Marine Evening: 10 October 2023

Genetic Tools for Shark and Ray Conservation and Management in Southern Africa

We are postgraduate students at Stellenbosch University in the Shark and Ray Laboratory working under the supervision of Professor Aletta Bester-Van der Merwe. Our lab uses molecular tools to guide and improve the management and conservation of threatened, endangered and endemic species in southern Africa and the South-West Indian Ocean. Mia’s work is centred around developing and optimising genetic tools to improve the identification and management of the Critically Endangered wedgefish species. Jess is looking at how climate change is shifting the distribution patterns and evolutionary trajectory of houndsharks. Karla is developing and optimising molecular tools to improve the analysis of species in the Himantura uarnak complex.

We founded our platform “Science Saves Sharks" to raise awareness about the threats facing sharks and rays which are apex- and meso-predators, crucial for ensuring long-term marine ecosystem and socio-economic stability. Our goal is to make science accessible to everyone and bring together different ocean stakeholders to work towards a common cause. Collaboration is the key to creating actionable conservation strategies and seeing them through.

We are going to share some of the knowledge we have gained on our journey in the shark and ray conservation space and explain how genetics can act as a powerful tool to better understand these incredible creatures.

Extra parking is available at the back of the Great White House. 

Remember to please put phones on silent.

Please RSVP as we need to make sure we do not overbook the Great White House venue. Thank you so much for your attention and participation.

Date: 10 October 2023

Time: 18h30

Venue: Great White House 

Cover Charge: R50 per person

RSVP: 9 October 2023 by 12h00 to Cari Roets

Guest Speakers

Jessica Winn
BSc Biotechnology and Molecular Biology (Stellenbosch University)
BSc Honours in Genetics (Stellenbosch University)
PhD in Genetics candidate (Shark and Ray Laboratory, Stellenbosch University).
Co-Founder of Science Saves Sharks
 
Mia Groeneveld
BSc Human Life Sciences with Psychology (Stellenbosch University)
BSc Honours in Genetics (Stellenbosch University)
MSc in Genetics candidate (Shark and Ray Laboratory, Stellenbosch University).
Co-Founder of Science Saves Sharks
Marine Guide at CapeRADD
 
Karla Redelinghuys
BSc Human Life Sciences with Psychology (Stellenbosch University)
BSc Honours in Genetics (Stellenbosch University)
MSc in Genetics candidate (Shark and Ray Laboratory, Stellenbosch University)
Co-founder of Science Saves Sharks