Hope Spot strengthens ocean conservation

The Mission Blue NPO has just announced the re-launch of Aliwal Shoal (Umkomaas) as a Hope Spot.

World-famous oceanographer Dr Sylvia Earle founded the NPO to protect the ocean from pollution, climate change and other threats, and Hope Spots were created as one of the initiatives to achieve this by establishing special places that are scientifically identified as critical to the health of the ocean – championed by local conservationists.

Aliwal Shoal is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the KZN and is also a Marine Protected Area.

Russel Symcox, a local resident and Founder of Wild Alliance Africa will take the helm as the new ‘Champion’ to continue protecting the biodiverse Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot.

Symcox and his wife, Olivia (a renowned local conservationist), were both part of the initial launch of the Hope Spot in 2014 and have been championing the cause of ocean protection for more than a decade.

“I’m honoured to have been awarded the role of Champion of the Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot, and I look forward to finding ways to expose the wonders and importance of this Hope Spot to our local communities,” said Symcox.

“It’s vital that we find ways to celebrate this MPA collectively, to showcase the incredible benefits of ocean conservation for every sector of the community, so that we’re united in our vision for the Aliwal Shoal MPA and the Hope Spot.”

He also acknowledged the input of many other dedicated individuals who have been involved with the Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot since its launch.

Among them are Dr Tony Ribbink, Dr Bruce Mann, Dr Judy Mann, Walter Bernadis, Ivan Van Heerden, Sam Ndlovu of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Odette Williams, as well as the Clansthal Conservancy and several local community members and groups.

Aliwal Shoal is also a popular place to visit for the annual Sardine Run.

The waters around Aliwal Shoal also serve as a migration route for tens of thousands of humpback whales and the occasional southern right whale, which can be seen from June to November.

Aliwal Shoal is not only a popular location for divers but also for surfers and ocean paddlers.

This marine ecosystem and the diverse species it supports are vital to both tourism and the regional economy.
The area also faces significant pressure from human activity, such as overfishing, illegal fishing and poaching, which continue to undermine conservation efforts, while commercial and industrial pollution also jeopardize the health of the region’s estuarine and marine ecosystems.

To mitigate these threats, the Aliwal Shoal (MPA) was established in 1991 and later expanded in 2018. This MPA includes no-take zones and restricted areas to safeguard its rich ecosystems. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of law enforcement in the area, despite the establishment of protected areas such as the Green Point Inshore Restricted Zone (GPIRZ) and the Crown Offshore Restricted Zone (CORZ).

Aliwal Shoal MPA also forms part of the annual MPA Day celebrations on August 1.

The Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot aims to strengthen the conservation efforts in this ecologically vital area, ensuring that its diverse marine life is preserved for future generations.

“With a focus on preserving its extraordinary biodiversity, the re-launch of Aliwal Shoal as a Mission Blue Hope Spot underscores the need for ongoing collaboration between government, conservation organizations and local communities to safeguard this invaluable marine treasure for future generations,” added Symcox.

To get involved with the Aliwal Hope Spot or find out more about partnership opportunities, contact Russel@wildallianceafrica.org.

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