Aliwal Shoal Through Time

Aliwal Shoal is one of South Africa's most celebrated reef systems, yet surprisingly little is known about how its benthic communities have changed over time. Alwande Dube compares present-day reef surveys with data collected two decades ago to better understand shifts in biodiversity and ecosystem health. The findings provide valuable insights for marine protected area management and long-term conservation planning in a changing ocean.

ABOUT ALWANDE DUBE

Alwande  is a marine biologist and MSc researcher at the Oceanographic Research Institute, where she studies long-term changes in reef biodiversity on Aliwal Shoal. She is also Chairperson of Youth for Marine Protected Areas (YOUTH4MPAs), advocating for youth leadership and meaningful participation in marine conservation across South Africa.