1 August marks Marine Protected Areas Day, and since its inception in South Africa two years ago, MPA Day has grown to include several global activities as the world acknowledges and celebrates the importance of healthy marine ecosystems.
RELATED: Marine Protected Areas Day 2022
The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation has invited everyone to show their love for the ocean this year by participating in a range of activities taking place today, and extending throughout the week.
The Founder of MPA Day, and the Executive of Strategic Projects at The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, Dr Judy Mann the health of the ocean impacts everyone, whether they live by the sea or further inland.
“MPAs are a vital component of ocean health, yet there’s still not enough known about these important ‘game reserves of the sea’ which is why we’re organising a range of talks and activities this year which will cater to all interests!”
Mann said they are especially excited to see several events for pupils and teachers this year with some lucky pupils getting the chance to visit shores and experience the amazing marine life with Adventure Mania in Sodwana Bay.
NRF-SAEON’s (National Research Foundation – South African Environmental Network) Egagasini Node will also be conducting workshops and community meetings addressing the National Science Week 2023 theme Transforming Lives through Evidence-based Science.
The engagement and dialogues will celebrate and create awareness of MPAs with audiences from both near coast and inland, school groups, and communities.
For those who reside near the coast, there are several seaside activities suited to families, ocean lovers, and sports enthusiasts. And, for those who can’t attend in person, the MPA Day organisers are hosting a number of virtual tours and online talks to keep users engaged. The public is encouraged to check local media, including social media, for locally organised events.
(Image credit: Two Oceans Aquarium)
Marine Protected Areas Day Activities:
Today, 1 August, there will be a Twitter (X) Chat from 12:00 to 13:00 using the handle @MPAsSA1
A Virtual Tour featuring various MPAs will take place between 16:00 and 17:00 today.
You will have a chance to explore MPAs around South Africa during this virtual tour featuring various MPAs – from Betty’s Bay and the Table Mountain MPA to Aliwal Shoal and the Isimangaliso MPA.
It will take place over Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsc-qqqDIqHdCBoCqx7bprDZkDcfGyHi9c
Tonight there is a webinar for Recreational Anglers at 19:00 who have an interest in learning more about MPAs – and who want to ask the scientists and managers some questions.
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DIL8RbCoRnOGwFCSqB3cxQ#/registration
For those in Cape Town, you can attend Kelp Night tonight at the Two Oceans Aquarium from 18:30 – 19:00.
Kelp Night welcomes three incredible speakers who will share their unique perspectives on the science, beauty, and value of the kelp forests of local Marine Protected Areas. Guests are in for a kelptastic treat as The Kelp Shack and Blackwood Spirits will join to share some unique kelp-based canapes and cocktails during the interval! A cash bar will be available with light meals for purchase. Limited seats available.
If you miss any of the activities on MPA Day, there will be opportunities through the week to learn more about the health of the oceans.
On Thursday, 3 August, there will be an informative online talk by Dr Judy Mann, titled ”Leadership for Conservation in Africa.”
The talk is at 19:00 and more information can be found here: https://lcafrica.org/events/
Additional MPA Day activities:
Chronicles of the Coast
Dates: 3, 4, 7, 8 August
Info: CapeNature will be broadcasting the four-part video series Chronicles of the Coast which will include topics such as partnerships, the use of science for coastal and marine conservation, combatting crime within the marine environment, and the Betty’s Bay marine protected area.
Saturday, 5 August:
Youth4MPAs film screening, discussion and reflection
Youth4MPAs will be holding a short-film screening of Empatheatre’s Lalela uLwandle (Listen to the Ocean), an open discussion and reflection on South Africa’s MPAs and what they mean to the Youth.
MPA Day Rocky Shore Treasure Hunt
Time: 10.30am to 12pm
Venue: Dalebrook Tidal Pool, Kalk Bay
Wear: Non-slip shoes and waterproof or quick-drying clothing
Bring: Hat, sunscreen, water in a reusable bottle, and camera/cellphone
Join in this family-fun search for colourful anemones, split-fan kelp, spiky urchins, tiny sea stars, the odd octopus, and much more! Expert teams from Two Oceans Aquarium will lead the morning adventures. Everyone who adds their contact information to the registration form at the Treasure Hunt will be entered into an ocean-inspired lucky draw!
Info: https://www.aquarium.co.za/news/mpa-day-tidal-pool-treasure-hunt
(Image credit: Two Oceans Aquarium)
