Team
The core members are the expedition leader Michael Markovina and expedition photographer and filming coordinator Linda Schonknecht. Both Michael and Linda are graduates of Rhodes University. Michael Markovina has a Master’s degree in Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, while Linda Schonknecht obtained a bachelor of journalism and media studies. Both Michael and Linda spent considerable time in Gabon, Central Africa where they worked for WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society). Michael was in charge of marine-going expeditions and fisheries compliance, and Linda, photography.
Michael Markovina
(Marine Resource Use Expedition: Leader and Fisheries)
B.Sc Zoology – University of Cape Town
M.Sc Ichthyology and Fisheries Science – Rhodes University
Employed WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) Mayumba
National Marine Park Gabon 2007, in charge of all marine going activities.
I have had an interest and passion for fish and fishery science since childhood. This helped me decide to change courses from Construction Engineering at UCT to pursue my passion for zoology, ichthyology and fisheries science. Initially aquaculture was the focus of my work, however working as a skipper and fisheries biologist with WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) in Mayumba Gabon has refined my interest to ecological based fisheries research.
During 2004 I completed Ichthyology honors with my thesis focusing on aquaculture and more specifically cryogenics of finfish spermatozoa to improve broodstock management efficiency, where I obtained a distinction. I completed my masters in 2007 and have since been involved in fisheries management in Gabon Central Africa. Prior to my work in fisheries management and compliance, I was closely involved in business management plans for the potential culture of Argyrosomus japonicus (dusky cob) in Plettenberg Bay and for abalone (Pringle Bay Abalone Cove). I have had extensive experience with trout spawning, sole spawning, system development, water quality and egg rearing at Rhodes University. I have visited numerous aquaculture facilities throughout South Africa, involving both intensive and extensive production. I attended a ZERI (Zero Emission Foundation) seminar presented by a friend, Prof. G. Pauli an internationally influential scientist focusing on polyculture using all facets of nature to promote sustainability. I believe closely in his views and think that aquaculture facilities can be designed in new innovative and cost effective ways. I was awarded the best seminar presentation at the AASA (Aquaculture Association of Southern Africa) based on my work regarding the cryopreservation of spermatozoa of the white margined sole.
Academic
• Best presentation award at the AASA conference (Aquaculture association of Southern Africa) 2005.
• Best honors seminar award 2004.
• Publication: The cryogenetic potential of the mud sole Austroglossus pectoralis spermatozoa. Aquaculture.
University activities and achievements
• South African men’s Ju-Jitsu team 2006.
• 1st place in South African Ju-Jitsu champs 2005
• Rhodes University sports personality of the year award 2006.
• Rhodes University half colours for underwater hockey 2006.
• Rhodes University honours colours for Ju-Jitsu 2006.
• Rhodes University dive instructors award 2005/06.
• Rhodes University Underwater club instructors merit award 2005.
Further qualifications pertaining to the expedition
• PADI dive master, instructor and specialty instructor.
• Technical Diving International (TDI) qualifications include:
• Nitrox advanced diver.
• Stage decompression diver.
• Extended range diver.
• Trimix diver.
• CMAS, department of manpower approved compressor operator.
• TDI mixed gas blender.
• SAMSA approved commercial skipper’s license.
Linda Schonknecht
(Marine Resource Use Expedition: Photographer and media)
B.Journ in Journalism and media studies – Rhodes University
Wildlife Conservation Society Mayumba National Park photographer and administration assistant.
Documenting the natural world is a great passion of mine, as throughout my life I have been surrounded by naturalists, biologists and people who have great respect for the environment and the natural world, as well as a drive to conserve and promote conservation of our African wildlife by means of education and making the public aware of the challenges that our environment is facing in the future.
Being involved in underwater photography and working alongside ichthyologists has made me more aware of the problems that our sea life is facing in terms of depletion of resources and the eradication of species and environments due to over fishing and complete lack of finances to control fishing pressure, and the lack of concern (mainly due to lack of information) the general public displays on the subject. The projects that I worked on during my University career have strengthened my resolve to be involved in documenting and raising awareness of the natural world, as most of my photographic projects had this similar focus. Drawing on my influences both photographically and personally I hope to expose the natural world in a new, interesting and refreshing light, in order to get people interested and exited about what is in our environment and what we as humans are doing to and in it. This would be aided by the fact that I am photographically versatile on land and in the water, and this will help me in exploring and documenting all aspects of the natural world.
Rhodes University Activities and achievements
• Activate Student Newspaper photographer 2002, 2003, and 2004.
• Best cover photo and Photo of the Year Award 2002.
• Assistant Photographic Editor Activate 2003.
• Internship experience at The Star newspaper, under Robin Commley, 2002-2003
• Photographic Editor for Activate Student Newspaper 2004.
• Assistant media manager for Electrosoc (Electronic and media Society) for 2005.
• Exhibited Photography with Rhodes University at Grahamstown National Art Festival 2004, 2005.
• Cue Pix (official National Arts Festival newspaper) photographer, 2004-2005
• Achieved a Second place (non-macro section) and a third place (open category) at Noordhoek Diving Festival in 2006 Underwater Photographic Competition.
• Published in Dive Style Magazine (November edition
• Achieved an honorable mention certificate in the Pillsner-Urquell International Photographer of the Year awards (American) for Underwater Photography and travelled to gabon where experience was gained in photographing with WCS Mayumba and their education program in 2008.
