Unisa Calls for Ocean Science That Protects Ecosystems and Transforms Coastal Communities

Detailed summary

At the inaugural COMMRE 2026 conference in Durban, Unisa and maritime sector leaders called for ocean research to drive tangible economic benefits, protect…

Ocean research must do more than advance scientific knowledge. It must protect marine ecosystems, strengthen coastal livelihoods and create economic opportunities for communities that depend on the sea.

This was the central message from University of South Africa (Unisa) Principal and Vice-Chancellor Prof Puleng LenkaBula as she opened the inaugural International Conference on Coastal, Marine and Maritime Research (COMMRE 2026) at the Durban International Convention Centre. Hosted by Unisa in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and other stakeholders, the conference brought together researchers, policymakers, government representatives, industry specialists and community stakeholders from Africa and beyond.

Held under the theme Advancing Science, Innovation, Policy, and Equity within the UN Ocean Decade, the gathering provided a platform to explore how research, technological innovation and policy reform can respond to pressing challenges facing coastal and maritime environments. For Unisa, the conference also marked an important step in advancing Marine Studies, one of the university’s ten Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs), through interdisciplinary research and partnerships aimed at addressing national, continental and global development priorities.

Addressing delegates, LenkaBula emphasised that scientific progress must translate into practical improvements in people’s lives, particularly those living in vulnerable coastal communities. “We gather this morning with a shared responsibility, that is: to ensure that advances in ocean science translate into healthier ecosystems, more resilient communities, and fairer opportunities across the continent,” she said. South Africa’s extensive coastline and strategic maritime position offer opportunities in fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, shipping and offshore energy.

However, LenkaBula stressed that these opportunities would have limited developmental value unless they contributed to…

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