In parasitology, the focus is on aquatic parasites (in both marine and freshwater environments) and include aspects such as taxonomy, ecology, morphology, parasite/host relationships and phylogeny of parasites. In wetland ecology, the research concentrates on chemical and physical conditions in wetlands, biotic communities in wetlands, threats to wetlands, wetlands as biological filters, production and productivity, as well as wetlands in arid environments.

Due to the scope of aquatic parasitology, the individual researchers have developed their own areas of expertise in certain specialist areas. Student projects (Honours, MSc, and PhD) are chosen from the wider field of aquatic parasitology.

Study group members

Prof Linda Basson

Prof Liesl van As

Postgraduate students and research titles

Mr Jade Hastings, MSc

Morphological and taxonomic assessment of ciliophoran symbionts from three suborders (Sessilida, Mobilida and Licnophorida) associated with Oxystele and Turbo (Mollusca: Trochoidea) species along the South African coast

Mr Gerhard De Jager, PhD

Taxonomic and evolutionary assessment of the Order Mobilida Kahl, 1933
(Peritrichia: Oligohymenophorea) from vertebrate and invertebrate hosts in southern African
marine and freshwater environments

Mr Pieter Swanepoel, PhD

Assessing small-scale fisheries potential of Gariep Dam, South Africa’s largest impoundment.

Mr Luthando Bopheka, PhD

Morphology, molecular analysis and life cycle of trypanosomes found in fish species from the Orange River System, Free State Province