Marine Protected Areas Day celebrates ocean conservation efforts

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, an MPA is a clearly defined geographical space, managed to achieve long-term conservation of nature and associated ecosystem services. South Africa, with 42 MPAs covering 5% of its coastal waters, exemplifies the commitment to protecting marine habitats. These areas, ranging from the Orange Shelf Edge near Namibia to iSimangaliso on the Mozambique border, include unique features like an underwater canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon and a 30-meter tall cold-water coral reef.

Managed by the Department of Environment, Forestry & Fisheries, along with local authorities such as SANParks and CapeNature, South Africa’s MPAs aim to preserve unique habitats and support the recovery of commercially important fish species. MPA Day encourages public appreciation for these “game reserves of the sea,” emphasising their role in supporting biodiversity, the fishing industry, cultural heritage, tourism, research, and climate change mitigation.