Coast KZN

State of the Coast: KZN
State of the Coast: KZN

State of the Coast: KwaZulu-Natal Chapter 1: Introduction & Background Chapter 2: Overarching Drivers Chapter 3: Climate Variability
Chapter 4: Coastal Environment Chapter 5: Estuarine Environment Chapter 6: Marine Environment Chapter 7: Human Environment Chapter 8: Economic Environment
Chapter 9: Governance Environment Chapter 10: Conclusions
The Profile of the KZN Coast
The Profile of the KZN Coast

Ugu Lwethu- Our Coast Defining the Coastal Zone The Physical and Coastal Environment Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Coastal and Marine Species Migrations The Human Dimension Socio-Economic Uses of the Coast Commercial Resource Uses
Pressures and Threats Management of the Coastal and Marine Environments Understanding our Coast
Coastal access
Coastal access

Access RoutesBoat Launch SitesThe Human DimensionCoastal Access: Stats & Facts
Estuaries
Estuaries

What is an Estuary? Know your Estuaries Estuary Health and Conservation KZN Estuary Observer Programme
Historical Time Series Estuary Mouth Status Sand Mining
Recreation
Recreation

Fish TaggingAccess RoutesBlue Flag Beaches
Coastal risk and vulnerability
Coastal risk and vulnerability

Coastal Risk LinesExtreme EventsCoastal ErosionKZN Coastal Vulnerability IndexPollution
Coastal issues
Coastal issues

PollutionSand MiningCoastal ErosionNurdlesUPL Chemical Spill
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21 Aug 2019

Spotlight on impact of plastic pollution on marine animals

The Mercury (Environment) Picture: Turtle from Aliwal Shoal MPA.

Durban – Marine ecologist, Dr Jennifer Olbers, is due to give a talk on the consequences that plastic pollution is having on marine animals.  The talk is set to take place on Saturday, September 14, at the Crocworld Conservation Centre.

“There is no doubt that plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental threats facing the planet right now,” said Martin Rodrigues, Manager of Crocworld Conservation Centre.

“This is most evident in our oceans where marine life is dying at an unprecedented rate as a result of entanglements or ingestion of vast amounts of plastic. In addition to curbing our plastic use, it’s important we know about the work being done to address stranded marine life as well as what must be done in such circumstances. We are very excited to welcome Dr Jennifer Olbers, a Marine Ecologist with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Scientific Services, to talk on Marine Stranded Animals in KZN,” he said.

Olbers has been in her position with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife for more than a decade, during which time she has been involved in marine and coastal research, and monitoring programmes with a focus on rocky shores, sandy beaches, reef fish and nesting turtles. She is the co-ordinator of the KZN Marine Animal Stranding Network, an organisation which manages and records all stranded animals.

The information obtained is used to detect trends over time and provide insights into patterns of marine stranded animals along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. Her passion lies in biodiversity, invertebrate taxonomy and addressing wildlife crime.

Her talk at Crocworld Conservation Centre will outline the history of strandings along KwaZulu-Natal, as well as how the animals are managed and why this information is so important: “I will also give some advice on how members of the public can assist if they find an animal in difficulty on the beach,” explained Jennifer.

She will touch on the existing proposal to begin offshore oil and gas exploration off Port Shepstone by Sasol and ENI. If it proceeds, this is expected to have a severe effect on the marine animals, especially the mammals like dolphins and whales.

For more information or to make a booking, contact Morne van Zyl at the Fish Eagle Café on 083 658 7073 or email mvanzyl@cbl.co.za. Alternatively, contact Martin Rodrigues on 078 484 1859 or Crocworld Conservation Centre on 039 976 1103.

Online Article