01 February 2007
Aliwal Shoal - an offshore reef south of Durban – is one of the world’s top dive sites.

It supports spectacular coral species, endemic East African reef fish, Tiger Sharks, Bottlenose Dolphins, Humpback Whales, Manta Rays, Sea Turtles and Ragged Tooth Sharks – the flagship species of the reef.

In celebration of Aliwal Shoal and to highlight the importance of conserving its extraordinarily rich marine biodiversity, the Green Trust has funded a superlative new Dive Guide to Aliwal Shoal.

Written by Dr Jenifer Goldberg who has worked extensively as a dive master at Aliwal, it is the most comprehensive, well-researched guide to date. Offering invaluable input from leading marine experts, it also includes the long-awaited new map of the reef, put together by a team of seasoned divers. Only one other map of Aliwal has ever been produced.

“For me, one of the best thing about the book is that it was designed to answer almost all the questions that people tend to ask about Aliwal Shoal; and it contains rich information from a variety of experts who know the reef” says Goldberg.

The guide took two years to put together and offers a spectacular spread of photographs taken by leading marine photographers.

Information-wise, it offers a large section on marine conservation, including SASSI’s consumer seafood list of green-, orange- and red-listed fish, guidelines on eco-friendly diving and fascinating information about Aliwal Shoal’s many species. Mammal, coral, turtle and fish species are listed and divers can tick them off in the same way that birders tick off their life lists.

The Green Trust sponsored the guide as an extension of its longstanding involvement in the conservation of Aliwal Shoal.

With about 40 000 dives a year taking place at Aliwal Shoal, WWF and The Green Trust has long since recognised the need to manage the reef. Accordingly, The Green Trust sponsored the Ragged Tooth Shark project on Aliwal Shoal several years back to assess the impact of divers and to recommend an environmental management plan for the reef.

This contributed to Aliwal Shoal’s establishment as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in 2004.

“What is so incredible about diving at Aliwal Shoal is that it constantly surprises you, with new or unexpected species popping up all the time,” states Goldberg. “I think it is absolutely wonderful that The Green Trust and WWF saw fit to sponsor this guide and I hope it inspires all who read it to help protect Aliwal Shoal.”

Aliwal Shoal Dive Guide is available at dive shops, leading bookstores and on the WWF website www.wwf.org.za
Proceeds from the guide go towards WWF marine conservation.