South Africa

Current job title: 
Scientist (Geospatial): Oceans Research
Institution(s) associated with the expert: 
Current job title: 
Manager and Oceanographer
Areas of expertise: 

Since 2007 I have been the manager and principle oceanographer at the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) node for marine offshore systems. I conceived the node and have grown it to a thriving, internationally recognised diverse team of multi-disciplinary scientists, technicians, students and project managers.

Current job title: 
Professor
Institution(s) associated with the expert: 

I have been involved in African fisheries for 33 years, first as a commercial fisherman, then as a Principal Oceanographer in a government institution in South Africa, for the last 23 years a member of Rhodes University, South Africa, and as Head of Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science between 2010 and 2020. I have experience in project procurement and in monitoring and evaluation, responsible for more than 90 projects in 201.

Current job title: 
Researcher
Areas of expertise: 
Institution(s) associated with the expert: 

I specialise in the physical dynamics of estuaries; estuarine condition assessments; environmental flow requirements; climate change impacts on estuaries; and estuary management and policy. I am part of a core team that developed environmental flow requirements technologies for South Africa, e.g. Version 1, 2 and 3 of the eflows methods for estuaries. I have been involved in over 40 freshwater flow requirement (EFR) studies on estuaries in Southern Africa as project leader  or hydrodynamics / physical process specialist.

Current job title: 
Deputy Chief Education Specialist in Maritime Studies
Institution(s) associated with the expert: 

Subject planner for Maritime Economics and Nautical Sciences.

Current job title: 
Principal Researcher
Institution(s) associated with the expert: 

I have been working in the field of Marine Water Quality and Estuarine Management for more than 30 years. 

My key areas of expertise include:

Current job title: 
Control Environmental Officer: Marine Spatial Planning
Areas of expertise: 
Institution(s) associated with the expert: 

Extensive experience in ocean governance and policy development with recent contribution in the development of the South African Marine Spatial Act  and the coordination of the Marine Spatial Planning process.

Current job title: 
IUCN, ESARO Regional Water Programme
Areas of expertise: 
Institution(s) associated with the expert: 

He is the IUCN Regional Technical Coordinator (Interim). His roles include: Programme development, resource mobilisation, strategic planning and project implementation

 

View expert's content: 
Current job title: 
Marine Scientist
Areas of expertise: 
Institution(s) associated with the expert: 

Jennifer Olbers obtained her PhD degree from the University of Cape Town in taxonomy and marine biogeography. Jennifer worked at the Oceanographic Research Institute while completing her MSc degree and gained experience in benthic monitoring and aquaculture practices.

She joined Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, as a marine ecologist where she was involved in the implementation and coordination of various marine and coastal monitoring programmes. She also coordinated the KZN Marine Animal Stranding Network in which all marine stranded animals were managed along the KZN coastline.

Partner's Location: 
The Department of Environmental Affairs is mandated to give effect to the right of citizens to an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing, and to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations. To this end, the department provides leadership in environmental management, conservation and protection towards sustainability for the benefit of South Africans and the global community. 
The branches of the Department of Environmental Affairs are:
  • Air Quality and Climate Change
  • Biodiversity & Conservation