Invasive & problem species identification and assessment
We undertake risk assessment studies of potential introductions of alien species in freshwater and marine environments, and we undertake surveys of marine alien species in ports and bays, ballast water surveys, assess hull fouling problems. We also assess the socio-economic implications of invasive and problem species in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats and advise on policy and approaches to deal with them.
Project Profiles
Risk assessment for introduction of an non-indigenous species

Risk assessment and permit application for Camelina savita in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) for a non-indigenous species that has not previously been imported into South Africa.
Global cost of meeting the CBD Aichi Target9

Estimating the global cost of meeting the CBD Aichi Target 9 to control of alien invasive species by 2020.
Alien species survey

Alien species survey in the Port of Saldanha.
Port ballast water surveys

Ballast water, flora and fauna survey in the Ports of Durban and Port Elizabeth.
In-water hull cleaning risk assessment

Risk assessment for in-water hull cleaning operations in the Port of Durban.
Alien species assessment

Alien species, and water and sediment quality assessment of Port Louis, Mauritius.
Ballast water treatment system risk assessment & toxicity

Independent assessor of efficacy of a newly developed ballast water treatment system and evaluation (risk assessment) of the residual toxicity of ballast water treated with the system.
BRBAs for important aquaculture alien species

Biodiversity Risk and Benefit Assessments (BRBAs) were produced for the seven most important alien species used in the aquaculture industry in South Africa including Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, sharptooth catfish Clarius gariepinus, rainbow trout Onchorhynchus mykiss, brown trout Salmo trutta, Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and Marron Cherax tenuimanus.
Salmon culture Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment for culture of King and Coho salmon in South Africa