Knysna Estuary Research Foundation

Knysna Estuary Research Foundation Coastal social-ecological systems are challenged by the escalating consequences of population growth, urbanisation and climate change.

The Knysna Estuary Research Foundation is an NGO based in Knysna, South Africa, focused on coastal system research – particularly how these systems change and how communities can and should live within these systems. Addressing these challenges requires informed management and behavioural change. Because they fuel each other, both are required if we are to sustain the flows of benefits we derive f

rom these systems. RESEARCH

Develop, facilitate and promote demand driven conservation and management focused research aimed at maintaining and/or achieving the desired ecological state of estuarine and coastal social-ecological systems. EDUCATE

Provide and implement relevant environmental education to stakeholders in social-ecological systems through the development of scientifically based, goal-oriented education programmes. CONSERVE

Determine the occurrence, extent and effects of anthropogenic impacts on natural systems, and provide scientific guidance and resources to maintain and/or achieve the desired ecological state of a system. COLLABORATE

Facilitate and support a Community of Practice that provides a learning platform for research, education and conservation.

🌊 TALK OF THE TOWN TUESDAY 🌊Where are the humpback dolphins? 🐬Join us on 16 June for an eye-opening evening with Dr Alej...
04/06/2026

🌊 TALK OF THE TOWN TUESDAY 🌊

Where are the humpback dolphins? 🐬

Join us on 16 June for an eye-opening evening with Dr Alejandra Vargas as we explore the lives of one of South Africa’s most endangered marine mammals — the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin.

With possibly fewer than 500 animals remaining nationwide, these elusive dolphins face increasing pressure from coastal development, boat traffic, pollution, and habitat change. Decades of research are beginning to reveal where they still occur, how they use our coastline, and what their future may hold.

📍 Knysna Yacht Club
🕕 18:00 for 18:30
🎟️ R80 per person
🍷 Cash bar available

Buy your tickets here: www.knysnaestuary.co.za/product/talk-of-the-town-humpback-dolphins/

All proceeds support environmental education and outreach.

Seats are limited — we hope to see you there!

Ocean Odyssey Knysna Knysna Yacht Club

12/05/2026

Join ICES as our new Data Officer

We are looking for someone with
✔️Solid experience in data management
✔️An interest in finding practical, shared solutions across disciplines.
✔️Understanding of data governance and guidance
✔️Experience with data analytics beyond core data management
✔️Coding or scripting experience as a supporting skill for data management or analytical work
✔️Familiarity with collaborative code environments
✔️A structured and proactive way of working

If you think you would be a good fit for the team, apply now!
ℹ️ Find out more about this role https://www.ices.dk/about-ICES/Jobs-in-ICES/Pages/Data_officer202604.aspx

📍Based at ICES Secretariat, Copenhagen, Denmark
⏰Deadline for applications 17 May 2026

🦈 TALK OF THE TOWN TUESDAY 🦈What really happens beneath the waves in Plettenberg Bay? Join us on Tuesday, 19 May for an ...
12/05/2026

🦈 TALK OF THE TOWN TUESDAY 🦈

What really happens beneath the waves in Plettenberg Bay? Join us on Tuesday, 19 May for an exciting evening of sharks, science, and conservation with Melissa Nel from Shark Spotters Plettenberg Bay.

From shark spotting and human-shark coexistence to cutting-edge research using BRUVs, cliff-top observations, and citizen science, this talk dives into the fascinating world of sharks and rays along our coastline.

📍 Knysna Yacht Club
📅 Tuesday, 19 May
🕕 17:30 for 18:00
🎟️ R80

All proceeds support environmental education through the Knysna Estuary Research Foundation.

Book here: https://knysnaestuary.co.za/product/talk-of-the-town-sharks-science/

🦇 LET’S TALK BATS!They fly silently through our nights, live in our roofs, and play a far bigger role in our lives than ...
14/04/2026

🦇 LET’S TALK BATS!

They fly silently through our nights, live in our roofs, and play a far bigger role in our lives than most of us realise…

Join us for the next Talk of the Town Tuesday as we dive into the fascinating (and often misunderstood) world of bats with researcher Khia van der Meulen.

From their incredible echolocation abilities to the vital ecosystem services they provide — from controlling pests to supporting the environments we depend on — this talk will open your eyes to these nocturnal neighbours and why they matter more than we think.

✨ Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already a bat enthusiast — this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

📅 21 April (Tuesday)
🕕 18:00 (Doors open 17:30)
📍 Knysna Yacht Club Restaurant
🎟 R80 pp (kids under 12 free)

🍔 Cash bar & burgers available

💡 Every ticket supports environmental education and outreach in our local community

👉 Book your spot here: https://knysnabasinproject.co.za/product/talk-of-the-town-bats/

Knysna Yacht Club Ocean Odyssey Knysna

🦖 DINOSAURS ON OUR DOORSTEP 🦖Did you know that dinosaur footprints have been found along South Africa’s coastline — and ...
05/02/2026

🦖 DINOSAURS ON OUR DOORSTEP 🦖

Did you know that dinosaur footprints have been found along South Africa’s coastline — and some of the youngest ever discovered (recently) are right here on the Cape south coast in Knysna?

Join us on 24 February for Talk of the Town Tuesday as palaeontologist Charles Helm takes us on a journey through time. From Ice Age footprints of animals and our hominin ancestors in the greater Knysna area, to recently published dinosaur track discoveries, this talk reveals how our coastline preserves extraordinary stories from the deep past.

📍 Where: Knysna Yacht Club
📅 When: 24 February
🎟️ Tickets: R80

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Our last talk was sold out and we had to turn people away.
👉 Please buy your ticket online in advance — no guarantees for walk-ins.

🔗 Book here: https://knysnaestuary.co.za/product/talk-of-the-town-dinosaurs/

Walk where dinosaurs once walked… just make sure you’ve got your ticket first 😉

Knysna Yacht Club Ocean Odyssey Knysna

Knysna is under pressure 💧 With only days of water left, every drop truly counts. These small actions at home can make a...
21/01/2026

Knysna is under pressure 💧 With only days of water left, every drop truly counts. These small actions at home can make a big difference. Let’s work together to save water and protect Knysna!

🌊 Rolling Into Month 3 of Our Fish Monitoring! 🐟Over the next three days, our team will be out on the water continuing o...
10/12/2025

🌊 Rolling Into Month 3 of Our Fish Monitoring! 🐟

Over the next three days, our team will be out on the water continuing our monthly fish monitoring for the Knysna Estuary. We’ve already encountered some incredible species and are seeing the start of a very promising recruitment period for several estuary-dependent fishes — exciting signs for the system!

If you’d like deeper insights, early updates, and behind-the-scenes stories from our fieldwork, you can join our newsletter by visiting our website and adding your name to the pop-up. 📬✨

🔍 If you spot us on the estuary:
We are conducting scientific research using seine nets to monitor fish communities, recruitment, and ecosystem health. This is an essential part of understanding and protecting the estuary.

🚤 A quick request during this busy time of year:
Please give us a wide berth with your boats. Wakes can disturb our sampling and affect the accuracy of our data. A little extra space goes a long way in helping us collect high-quality scientific information.

Thank you for supporting estuary research and helping us keep the Knysna Estuary thriving! 💙

South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, Eastern Cape

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