Created in 2009, ICEMASA gathers African and European scientists with research skills and interest in the areas of marine ecosystems, fisheries, oceanic circulation, ocean-atmosphere exchanges and biochemistry that are developed at the local, regional and continental level in Africa.
Based in Cape Town, South Africa, where the cold Atlantic and Indian Ocean seafronts constitute some of the most biologically active areas in the world, this multidisciplinary scientific cluster not only conducts first-class partner-oriented research, but also develops Masters and PhD programs dedicated to the study of simulated physical, chemical and biological conditions related to the impact of climate change on oceans.
The University of Cape Town Marine Research Institute (Ma-Re) was formed in 2006 with the aim to foster multi-disciplinary marine research at the University level. Since its inception, Ma-Re initiated, developed and strengthened marine research and education links with two key international players through the ICEMASA joint laboratory (France) and the Nansen-Tutu Centre (Norway). This successful activity demonstrated the value of maintaining strong connections with international partners, which is currently continuing to fund and train students and to produce original research focused on the African oceans.
Research topics:
1. Air-sea interactions
2. Ocean circulation, marine biogeochemistry and their role in climate system
3. Ecosystem and fisheries research
4. Observational and Modelling transverse strategy
Innovations:
ICEMASA has developed tools for ocean analyses such as a numerical modeling platform for the physical and biological oceanography and the coupling with ecosystems and fisheries. Each year the laboratory organizes a summer school dedicated to multidisciplinary modeling entitled: From ocean to fish in addition to topical seminars and workshops in ocean modelling.
Expected outcomes of the transformation of ICEMASA into an International Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and education in Africa (ILOSA).
To further develop the leading internationalized marine research institutions in South Africa and promote national and international partnerships it is necessary to develop ICEMASA, bringing together the national facilities and the international network. The proposed overarching research theme is Ecosystem-based management under global change in Africa, which links the social, ecological and environmental aspects relevant to economical and scientific development in Southern Africa.
Grand objectives aligned with the SDG can be defined for such an international entity:
-Build capacities for young African scientific communities on key issues related to the ocean and of prime importance for African countries (climate change and variability, food security, conservation of biodiversity, healthy oceans), and the development/participation to MOOC (contribution to SDG 4).
-Appraise the impacts of climate change and human activities on ecosystem services of the seas around Africa, and quantify the social-economic consequences (contribution to SDG 14).
- Foster innovation to translate research outcomes into societal benefits (e.g. blue energy, mitigation of/adaptation to climate change effects, new molecules for bio-industries and pharmacological use, genomics), notably for coastal communities (contribution to SDG 2 & 9).
-Contribute to syntheses on main issues and challenges of the 21st century that Africa has to face, using a network of international experts and renowned academic institutions and developing a think tank approach.
Progress reports
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
January 2019
