An introduction to marine alien species & where to find them with Sarah Jane Ackland

What to expect
Biological invasions are one of the direct drivers of recent global anthropogenic biodiversity loss. These species have the potential to invade numerous habitats and South Africa is no exception. Approximately, 100 alien species have invaded our coastline with the west coast holding the highest number of alien species. Sarah Jane will give us a brief introduction to marine alien species, how they have arrived in South Africa, why it’s important to study these animals and what we as a dive club can do to help combat the issue. Additionally, she will be touching on the work that the Robinson Marine Lab is up to and how they as a research group plan to tackle this wicked problem.

The talk format will consist of an approximately 30 minute presentation by Sarah Jane followed by a Q&A session. We will take a comfort break of about 15 minutes so that some microscopes and specimens can be set up and we will have the opportunity to study and discuss the specimens for about 45 minutes.

Sarah Jane Ackland, is a PhD student in Marine Ecology at Stellenbosch University. She is part of the Robinson Marine Lab which is a lab that focuses on the nexus between biological invasions and climate change and how they can improve knowledge and management in South Africa. Her work focuses on how they can integrate community science into alien species management and a way forward for developing robust monitoring and national surveillance strategies for marine alien species in South Africa.

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• This August, 6th August, 06:30 pm, August Braai Night in Cape Town
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• This November, 1st November, 06:00 pm, Divers Night 2025 in Mitchell's Plain