Research
SAIAB’s research focuses on the full spectrum of aquatic environments: from marine offshore to continental freshwater catchments.
Research covers ecology and conservation biology that links biodiversity at molecular and organism levels with the environment and genetic and species diversity.
Conservation Biology & Ecology (CBE)
Focuses on understanding the processes underpinning aquatic biodiversity in order to inform the conservation of those resources.
Molecular Biology & Systematics (MBS)
Focuses on the exploration and description of southern African aquatic biodiversity from a molecular to a community level.
Research Platforms & Partnerships
The African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme is SAIAB flagship marine research programme. ACEP is the largest inter-institutional, multi-disciplinary marine programme in South Africa. SAIAB plays the key interface role between researchers and the various research platforms available through ACEP.
SAIAB also hosts the coastal (Elwandle) Node of the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) and the administrative offices of the Agulhus & Somali Currents Large Marine Ecosystems (ASCLME) Project.
Winter School
SAIAB holds an annual Aquatic Biodiversity Course (Winter School) for South African under-graduate students (currently in their 3rd year) at SAIAB in Grahamtown, Eastern Cape.
The 4-5 day course held in June or July each year, introduces participants to biological diversity, taxonomy and systematics in freshwater, estuarine and marine environments through lectures, workshops and practicals as well as field work.
Winter School will not be held during 2013 as dates clash with major conferences.