Few marine creatures capture the imagination quite like nudibranchs. These vibrant, soft-bodied sea slugs are favourites among divers and underwater photographers, thanks to their stunning colours and bizarre forms. But in addition to being the stars of our marine social media feeds, nudibranchs also serve a crucial role as indicator Read more…
Rabies in Cape fur seals is now a confirmed and alarming development along the South African coastline. False Bay, home to both Cape fur seals and Cape Research and Diver Development (Cape RADD), has long been a paradise for marine biologists, tourists and locals alike. Snorkelling and diving among the playful Read more…
Kelp refers to large brown seaweeds found along South Africa’s west and south coasts, with two main species: Sea Bamboo (Ecklonia maxima) and Split Fan (Laminaria pallida). These underwater forests support diverse marine life and provide valuable bioproducts for industry, e.g. Biofuel, alginates, fertilizers, Bioplastics, Pharmaceuticals etc. Let’s explore how Read more…
Citizen science is a tool that uses the collective efforts of ordinary people to contribute to scientific data collection. Although a new term, people have been contributing to science for a long time. Cape RADD utilizes citizen science to collect data while fostering a love for our ocean. One of Read more…
Having lived in Asia and done over 200 dives in Southeast Asia, mainly in the Coral Triangle – Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines – I didn’t know much about diving in other parts of the world such as South Africa, so I signed up for a 3-week Marine Science Field Read more…
When I first signed up for the Marine Science field course at Cape RADD, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I arrived in Cape Town feeling nervous about what the course would be like, whether I’d get along with the people, and if everything would be as amazing as I’d Read more…
In 2019, Cape RADD proudly took the helm as the official champion of the False Bay Hope Spot. Embarking on a journey to spotlight the extraordinary beauty and biodiversity that graces this remarkable region. Fast forward to the 10th of February 2024, we welcomed ‘Her Deepness,’ Dr Sylvia Earle, the Read more…
I have been lucky enough to learn about, explore, and apply marine research techniques in the bay almost every day. Continue reading to hear all about my first two weeks with Cape RADD.
While out doing a survey dive for the Cape RADD SCUBA for Science project, our divers had a rare encounter that left us in awe: a graceful John Dory (Zeus Capensis) fish swimming through the cool and calm waters at Long Beach in Simon’s Town. This predatory fish, known for Read more…
I was picked up from the airport by a lovely man named Gordan, an associate with Cape Radd, who held my name on a white paper to bring me to Simon’s Town. Upon entering the car, I looked down on the floor, and there lay Read more…