08/02/2021

MAPRU postdoc Chris Oosthuizen was awarded a prestigious CCAMLR Scientific Scholarship (2021–2022) to develop monitoring indices that can quantify functional responses of penguins to changes in their prey field. This work is a precursor to developing new monitoring parameters using marine predators such as penguins to improve ecosystem-based feedback management of fisheries.

The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) is responsible for the conservation of living marine resources in the Southern Ocean. Its programs of research, monitoring and the application of conservation measures aim to ensure sustainable resource use in the Antarctic. This scholarship will allow Dr Oosthuizen to participate in the work of the CCAMLR Scientific Committee and its working groups. It is supported by a project team from Nelson Mandela University (Prof Pierre Pistorius), the Norwegian Polar Institute (Dr Andrew Lowther) and the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (Drs Lisolomzi Fikizolo and Azwianewi Makhado).