South Africa hopefull to get coelacanth research and exploration mini-submarine

South Africa is hoping to get its own full-time coelacanth research and exploration mini-submarine, thanks to the efforts of a world-famous marine scientist and explorer, "Her Deepness" Dr Sylvia Earle.

The international ocean ambassador, who holds the record for the deepest-ever solo dive by a woman - 1 000m in a submersible - completed a visit to Sodwana Bay on the KwaZulu-Natal coast this week, home of the country's rare coelacanth "fossil fish" population.

The 69-year-old former chief scientist of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and current explorer-in-residence for the National Geographic Society amazed local divers with her energy and enthusiasm while scuba-diving to depths of up to 40m at Sodwana.

"She seemed like a sprightly 30-year-old while hopping in and out of dive boats," said Dr Tony Ribbink, head of the African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme.

Earle, who is also known as "The Sturgeon General", said she was optimistic that South Africa would get its own permanent coelacanth exploration submersible (mini-submarine) as early as next year.

She said a vessel capable of carrying up to three people was needed to pursue dedicated deep-sea research work around Sodwana and further up the east African Coast.

"We are trying to get a submersible which could go down to at least 600m to 800m to really see what treasures lie under this ocean.

"I would also hope that it could be kept here, as South Africa's gift to the oceans."

It is believed that the initiative to buy a modern, purpose-built submersible has support from senior officials of the department of science and technology and the department of environmental affairs and tourism.

Ribbink said he thought it was premature to speculate at this stage, but noted that Earle was hoping to enlist financial support from major world conservation groups, including the National Geographic Society and Conservation International.

He confirmed that South Africa's three-year contract for part-time use of the German-owned "Jago" submersible had expired and that Earle had been providing advice on the design specifications for a new research vessel, which might be financed with core-funding support from the South African government.

The coelacanth project has also been expanded to include several east African nations and islands - including Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya, Madagascar and the Comores.

A total of 24 coelacanths have been identified individually off Sodwana, while Tanzania has discovered 22 of these ancient fish since the start of the South African-led project.

Earle is travelling with financially influential council members of National Geographic, and Dr Sheila McKenna, head of marine biodiversity analysis at Conservation International in Washington, US.

The marine biologists are visiting South Africa to conduct a preliminary assessment of deep-water exploration techniques in KwaZulu-Natal and further along the eastern coastline.

Earle, who has spent more than 6 000 hours under water and is regarded as the world's best-known woman marine scientist, has explored the ocean depths extensively but has yet to see a coelacanth herself.