Bentho pelagic mechanisms of inshore coastal waters

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Principal Investigator: Francesca Porri

The aim of this study is to understand the inshore dynamics of invertebrate larvae and their relationship with small-scale oceanographic features in the region between Algoa Bay and St Francis Bay on the eastern Agulhas Bank. Both local and regional processes influence the near-shore (i.e. within 10km of the coast) waters of the eastern Agulhas Bank. It is thought that benthic invertebrate larvae need to remain within a few kilometres of the coastline to successfully settle. Processes that either retain larvae within the settling zone or export them from the system have not been clearly defined. This project aims to address some fundamental questions through a multidisciplinary approach, specifically coupling the expertise of coastal biologists and physical oceanographers. The key question to be answered is: What is the influence of micro (order meters) to meso (order kilometres) scale processes on the retention and dispersal of larvae within and outside bays along the eastern Agulhas Bank?

Team

Dr. Fransesca Porri (Rhodes University)
Dr. Wayne Goschen (SAEON Egagasini Node)