WATCH: iSimangaliso launches research lab

iSimangaliso Wetland Park officially launches lab as part of estuary monitoring programme

1 minute ago

Mbuso Kunene 1 minute read

ISimangaliso CEO Sibusiso Bukhosini and Dr Riaan Cedras

iSimangaliso Wetland Park has officially launched a research laboratory to support ongoing studies into the natural breaching of the estuary and improve understanding of its ecosystem.

The facility, launched on Monday, forms part of the estuary monitoring programme and will help researchers assess biodiversity, monitor changes in the estuary and track the progress of an upcoming dredging project.

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iSimangaliso ecologist Dr Riaan Cedras said the laboratory would provide researchers with specialised equipment to monitor changes at the estuary mouth, including when and why it opens and closes.

“From the estuary mouth in particular, we’ve got drones and instruments that will help us better understand how the mouth moves, when it changes, when it opens and when it closes. We’ll be able to see what conditions led to the mouth opening and eventually closing,” said Cedras.

He added that the research facility would also support an important project on the Msunduzi River, helping the local community monitor how much water flows off their farms following the dredging project.

Read the full story in the ZO Weekender.