Coelacanths are alive and well at Sodwana Bay

As is well-known by now, great was the joy when scientists collecting data on a research expedition in Sodwana Bay captured footage of a coelacanth in May 2019. The clip stars “Eric”, who was captured on camera 125 meters below the surface with the help of an ROV (remote-operated vehicle).

Thought to be extinct until its rediscovery in 1938 when ichthyologist JLB Smith identified a deceased coelacanth specimen, the species managed a remarkable comeback. However, only 33 individuals are known to science – all of them catalogued in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, according to Earth Touch News Network.

The article continued, ‘Eric was first identified in 2009 and last seen in 2013. … To help keep tabs on the coelacanth population, Eric was fitted with a satellite tag that allows researchers to track his movements for six months.’

To this day, technical divers still visit Sodwana Bay to document sightings. The most well-known diver to lead such expeditions was Peter Timm who died after a search and recovery mission to 197 feet off South Africa’s Aliwal Shoal.

Named Latimeria chalumnae in honour of Courtenay-Latimer, coelacanths favour deep-water caves and canyons and are predominantly active at night at depths ranging from 330 to more than 1 640 feet.

Thanks to the close proximity of the continental shelf and the presence of several deep canyons, Sodwana Bay is an ideal habitat. And because of its cool offshore waters, coelacanths live at a shallower depth than in tropical locations.

For those recreational and technical divers interested to do a truly memorable dive in search of the coelacanths, Sodwana Bay Lodge would love to host you in our well-appointed non-selfcatering rooms – either bed and breakfast or dinner, bed and breakfast.

Photo: popsci.com.tr