Campaign for MPAs

TRUE BLUE: Updated map of South Africa’s designated Marine Protected Areas. Photo SANBI

The campaign, which launches via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram (@marineprotectedareassa), has been driven by leading marine biologist, Dr Judy Mann, who is conservation strategist at the SA Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR).

Mann has mobilised a network of organisations in support of creating an MPA Day. So far, this includes SAAMBR, Two Oceans Aquarium, Dyer Island Conservation Trust, WildOceans, the Save Our Seas Foundation, Flow Communications, Olivia Jones Communications and the World Wildlife Fund – SA.

Mann says that as future ambassadors, children are key to the campaign as they remind us of the beauty we have forgotten and should be at the forefront of efforts to create an international day dedicated to conservation of critical ocean areas.

LITTLE FELLA: The puffadder shy shark is protected in Cape coastal MPAs. Photo Mark van Coller

On August 1, the above alliance will be the first, globally, to celebrate an MPA day as a way to educate and inspire others about the proper management of these protected spaces and to draw attention to the benefits MPAs provide. It’s all about creating partnerships to ensure marine life can thrive, reproduce and grow, said Mann.

So far, South Africa has proclaimed 42 MPAs. These aim to provide safe havens for animals and plants in the ocean, and support human communities who depend on the ocean for livelihood and survival.

“While many people are aware of the importance of terrestrial protected areas, such as nature reserves and game parks, few understand that the same level of protection can – and must – be afforded our ocean life as well,” said Mann, “These are effectively the ‘Kruger National Parks’ of the oceans and an investment in our own future well-being.”

MPAs are declared under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act and are the responsibility of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. On land, South Africa protects 7.8 percent of our land area, whereas in the ocean, it’s only 5 percent of the territory.

RARE FALLS: The Mkambathi Falls, one of few that drop directly into the sea. Photo Judy Mann

Here’s a look at some of the reasons to celebrate MPA Day on 1 August:

ENSURING BIODIVERSITY
MPAs protect a range of marine ecosystems which are home to rare or endangered species, as well as uniquely South African animals and plants that live nowhere else in the world. They protect critical nursery habitats for marine creatures and provide a space for resident fish species to increase in number and size, securing a vital food source for humans.

SUPPORTING ADJACENT FISHERIES
MPAs enable fish stocks to increase in size and abundance and, over time, these spill over into adjacent fished areas to improve catches for fisheries.

ENSURING HEALTHY MARINE ANIMALS
Through the establishment of MPAs, marine animals are genetically stronger, which means they can better adapt to changes in the ocean.

PROTECTING CULTURAL HERITAGE
The ocean is a revered space for cleansing, worship, inspiration and rejuvenation, and by protecting these spaces, traditional practices can continue, connecting present generations with cultural roots.

PROMOTING TOURISM
MPAs provide invaluable spaces for recreational activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, whale watching and turtle nesting, Some of the country’s MPAs are internationally-renowned dive sites, attracting tourists to the region.

OUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS
From pupils in foundation phase through to students at tertiary level, MPAs act as educational centers for learning in the environment, providing a direct connection to the natural world.

RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION
The pristine quality of these conservation areas, gives an idea of what nature looks like when not impacted by humans. This forms a solid foundation for research into the natural world and conservation techniques.

PROVIDES RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Healthy oceans absorb enormous amounts of carbon dioxide and are home to plant life that produces oxygen, helping to buffer humans from the effects of climate change. They also protect coastal communities from the devastating effects of rising sea levels.

WILDLIFE ECONOMY
The marine wildlife economy paves the way for sustainable job creation. The recreational benefits of MPAs – snorkelling, scuba diving and the like – provides employment in the tourism industry. The conservation side also creates jobs in the form of field rangers, park managers, hospitality and maintenance staff. The many jobs associated with fisheries also rely on healthy marine ecosystems.

MEDICALLY USEFUL
Marine-based animals use complex compounds to defend themselves, some of which can be extracted and used in the creation of drugs that may fight off viruses, bacteria and cancer cells.

FLIP: Humpback whales migrate through a number of our coastal MPAs. Photo Mike Rutzen

On plans to create World MPA Day, Mann said: “There are almost 140 different environmental days celebrated around the world. We have big international ones like Earth Day and Biodiversity Day, and many smaller days such as Day of the Seal and Penguin Awareness Day, but there are no days dedicated to raise awareness of Marine Protected Areas.”

“In our experience, awareness days can be powerful. In fact we, and many other organisations plan most communication activities around these days,” said Mann. “Our research in the aquarium showed us that 80% of our visitors could not name one MPA in South Africa. We hope that MPA Day will start a popular conversation that will help us to generate support for MPAs.”

And as one of the most passionate educators in the marine science field, Mann is particularly excited about mobilising children and youth behind the campaign: “On our regular excursions, I am inspired by the children, the excitement, their faces, the giggles, awe and wonder at marine life. It reminds me of fishing days with my dad when I was two-years-old,” said Mann.

Terry-Ann Beukes is an emerging writer enrolled for training with Roving Reporters. This story forms part of a biodiversity reporting project supported by Youth4MPAS and the Earth Journalism Network. For further information visit www.marineprotectedareas.org.za and www.rovingreporters.co.za