Mandela University Estuarine Ecology

01/09/2026

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"Tidal" generally refers to the lunar and solar influences on coastal water bodies. However, this study expands on the definition of "tidal", in order to include coastal environments that are also exposed to fluvial, meteorological (wind), or groundwater influences. 💨🌍

This updated definition is intended to be a robust construct as environments will inevitably change with sea-level rise, water extraction, and anthropogenic flow alteration. 🌊 This study also provides a brief history of the tidal concept, and describes tides in a diversity of uncommonly recognized marginal coastal environments.

Expanding the definition of what is considered tidal by the scientific community is critical for improved understanding of coastal wetland function and the suite of ecosystem services they provide people and society, including climate mitigation opportunity, management, and adaptation. 🌿💦☀️

📌 Check it out here:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13157-026-02114-y

31/08/2026

31/08/2026

Last week, SWE Research Group and CMR members had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Conference, hosted in Brussels, Belgium. 🇧🇪

Our team was proud to showcase South African estuarine and coastal research spanning a range of topics, including harmful algal blooms, water quality, acidification, and faunal connectivity. 💦🌱🌍🦀🐟

19/08/2026

This week, Prof Janine Adams and doctoral student Priscah Lakane presented at Nelson Mandela University's Annual Postgraduate Orientation programme. ‍👩‍🔬

They shared their perspective on "Building Successful Supervisory Relationships: Perspectives from Both Sides of the Desk". 📝

19/08/2026

Happy birthday Sarah! 🥳 Have a wonderful day 🎂🌊

18/08/2026

This week, Prof Adams will be presenting with the eThekwini Biodiversity Forum on strengthening coastal resilience through mangrove conservation. 🌱🌊

Prof Adams' talk will focus on "The conservation and restoration of mangroves in South Africa: Alignment with global objectives". 🌍 Healthy mangrove habitats provide numerous vital ecosystem services that we are dependent on, including blue carbon storage, coastal protection, biodiversity provision, and supporting local livelihoods. 🦀🌿

We look forward to hearing more on this important topic!

11/08/2026

This study reviewed the role of macrofauna as bioturbators in tidal wetlands. 🦀🌴These animals act as ecosystem engineers that can affect the geomorphology and biogeochemistry of tidal wetlands, influencing accretion and erosion processes by either stabilizing or destabilizing sediment. Through this, they can also influence the amount of carbon that can be stored in these important Blue Carbon ecosystems. 🌱

This meta-analysis assessed the current knowledge on the role benthic bioturbators play in shaping sediment processes in tidal wetlands linked to carbon storage. This will have important implications for the conservation and restoration of these vital ecosystems. 🌊

📌 Check it out here:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272771426004749?casa_token=slXmH73bcy8AAAAA:xsSbXxkD2kwWPemj0ENQTRtf9Xk_gGodUkFTEGAMQH73EImbHZCgy4Il4xpQGqYcaujUOOyDksE

09/08/2026

🌊 Women move oceans.

Today, 09 August 2026, the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research (CMR) celebrates the women who are making waves across the coastal and marine sector, from the laboratory to the shoreline, from research vessels to classrooms, and from scientific discovery to the communities whose lives are connected to our ocean.

As South Africa commemorates 70 years since the historic 1956 Women’s March, we reflect on the courage of the women who stood together and helped shape our country's future. Seven decades later, women continue to lead, discover, challenge, innovate and inspire... ✨

To every woman contributing to our ocean story, researcher, student, scientist, educator, practitioner, leader or community member, your work matters.

Because when women are empowered, possibilities expand, and the future of our ocean becomes stronger. 💙

Happy National Women’s Day!

Nelson Mandela University | Ocean Sciences.Mandela | Mandela University Estuarine Ecology

01/08/2026

Today we celebrate MPA Day! 🌍

Marine protected areas are the national parks of the sea. 🌊 When they are well managed, marine life recovers. Fish populations grow. Coral rebounds. Ecosystems rebuild. The science is clear: MPAs deliver measurable results for biodiversity and for the communities who depend on healthy oceans. 🐟🪸🌱

MPAs help coastal communities stay safe by preserving mangroves and kelp forests that reduce storm damage and erosion. They safeguard cultural heritage and national monuments that communities identify with and pass on to future generations. They also support food security and jobs. When we protect the ocean, we protect ourselves. 🌴🌍

31/07/2026