Mike Keet, vice-chairman of the Saint Blaize Conservancy who initiated this project for the protection of local reefs, approached the Garden Route Casino Trust earlier this year to apply for funding of marine and ocean monitoring equipment. The Trust contributed generously towards the purchase the equipment.
On the day, the weather was rather cool and dreary, however, about 30 ocean-loving people, 15 of whom participated in the dive turned up.
An enthusiastic group met at Electrodive, situated at Quay 4 in the harbour to dive the Dollose reef, so named due to its situation amongst the dollose, continuing along the length of the harbour wall, adjacent to the Mossel Bay Yacht Club and Santos Beach.
This particular reef enjoys the protection of its local divers and snorkelers, enforced vigilantly by Ken Walmsley and his team at Electrodive, together with the much-needed and appreciated support of the Mossel Bay Line Fishing Association, Transnet National Ports Authority and SAPS Water-Wing units.
The protection afforded has allowed the marine life to flourish wonderfully over the last few years.
Both Ken and Mike agree, every dive at the Dollose is a good one, one where you're almost guaranteed to see something never seen before.
This cheerful group at 07:30, whilst standing in the drizzle, were briefed by Ken and Mike on the day's activities, educating everyone about the TNPA's rules for safety in the area, naming the species of fish they would be seeking to identify and monitor.
The interns from White Shark Africa were also in attendance to lend their expertise, as they already assist in the monitoring and tagging of three local shy shark species in the area.
Mike then gave some background about the St Blaize Conservancy and its numerous projects and about the goals of the St Blaize Conservancy and especially about the Reef Monitoring project, inviting everyone to spread the word, and to encourage others that weren't able to join in on the day, to join future events.
The dive was a resounding success with each of the named species spotted, namely the Yellow-bellied Rock Cod, the Cat-faced Rock Cod, the Baartman, the Double-sash Butterfly and the Blacktails. Two of the divers even spotted the resident Floral Moray Eel, a rare treat.
The day marked a milestone in this project, a continuing venture for the monitoring and protection local reefs, for locals and visitors alike.
Both recreational and professional divers have joined forces to monitor and save local reefs. Photo: Supplied
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