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22 Jun 2022

Dive into marine conservation as Durban hosts science symposium

(Berea Mail) Picture: submitted. Part of the organising committee of SAMSS 2022. From left; Prof. Ursula Scharler ; Dr Charles Von der Medem and Dr David Glassom.

The 17th Southern African Marine Science Symposium (SAMSS) is underway today, June 22 at the Elangeni and Maharani Hotel. The conference is hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board, on behalf of the South African Network for Coastal and Oceanic Research.

The symposium, which runs until June 24, aims to explore the links, continuity and changes in past and present marine science. This topic will be explored to identify today’s scientific endeavours and will determine the future of marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them.

Conference chairperson, UKZN’s Prof Ursula Scharler noted that recent technological advances are addressing current environmental and societal needs.

“Funding models are promoting transdisciplinary research and multi-institutional programmes that not only tackle ongoing global change issues, but have tangible societal benefits, as well,” said Scharler.

Highlights of the programme include Lalela uLwandle (Listen to the Sea), an interactive theatre and public storytelling experience, led by Empatheatre and researchers from the One Ocean Hub. Also on the lineup is the Erwan Sola Art Exhibition – Fishbones & Chips.