LOW variability in the Benguela is governed by varying scales of remote and local forcing linked to both Equatorial and Cape Basin systems. The nature of these nonlinear interactions is not clearly understood because scales are large and their elucidation through observational programmes alone is not cost effective. Models are required to characterise the complexity of the most important forcing and response scales in both time and space. Keywords: Marine resources, Fisheries habitats, Benguela shelf, Remote forcing.