South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)

Divisions:
SAIAB

The South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)’s research scope spans aquatic biodiversity from genes to ecosystems. Disciplines include systematics and taxonomy; phylogenetics and phylogeography; ecology; physical and biological oceanography; marine palaeo-climates; remote sensing; coastal biodiversity; conservation planning; environmental education; and deepwater biodiversity. The geographical focus of projects extends with declining priority from South Africa through southern Africa to the African continent.

The specialised research facilities at SAIAB include a molecular (DNA) preparation laboratory, an X-ray unit and a state-of-the-art micro-otolith preparation laboratory.

The National Fish Collection is housed in a controlled-environment providing 1 835m² mobile shelving and 216m² fixed shelving for large tanks. Back-up support includes a separate ultra-cold storage tissue biobank and preparation room; a bulk inflammable liquid storage chamber with automated preservative mixing and delivery; specialised specimen preservation laboratories and glass storage; and an isolated dermestarium for the preparation of vertebrate skeletal specimens.

A collection management centre for servicing the off-site collection facility provides three sorting benches and space for up to 12 visiting scientists simultaneously.

SAIAB manages and stores the leading African aquatic research library (Margaret Smith Library). It also hosts the SAEON Elwandle Node for long-term monitoring and research on coastal and inshore marine ecosystems. The Node provides long-term monitoring and research sites and data sets as well as an outboard driven marine research boat.

In 2009 the marine flagship programme, the African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP), will have a 13m catamaran research vessel and a Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV, an underwater observation instrument) capable of diving to a depth of 300m. ACEP also provides access to the Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) ROV, Algoa, for research cruises and for the Agulhas Somali Currents Large Marine Ecosystem Programme (ASCLME).

Activities: 2009-2010

In support of three of the NRF’s five strategic goals, SAIAB plans the following activities:

Goal: Promote internationally competitive research

• Undertake projects providing data relevant to African and especially southern African situations;
• Host the SAEON Elwandle Node and the ASCLME management office;
• Drive the ACEP programme; and
• Provide, through ACEP, the South African commitment to the international ASCLME, funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF).

Goal: Grow a representative science and technology workforce

• Continue with the postdoctoral and DST internship programmes;
• Introduce an internship programme for black South African researchers;
• Encourage SAIAB researchers to apply for an NRF rating;
• Renovate the facility to accommodate short- and medium-term visiting researchers, students and interns;
• Continue with projects such as “Bright Sparks” for identifying black researchers from impoverished, under-resourced rural schools;
• Present the Biosystematics Winter School to postgraduate students; and
• Expose Grade 10 learners to science careers through a guided tour to the Western Cape or Gauteng.

Goal: Provide cutting-edge research, technology and innovation platforms

• Acquire the ROV and a dedicated 13m research vessel;
• Replace the outdated X-ray system with a fully mobile system, including an integrated CR-reader providing instant image access linked to the internal Local Area Network (LAN) and workstations;
• Refurbish the SAIAB building for the new collection management centre, technical workshop and scientific equipment stores;
• Complete renovations for the new library;
• Provide a working environment and facilities for the ASCLME management team;
• Intensify development of the DNA tissue bank; and
• Take responsibility for IT according to the broadband provision of Tertiary Education Network (TENET)/South African National Research Network (SANReN).

Goal: Contribute to a vibrant national innovation system

• Continue to work with national institutions, such as SAEON, SANBI, CSIR, HEIs, museums, Bayworld, the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) and the NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology (CIB);
• Remain directly involved with major international initiatives, such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Pan African assessment of freshwater aquatic biodiversity, the International Barcode of Life (provides the co-Chairs for the African regional Fish Barcode of Life (FishBOL)), the MUGIL project (Main uses of the Grey Mullet as Indicators of Littoral Environmental Changes) and the Ocean Tracking Network;
• Conduct freshwater fish surveys of the Kwanza River to train Angolan scientists in aquatic biodiversity in partnership with INIP in Luanda, Angola; and
• Maintain larger multi-institutional research projects.

Challenges: 2009-2012

SAIAB faces the following challenges in the next four years:

• Provide research leadership to the marine community through the ACEP and the ASCLME partnership;
• Manage and disseminate knowledge generated in SAIAB by establishing a bioinformatics centre and system; and
• Develop essential modern collection and research infrastructure/support resources, such as a tissue biobank, X-ray facilities and an IT network.