Community involvement and the Eastern Cape Rocky, (Sandelia bainsii, Pisces, Anabantidae) from the perspective of a researcher

The Eastern Cape Rocky (Sandelia bainsii) is endemic to several rivers in t he Eastern Cape and is on the verge of extinction going into the new millen nium. Using this endangered freshwater fish species as a Red Flag this proj ect has not only had local but international involvement and is presently b eing sponsored by Ubuntu Welfare and Development Trust through WWF SA. TOTA L (SA) have provided funds for a biodiversity poster and the artwork for th e poster was funded by a German company. A slide show has been developed on the project for schools. A fishing quiz game follows the slide show to re- enforce the message given during the slide presentation. This combination o f passive to active fun interaction works well in the museum educational se tting. This project also has a field component which has involved schools a nd conservation groups. This project led into the thinking behind the new B lue Planet Gallery Resource Centre at the Albany Museum which focuses on th e freshwater crisis in South Africa. For the past two years this gallery ha s been used successfully during the National Festival of Science and Techno logy (SASOL SciFest) highlighting water issues. Overall the emphasis of thi s paper is that trained research scientists, in this case an ichthyologist, need to be able to communicate their work to the general public. The centr al theme of this Eastern Cape Rocky project is research which feeds back to environmental education and management of freshwater ecosystems. There is more than research required to save endangered species and there must be a paradigm shift in the thinking of many wildlife researchers going into the new millennium. Active involvement in environmental education through popul ar writings, talks and field outings is now essential.