Scientists have warned that Namibia's marine ecosystems are changing, and they have gathered in Henties Bay to find out whether these changes are natural fluctuations or signs of a deeper transition.

From fisheries and biodiversity to climate and coastal livelihoods, Namibia's Atlantic coast is a living laboratory for scientists trying to understand an ecosystem in transition.

The 11th SANUMARC Annual Research Conference in Henties Bay is bringing scientists together under the theme "Learning from variability and predictability to understand ecosystems in transition."

"The challenge, therefore, for us as researchers is not merely to describe what is happening but to understand why it is happening, what it means, and how we can use scientific knowledge to anticipate and respond to future changes. As scientists, we must continuously ask ourselves, how does our research contribute to solving real problems? How can our understanding of fisheries variability improve fisheries management, for example? How can knowledge on changing marine ecosystems support conservation? These questions are particularly important for a country such as Namibia, where the ocean and its associated ecosystems play a significant role in the economy, food security, employment, biodiversity, and livelihoods of coastal communities, stated SANUMARC's Head, Dr. Allan Mupambwa.

Research being presented includes fisheries, aquaculture, biodiversity and ecosystem health, while discussions also look at Cape fur seals, kelp forests and coastal resources.

But scientists say understanding these changes requires more than simply blaming climate change.

Campus Director at SANUMARC, Dr. Hilkka Ndjaula highlighted, "This conference is coming at an opportune time for us to discuss, to put our different research together, and to be able to come out at the end of the conference, able to tell where the gaps are, what the opportunities are, and where we can seek resources and assistance that we need to achieve the science that is required for us to be able to answer the question."

Researchers say the findings and collaborations emerging from the conference could help Namibia better anticipate environmental changes and protect the ecosystems that support its economy, food security and coastal communities.