Mossel Bay's prize reefs to be monitored with state-of-art technology

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Mossel Bay's prize reefs, home to more than 56 colourful known fish species that attract divers from around the globe, are to be monitored using state-of-the-art technology that will ensure their sustainability for years to come.

Port Elizabeth-based company Wettest will be providing the equipment which will take PH readings, monitor oxygen and salinity levels and count fish populations.

The Garden Route Casino was approached by the Saint Blaize Conservancy for funding.

St Blaize Conservancy spokesman Mike Keet told Algoa FM on Tuesday that acquiring the equipment was the "culmination of a dream".

"Getting this equipment is highly significant because it is the first step taken by the local community to safeguard our local reefs, meaning they can be sustained for our children and future generations," he said.

"The St Blaize Conservancy approached the Garden Route Casino and they have been fantastic in agreeing to sponsor the equipment. I have been diving the reefs for 20 years and it is just great to know others will continue to have the same opportunity, thanks to the monitoring that will take place."

Well-known dive spots around Mossel Bay include Santos Reef, a garden of featherworms, sea fans, redbait, octopus and abundant schools of blacktail, the Santos wreck, and Mitch's Reef, boasting orange sponges up to three metres in length, banks of sea grass and large red romans.

John Harvey