Latest News & Developments
oceans
How the ocean economy sustains livelihoods and ecosystems
Discover how the ocean economy, celebrated on World Oceans Day 2025, plays a crucial role in sustaining livelihoods and ecosystems while facing significant challenges.
Great White Shark disappearance warns of a deeper biodiversity crisis
Once a common sight in False Bay, Great White Sharks have all but disappeared over the past two decades. Scientists point to unsustainable fishing and commercial longlining, entanglement in protective nets laid out by the Natal Sharks Board, and more recently, predation by orcas as the reason Great Whites have vanished from our coast. Their absence has triggered a domino effect across the marine ecosystem.
Tracking turtle behaviour | insights from acoustic tagging
Four South African aquariums collaborate to track turtle movements through acoustic tagging, aiming to enhance conservation efforts and understand their behaviour in the wild.
OceanX reveals deep-sea mysteries off Africa's coastlines
OceanX unveiled groundbreaking maps and uncharted ecosystems across Africa’s oceans.
Inside the extraordinary life of a Western Cape man living in a cave for nearly two decades
Discover the extraordinary life of a man who has embraced off-grid living in a cave for 18 years, transforming his dwelling into a sanctuary filled with faith and creativity.
Around Africa ocean expedition takes off
Exploring Africa’s oceans to advance ocean science
Exploring South Africa's Manta Rays presents a new frontier for KZN Tourism
Discover how South Africa's unique manta ray populations are not only vital for ocean health, but also hold the potential to boost tourism in KwaZulu-Natal.
‘Seals need our help’: Urgent efforts to protect Cape fur seals from plastic pollution in South Africa
One of the most immediate and tangible threats is plastic pollution, particularly debris from commercial fishing.
Diving into diversity with Discovery Shark Week's Black Mermaid
Join Zandile Ndhlovu, The Black Mermaid, as she leads an exclusive ocean excursion for Discovery Shark Week, promoting diversity and marine conservation.
Wild Coast communities and environmental groups appeal Shell judgment at Constitutional Court
Wild Coast communities and environmental groups appeal to the Constitutional Court against a ruling on Shell's exploration rights, highlighting the need to prioritise people's rights over corporate profits.
SCA dismisses Shell’s appeal, but extends lifeline for Wild Coast exploration
The Supreme Court of Appeal has dismissed Shell's appeal on Wild Coast oil exploration rights, but allowed a renewal application process, raising concerns over community consultation and environmental rights.
Sugar industry facing significant threats from changing climate
The agriculture sector is facing an unprecedented crisis as climate change continues to escalate, bringing with it severe and multifaceted challenges, climate change expert Professor Debra Roberts said.
Adrenaline-fuelled adventures at Africa’s Travel Indaba Speed Marketing sessions
SA Tourism’s Speed Marketing at the Travel Indaba showcased water-based adventures in South Africa, from shark-cage diving to white-water rafting to international and local buyers.
Useful tips to overcome your phobias
There are numerous approaches to manage or treat phobias that impact individuals across the globe.
How India is taking advantage of its Blue Economy
The writer explores India’s blue economy and how it manages the complexities of China-India multilateral politics of the Indian Ocean Region.
Urgent call for white shark protection as sightings plummet off Western Cape coast
White shark populations are dwindling off South Africa's Western Cape coast, sparking urgent appeals from scientists for heightened protection measures. Dive into the latest research uncovering the alarming decline and the critical need for conservation action.
Atlantic Ocean currents nearing tipping point, study warns
A groundbreaking study unveils the looming threat of a catastrophic collapse in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a vital ocean current system.
For an ocean of plenty: The EFF’s vision for SA’s fisheries and ocean economy
OPINION: The EFF government will have special task teams to crack down on crime in the ocean economy, writes Nazier Paulsen.
I hated cruises, and I can’t remember why
I once held the firm belief that I could go my entire life without ever sailing the oceans, but one evening aboard the Cunard Queen Mary 2 has changed my mind, writes IOL Editor-in-Chief Lance Witten.
NSRI rescues grounded fishing vessel, saves 24 crew members
The National Sea Rescue Institute rescued a fishing vessel that had run aground at Shark Point, St Francis Bay. All 24 crew members were rescued safely.
WATCH: Rare whale shark sighting in Clifton this week
Bathers at Clifton’s 4th Beach got a rare sighting of a whale shark this week when it visited the shoreline.
Steer clear of seals, warns Hout Bay Seal and Rescue Centre
With the Cape’s tourist season in full swing, excited visitors have been warned that seals around the coasts and harbours were wild and dangerous.
LOOK: City of Cape Town launches its festive season beach safety plans
Most drowning incidents occur on weekends, public holidays, and during the summer season, with 50% of incidents reported on weekends and public holidays.
Conserving our ocean through collaboration and innovation
The ocean is essential to our existence and life on Earth. By developing, supporting and sharing capabilities and innovations, we have the potential to prevent biodiversity loss, enhance sustainable practices and contribute to global positive outcomes for our planet.
Seals help scientists discover underwater canyon in Antarctica
Elephant and Weddell seals dove to depths between 200 metres and 1,000 metres in the Antarctic continental shelf to help scientists remap the ocean floor to further understand ice-melting patterns.