Who are We?
Advancing Marine Science
On The Wild Coast
We are a community of marine researchers and young scientists working to better understand South Africa's coastal and marine environments. Our research is part of the Joint Marine Laboratories Programme, reflecting its commitment to marine research, capacity development, and transformation.
Based in the Wild Coast and Eastern Cape, our research focuses on marine biodiversity, estuaries, coastal ecosystems, environmental change, marine resources, and sustainable development. We also provide training, mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing opportunities to support the next generation of marine scientists.
Our work is grounded in a commitment to purposeful research — producing knowledge that helps understand and safeguard marine ecosystems, while addressing food security, climate change, and sustainable coastal livelihoods
Vision
A thriving marine research community advancing knowledge, developing people and contributing to sustainable coastal ecosystems and communities.
Mission
To conduct collaborative marine research, build scientific capacity, foster meaningful partnerships and connect research with communities to address challenges facing our coastal environments.
Our Purpose
Why We Do It
We are part of a growing movement to strengthen marine science capacity and create opportunities for researchers from historically disadvantaged institutions.
Through research, training, mentorship and collaboration, we aim to contribute to a more inclusive and representative marine science community in South Africa.
👥Our People
Dr. Thembinkosi Steven Dlaza
Principal Investigator / Lecturer
Seaweeds, estuaries and coastal water quality, intertidal rocky shores
Mzolelwa Nkaitshana (Bra Mzo)
Field Technician
Field operations, logistics, and holistic oversight of institutional research projects and team fieldwork
Dumisani Kali
Museum Curator / LecturerÂ
Conservation biology, marine ecology, biodiversity
Dr. Oliver Olwethu Duna
LecturerÂ
Invertebrate larvae, intertidal ecology, coastal ecosystems
Dr. Naledi Nkohla
Lecturer
Marine community ecology, invertebrate taxonomy, GIS, marine protected areas
Dr. Sethu Mnqotho
Lecturer
Marine biology, estuarine ecology, freshwater ecology (SASS5)
Aphiwe Lungogolo-Mpayipheli
Laboratory Technician/ PhD Candidate
Marine microorganisms, ecosystem health, marine pollution, coastal community engagement
Zizipho Mnyaka
Senior Laboratory Technician
Limpet and algal interactions, coastal ecology
Noliyolo Vundisa
Laboratory Technician/ PhD Candidate
Blue economy, sustainable aquaculture, fish feed research, phytoplankton
Ncokola Zizipho Mateyisi
PhD Candidate
Fish community, stable isotopes, plankton and Remote Underwater Video Systems
Alizwa Mdludlu
PhD Candidate
Genetics, reproduction, morphology, Ecklonia radiata, stable isostopes, marine invertebrates
Relebohile Lesuthu-Ntoyi
PhD Candidate
Freshwater–Estuarine–Marine Connectivity, environmental monitoring and biomonitoring, Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Olwethu Maqalekana
PhD CandidateÂ
Brown mussel, marine shell, utilisation, organic fertiliser, & agricultural productivity
Avela Madikizela
MSc Student
Heavy metal distribution in Wild Coast sea urchin tissues.
Athi Mzilikazi
MSc Student
Biochemical composition of fish harvested by subsistence fishers.
Boitumelo Roberta Kortjass
MSc Student
Heavy metal bioaccumulation in giant chitons along the Eastern Cape coast.
Lihle Majezi
MSc Student
Spatial distribution modelling of intertidal limpets and associated seaweeds.
Amkelwa Hontshana
MSc Student
Cosmeceutical potential and bioactive compounds of Ecklonia radiata..
Zwelenkosi Ntozonke
MSc StudentÂ
Spatio-temporal variation of invertebrate assemblages across heterogeneous habitats.
Asemahle Tikilili
MSc Student
Fish health assessment in estuaries and rocky shores using parasitic indicators.
Liyema Yonella Mnyateli
MSc Student
Environmental drivers of zooplankton community structure along the Wild Coast.
About Us
The Joint Marine Laboratory, established with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and NRF-SAIAB, advances marine and coastal research along South Africa's Wild Coast, addressing food security, climate resilience, and the next generation of marine scientists.
Quick Links
Home
About
Research
Outreach
Field Notes
News
Contact Us
Marine Science Laboratory, Nelson Mandela Drive, Mthatha, 5099, South Africa
Tel: 071 928 2020
Email: info@jmlwildcoast.co.za