SAMSS 2025: Advancing Marine Science Amid Global Challenges

The 18th Southern African Marine Science Symposium (SAMSS 2025), held from 9 – 12 September 2025 in Cape Town, brought together over 400 delegates from across the region and beyond to explore the theme, “The triple planetary crisis – resilience and conservation of ocean and coastal ecosystems.”

The symposium, organised by the Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) on behalf of the South African Network of Coastal and Oceanic Research (SANCOR) and managed by the Thematic Research Support and Advancement Directorate of the National Research Foundation, served as a vital platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and strategic planning.

With 400 abstracts submitted and 156 students in attendance, SAMSS 2025 highlighted the growing momentum in marine and coastal research, particularly among emerging scientists. The programme featured a diverse range of presentations, panel discussions and workshops addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution – three interconnected crises threatening ocean health.

A key strategic session was hosted by Dr Gilbert Siko (Department of Science, Technology and Innovation) and Tracy Klarenbeek (National Research Foundation), focusing on the upcoming update of the Marine and Antarctic Research Strategy (MARS) Marine Research Plan for 2026 – 2036. This workshop laid the groundwork for inviting input from the research community to shape South Africa’s marine science priorities for the next decade.

Celebrating Excellence: SANCOR Awards Ceremony

One of the highlights of the symposium was the SANCOR Awards Ceremony, held on 11 September 2025. It honoured three individuals whose work exemplifies excellence in marine science and public engagement:

• Amanda Nontobeko Buthelezi received the Marine and Coastal Communicator Award in the Community Category. A Research Assistant at CPUT, Amanda was recognised for her dynamic outreach and youth advocacy, including her role as host of the Planeteers Podcast, her work with the I AM WATER Foundation, and her leadership in marine education initiatives across Africa.
• Marco Worship, Control Scientific Research Technician at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), was awarded the Derek Krige Medal for his exceptional technical leadership. Marco has played a pivotal role in advancing ocean monitoring through the South African Continuous Plankton Recorder programme and has mentored countless technicians and students over his 30-year career.
• Dr Grant Pitcher, who recently retired from DFFE, was honoured with the Gilchrist Memorial Medal for his lifetime contribution to marine science. A leading authority on harmful algal blooms, ocean deoxygenation and phytoplankton ecology in the Benguela Current, Dr Pitcher’s work has shaped both national policy and international research agendas.

Looking Ahead

SAMSS 2025 reaffirmed the importance of regional collaboration, inclusive science and strategic foresight in addressing the challenges facing our oceans. With strong student participation, robust scientific dialogue and recognition of excellence, the symposium set a hopeful tone for the future of marine and coastal research in Southern Africa.