THIS year the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) celebrated its 75th birthday.

On January 30, 1951, a group of scientists formed the association at a time when shark bites along the KZN coastline were a growing concern.

SAAMBR’s founders set out to better understand sharks, the ocean systems they depend on, and how people could safely and sustainably share the coast.

Applied marine research and public education were key tenets to the work the association did.

Also read: Glen Anil resident to run 600km in 15 days for charity

Northglen News recently talked to local residents and SAAMBR employees, Dr Sean Fennessy, Kelly de Klerk and Rose Clark, about the legacy of the association and their roles within it.

Fennessy, a senior scientist and assistant executive manager of the research division of Oceanographic Research Institute, started his journey in 1989.

“This is a very special place. It is unique, certainly in Africa and in the world, in terms of the combination of research, education and the aquarium. It is famous throughout South Africa, everybody knows about uShaka.

His comments were echoed by uMhlanga resident, De Klerk, the assistant curator for mammals and birds.

“I’ve been here for 25 years and being a member of this team is a huge privilege. We have such a diverse team with specialists in so many areas. There is an abundance of knowledge and the impacts we make are huge. I work very closely with the penguins and part of my job is to raise awareness about the status of the African Penguin, which is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. We also aim to help people understand their role in the ecosystem and what they can do to help,” she said.

Also read: Durban North NPO creates freedom through art

Clark, a Park Hill resident and financial director of SAAMBR for the last 20 years, was also full of praise for the association.

“Like Kelly mentioned, it is quite special to be a part of this longstanding organisation. I’ve learnt so much in my years working here, especially from Kelly and our other scientists and members. Being part of a team that continues its conservation message that started in 1951 and is still going is incredibly special,” she said.

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or  Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here