Freshwater Research Centre

22/05/2026

Freshwater ecosystems across Africa are under increasing pressure — yet access to reliable freshwater biodiversity data remains limited. That’s why the Freshwater Research Centre and partners developed FBIS Africa: a powerful, open-access platform designed to improve access to freshwater biodiversity data across the continent.

FBIS Africa supports better freshwater conservation, management and decision-making by mobilising, harmonising and visualising biodiversity data for Africa’s rivers, wetlands and lakes. The platform helps turn data into action — from biodiversity assessments and Red Listing to protected area planning and sustainable freshwater management.

Led by the Freshwater Research Centre in collaboration with key African and global partners, the project is funded by the JRS Biodiversity Foundation JRS Biodiversity Foundation. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for data-driven freshwater conservation in Africa.

FBIS Africa project partners include: WWF Wild Bird Trust, African Parks, The Nature Conservancy in Africa, Re:wild, Conservation International SHOAL

Visit www.fbisafrica.org to sign up and find out more.

18/05/2026

Today, on this Endangered Species Day, we are reminded that protecting biodiversity means protecting the future of our planet and the life it sustains. 🌍💧

Bringing Back the Witvis

The “Bringing Back the Witvis” project is a freshwater rewilding initiative working to restore the endangered Berg-Breede Witvis to the Berg River after the species disappeared from the system in the late 1990s. Led by the Freshwater Research Centre as part of the Fynbos Fish Revival programme, in collaboration with the NRF-SAIAB, the project combines river restoration, invasive species management, scientific monitoring and community partnerships to rebuild wild populations of this iconic endemic fish. To date, more than 1,500 Witvis have been reintroduced into the Berg River from secure nursery dams, with tagged fish now being monitored to track survival and recovery. The project is bringing together scientists, landowners, schools and conservation partners to help bring life back to one of the Western Cape’s most important river systems.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Shelton, Freshwater Research Centre

15/05/2026

FRC Fish Conservation work features in a story published this week by the Good News Network: "The third story of triumph against invaders also came from the Western Cape. The Clanwilliam sandfish (Labeo seeberi) project applied a “rescue–rear–release” method combined with alien-fish removal to create predator-free freshwater sanctuaries, resulting in a doubling of spawning populations in the Biedouw River."

Conservationists Successfully Tackle Invasive Trees and Fish in Vital South Africa Ecosystems

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/conservationists-successfully-tackle-invasive-trees-and-fish-in-vital-south-africa-ecosystems/

08/05/2026

As climate pressure, growing water demand, and declining river health place increasing strain on the Western Cape’s catchments, Bruce Paxton and the team at the Freshwater Research Centre are helping communities find better ways to balance water for people and biodiversity.

Through collaborative Water Balance Tool projects in the Koue Bokkeveld, Upper Olifants, Verlorenvlei, and Barrydale, farmers, water users, NGOs and local partners are working together to improve monitoring, strengthen coordination, and support fair, transparent water management in drought-prone agricultural landscapes.

In partnership with WWF South Africa , Grootvadersbosch Conservancy , Water User Associations, and local farming communities, these projects are building the knowledge, trust, and data needed to support resilient rivers, productive farms, and thriving freshwater ecosystems across the Cape.

Funding for this work comes from WWF South Africa, WWF Nedbank Green Trust, and the Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust.

03/05/2026

24/04/2026

Freshwater fish protection in South Africa just got a major boost!

Threatened freshwater fish sensitivity layers are now live on the DFFE Screening Tool, helping flag critical habitats early when new developments are proposed.

Built from data on the Freshwater Biodiversity Information System, and developed with support from the JRS Biodiversity Foundation JRS Biodiversity Foundation, these maps help ensure better decisions for biodiversity and development.

Find out more about the SA threatened fish maps and how they were generated in a 2023 paper led by Dr Mohammed Kajee at the Freshwater Research Centre: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-science/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1122223/full

National Screening Tool: https://screening.environment.gov.za/screeningtool/

23/04/2026

Bringing Back the Witvis!

13/04/2026

A big thank you to the Ford Wildlife Foundation Ford Motor Company for driving real impact in freshwater conservation in South Africa!

Through their support, our Fynbos Fish Revival programme is working with diverse stakeholders to restore and protect critical river habitats to conserve indigenous freshwater fishes - the country's most threatened species group.

From reaching remote rivers to working alongside diverse partners, the Ford Ranger is helping power freshwater conservation action where it matters most.

08/04/2026

Congratulations to Dr Cecilia Cerrilla on the successful completion of her PhD!

Through her work with the Saving Sandfish Project, Cecilia has made a critical contribution to conserving one of South Africa’s most threatened freshwater fishes, and the ecosystems where it occurs.

Her research has deepened our understanding of sandfish ecology, threats, and recovery pathways—helping to turn science into real-world conservation action.

This achievement reflects years of dedication, fieldwork, and passion for protecting our rivers and their unique biodiversity.

Ceci is continuing her freshwater fish conservation journey as a researcher at the Freshwater Research Centre.

Here’s to the next chapter, and to continuing the mission of Saving Sandfish!

02/04/2026

Mount Ceder has been unwaveringly supporting indigenous fish conservation at the Freshwater Research Centre for the past five years.

Fuelled by conservation donations from Mount Ceder guests, we are slowly but surely turning the tide on native fish declines in the Cederberg through protected area expansion, community-linked river habitat restoration and complementary fish reintroduction programmes.

“The support we’ve had from landowners like Mount Ceder makes all the difference when it comes to conservation action on the ground” shares the Fynbos Fish Revival programme lead Dr Jeremy Shelton.

Find out more about our local fish conservation action through our Fynbos Fish Revival 5-year Impact Report (linked in bio).