South Africa has been involved in the "Coelacanth Story" from its beginnings in 1938. The rediscovery of South African coelacnths by divers in 2000 gave birth to the Programme which has developed into the broader, multinational African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP).

The South African component of ACEP focuses on the coelacanths of the Greater St. Lucia Wetland park, but realises that we have a lot to gain from partnering with other countries in the region.

The ACEP secretariat is based in Grahamstown, South Africa at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity.  

Meet the South African ACEP Team.

Learn more about South African at the CIA World Fact Book.