Coastal ecosystems face complex challenges due to global change, impacting both ecological and human wellbeing. These include climate extremes, declining water quality, resource degradation and unsustainable urban development.

The CSIR Coastal Systems group works to sustain and restore these ecosystems, providing science-based solutions for their optimal use. We aim to promote sustainable management, focusing on ports, estuaries and coastal development zones, ensuring environmental, social and economic benefits for South Africa and beyond.

Focus areas

Coastal systems

• Pollution and waste: Analysing pollution sources and their effects on coastal ecosystems to inform management strategies for improved health and sustainability.
• Environmental flows: Evaluating water flow dynamics and their critical role in maintaining the health and functionality of coastal ecosystems.
• Climate change: Examining the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems and developing strategies for resilience and adaptation.
• Environmental governance: Advocating for effective policies and practices that ensure sustainable management of coastal resources and ecosystem integrity.
• Ecosystem rehabilitation and restoration: Implementing targeted strategies to restore degraded coastal habitats and promote biodiversity recovery.
   

Earth observation

• Integration of local knowledge: Utilises local knowledge and Earth observation algorithms for satellite-derived marine indicators.
• Project contributions: Supports the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security and Africa as well as National Ocean and Coastal Information Management System (OCIMS) projects for fisheries and coastal management.
• Bio-optical modelling: Develops models to analyse phytoplankton optical signals.
• Phytoplankton monitoring: Creates algorithms to identify phytoplankton types and harmful algal blooms.
• Freshwater ecosystem analysis: Uses geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing to monitor freshwater biodiversity.
• Model validation: Validates algorithms and models for marine ecosystem characterisation.
• Sensor application development: Engages in validating new satellite sensors for upcoming missions.
   

Technology and capabilities

• Field surveys and monitoring
• Laboratories
• Remote sensing
• Earth observation applications development
• Satellite-based decision support
• Bio-optical modelling
• Image-based ecosystem classification
• Time-series analysis
• GIS mapping and modelling
• Marine earth observation training
• Water quality monitoring and policy development
   

Infrastructure

Explore our state-of-the-art facilities that support our research initiatives:
 

Marine and analytical laboratories

Our marine and analytical laboratories provide extensive capabilities for analysing water, sediment and biological tissue. With a focus on inorganic and organic chemical analysis, the labs specialise in assessing metals such as mercury. Key areas include:

• Sediment, effluent, seawater and freshwater/drinking water analysis;
• SANAS accreditation for nutrients and metals; and
• Expanded capabilities for detecting pollutants and contaminants.
   

Marine ecotoxicology laboratory

The marine ecotoxicology laboratory is dedicated to toxicity testing of effluent, water and sediment samples. Equipped with a constant temperature chamber and flow-through aquaria, the lab conducts critical tests, including:

• Fertilisation test:
• Embryo-larvae test; and
• Amphipod test.
   

Field survey and monitoring equipment

Our field survey capabilities include:

• In situ water quality instrumentation with multiple EXO multi-parameter sondes capable of sampling at depths over 100 metres;
• Sediment grabs of various sizes, deployable up to 80 metres deep, suitable for ports and estuaries;
• Fish survey gear, including beam trawls, otter trawls and seine nets for work in ports, estuaries and offshore areas; and
• Survey vessels for estuarine and offshore research.
   

These advanced facilities enable comprehensive assessments of environmental impacts, supporting effective mitigation measures and the sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems.