Rita Steyn

PhD student My interests are invertebrates and invertebrate communities. These (often overlooked) communities form the foundation of larger ecosystems and support larger vertebrate populations. The driving force behind my interests are conservation and preservation of habitats and emerging ‘health’ indicators. My master’s degree research was completed in Indonesia where I studied coral reefs and the impact of bomb fishing on those reefs.

Interests: My interests are invertebrates and invertebrate communities. These (often overlooked) communities form the foundation of larger ecosystems and support larger vertebrate populations. The driving force behind my interests are conservation and preservation of habitats and emerging ‘health’ indicators. My master’s degree research was completed in Indonesia where I studied coral reefs and the impact of bomb fishing on those reefs. I love to travel, learn new things, immerse myself in new cultures, and always work towards a greater understanding of our natural world. My hobbies include photography and photographic blogging. I have a wonderful and supportive long-term partner, and we look forward to being a part of the Grahamstown community.

Degree: PhD

Supervisors: Albrecht Götz (SAEON Elwandle) and Anthony Bernard (Rhodes University)

First registered for degree: March 2014

Registered at: Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University

Expected completion: December 2017

Thesis/project title: Requirements for monitoring of subtidal benthic reef invertebrates in South Africa's Agulhas Ecoregion

Short abstract: Subtidal benthic reef invertebrate communities provide habitat, shelter and food for most of the over-exploited marine fish species in the Agulhas Ecoregion of South Africa. Although only a few components (i.e. abalone, alikreukel and lobsters) are targeted directly by fisheries, the impact of oceanographic patterns, pollution, habitat destruction (e.g. bottom trawling on reef) and sedimentation can alter the population viability and structure of all sessile invertebrate communities. Despite their importance to reef fish, subtidal benthic reef invertebrates have received little attention in monitoring programmes for the Agulhas Ecoregion. This is mainly due to the relative inaccessibility of subtidal habitats and a lack of taxonomic knowledge combined with an absence of clear recommendations for methodological approach and protocols.

Status: Fieldwork and data analysis

Umbrella programme: None

Running cost funds: SAEON Elwandle

Bursary: Professional Development Programme (NRF)

Email: rita.adele.steyn@gmail.com