In a collaborative effort on June 18th and 19th, 2024, CapeNature’s marine specialists and field rangers joined forces with the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) to conduct routine maintenance on the Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP). This initiative focused on enhancing monitoring capabilities within the De Hoop Marine Protected Area (MPA) and surrounding estuaries along the Western Cape coast.
NRF-SAIAB, in partnership with Canada’s Ocean Tracking Network (OTN), operates ATAP to monitor marine animals equipped with acoustic tags. This platform spans over 2200 km of South Africa’s coastline, deploying more than 250 acoustic receivers to track movements crucial for biodiversity research and conservation.
During the maintenance operation, CapeNature provided logistical support through its vessel, the Storm Petrel, based at the Stilbaai Marine Protected Area. The team navigated challenging conditions, including a 130km round trip from Witsand in the Breede Estuary. Despite a gusty NW wind, they successfully retrieved and replaced acoustic receivers at several key sites, including the De Hoop MPA and the Breede Estuary. These efforts ensure continuous data collection on tagged fish movements, supporting long-term biodiversity management strategies.
The collaboration underscores the commitment of NRF-SAIAB and CapeNature to advancing aquatic biodiversity research and management in South Africa’s coastal waters. By integrating cutting-edge technology with field expertise, this partnership strengthens conservation efforts and fosters sustainable marine ecosystems.