from PADI. As she puts it: “my immediate thoughts were that these shops need to access items in South Africa”.

Working with dive centres is one of Amanda’s strengths and one of her sources of reward for her efforts. Because of her relationships with dive centres she gets to see novice divers progress through their training and, within a few years, see the fruits of their passion turn into a business opportunity as they go on to run their own dive schools and dive centres.

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Back in 1996 when she was developing as a diver and starting Kewe Sales, there were very few women in the dive industry. Today, this has changed and Amanda is pleased to see more women owning and managing dive centres.

Diving is no longer a male dominated sport, in her view, and with the growth of more and more families enjoying the sport of diving, Amanda is positive that the number of women professionals in diving will increase.

It’s not been an easy journey though for Amanda and any of the professional women who are icons of the industry today. In the mid-1990’s diving in South Africa was very much a male dominated sport and for Amanda and other women professionals it was very difficult to gain acceptance from the male dive centre owners. “ W h at fa s c i n ated me, and to this d ay re a l l y, i s t he strong , determined n at u re o f t h e women that forged a p at h . M y g re atest fear when starting Kewe wa s t h at I would not match up to t h e d i v i n g and business acumen of t h e s e exc ept i onal women”.

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When asked about her passion for the business of diving, Amanda had this to say: “I realize this is a personal passion of mine, but I would like to see more women getting involved with the business of diving. More and more women are qualifying as professionals, and PADI has many tools to enable people to learn how to manage and run successful enterprises, while enjoying their passion. Diving and diving related activities can be a lifelong sustainable activity and it is important for the current crop of women leaders, to pass on the knowledge gained, over many hard fought years”.

Like many other dive professionals leading the field, Amanda is frustrated by the lack of emerging industry leaders to inject new life into the sport.

But because she is passionate about a successful career in diving, one of Amanda’s missions is to continue to encourage divers and people interested in diving to embrace the myriad possibilities to be found in a career in diving.

The current economic recession and resulting tightening of disposable income has impacted the diving industry worldwide and equally in South Africa. But Amanda remains upbeat about the future saying that investments being made in research and development of diving products and services will see the industry continuing to grow steadily.

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When Amanda’s not running her business or consulting to the industry she cools off diving and while she’d love to dive in the Galapagos (because of the species diversity there) her all time South African dive spot is 9 Mile Reef in Sodwana Bay –“it’s like having a cold beer with an old friend every time I return”.

The best dive site she’s dived though is a site in Tobago called London Bridge - “lovely swim through, with drop-off the other side, large pelagic fish and the second biggest brain coral in the world”.

When quizzed about her message to divers, aspirant divers and women divers Amanda’s message is quite simple but true: “there are many diverse courses out there, don’t stay stagnant in your diving career or experiences. Get the most out of every dive”.

And as for Kewe Sales, well Amanda’s has plans to grow the business. Kewe Sales, will in the future, be expanding into “Complimentary Agencies” … watch this space”.

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To contact Amanda click on the Kewe Sales & Consulting logo

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