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In an innovative partnership aimed at safeguarding marine mammals, Vodacom South Africa and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) South Africa have initiated a groundbreaking pilot project. This project, located in Saldanha Bay on South Africa’s West Coast, seeks to address the challenges faced by traditional fishing communities grappling with the consequences of overfishing, pollution, and climate change.  Rethinking mussel farming In the quest for sustainable solutions, the partners have introduced a unique offshore, rope-grown mussel farming method. This approach not only provides a low-impact, protein-rich source of seafood but also contributes to employment opportunities and economic development. However, as with any endeavor, challenges arise, and in this case, there is a notable risk: marine mammals, including whales, becoming entangled in the farming ropes. Leveraging technology to protect marine life Vodacom, in collaboration with WWF South Africa, has turned to technology to address this pressing issue. They are utilizing cameras and hydrophones strategically placed to monitor the waters of the Saldanha Bay Aquaculture Development Zone (SBADZ). These devices serve as an early warning system, alerting mussel farmers to the presence of whales in the vicinity and enabling the activation of the ADZ Incident and Emergency Response Protocol in the event of entanglement. Whales, as emphasized by WWF, play a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of marine environments, aiding in the capture of carbon from the atmosphere. It is estimated that each great whale sequesters an average of 33 tons of CO2. However, despite decades of protection efforts, six out of the 13 great whale species are classified as endangered or vulnerable. Beyond Whale protection to gathering scientific data The early warning system’s benefits extend beyond protecting whales. It also serves as a valuable tool for gathering scientific data on the movement of marine life in the region.…

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Filed under: News - @ November 21, 2023 12:26 pm