Wynand Vlok

Professional experience • Research and biomonitoring in various rivers systems in South Africa: Letaba, Olifants, Luvuvhu, Shingwedzi, Nyl, Crocodile, Komati, Pongola, Sabie and Sand River systems. • Recently completed a project on the water quality and biota of the Shingwedzi River system and management strategies suggested to the KNP for implementation. • Topics include: “State of the Rivers Report – Luvuvhu and Letaba Rivers”, water quality and pollution, fish biology, monitoring (fish, macro-invertebrates, riparian vegetation, water quality and habitat assessments), wetland research and monitoring, freshwater ecology, management strategies and conservation plans. • Project leader for a Water Research Commission Project on “A biophysical framework for the sustainable management of wetlands in the Limpopo Province with Nylsvley as a reference model.” The aim was to investigate impacts on the river system, identify impacts and to compile a management plan for the system. • Current WRC projects include: biodiversity and pollution threats to frogs of the Kruger National Park (programme leader), impacts of water and the implementation of the reserve on the tigerfish in the Olifants and Luvuvhu rivers (researcher) and the fish population and fishing potential in the Nandoni Dam (researcher). • Involved with SAEON (Ndlovu Node) in the establishment of a long term monitoring project of the lowveld rivers. • Fifteen years teaching and research experience at tertiary institutions – 2 years at the Technikon RSA (currently known as Unisa) and 13 years at the University of Limpopo (formerly the University of the North). This included teaching at all levels (undergraduate and postgraduate) – topics include Ecology, freshwater ecology, wetland ecology, catchment management and management strategies and environmental plans. Include various presentations at international and national conferences. • Was supervisor for 5 PhD and 15 MSc students. • Various Environmental Impact Assessment projects for Eskom (National electricity supplier) (155 projects), Department of Minerals and Energy (2), Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (7) and private developers and other consultants (45). • Consultant for Department of Water Affairs and Forestry for their FETWater project since 2001. • Involved in wetland research and rehabilitation – South African Wetland Action Group (SAWAG) and Working for Wetlands. • Member of “The South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions” (SACNASP – , registered as a “Professional Natural Scientist: Registration number - 400109/95). • Member of the South African Society for Aquatic Sciences. • International collaboration and scientific visits to China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Mozambique and Kenya. • Team member for the WRC project (WRC 1677/1/10). Venter, J.A., P.S.O., Fouché, W. Vlok, N.A.G Moyo, S. Theron and P. Grobler. 2010. The development of a conservation framework for threatened African fish using Opsaridium peringueyi as a reference species. • Team member for the compilation of a Biodiversity management plan for species – Southern Barred Minnow (Opsaridium peringueyi). Venter, J.A., P.S.O., Fouché, W. Vlok, N.A.G Moyo, S. Theron and P. Grobler. 2010. • Team leader for the UNESCO/Flemish Government FETWater project and development of the modules for the water related Master Degree programme.