Epic walk for ocean conservation on South Coast
During this time, they engaged beachgoers about MPAs and recorded wildlife sightings.
Ocean conservationists across the globe, and Wild Alliance Africa celebrated yet another epic Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day this month.
On the South Coast, scientists, ocean advocates, residents and conservation partners focused on Aliwal Shoal MPA, a Mission Blue Hope Spot near Scottburgh, with a 32km walk from Happy Wanderers Beach to Illovo River.
This was completed by local conservationists Mark O’Connor, Hein Labuschagne, Steven Green and Russel Symcox (Wild Alliance Africa founder).
Joining the team along the way and providing much-needed support were Rune van Zyl (Clansthal), Chris Brown (Kloof), Chris and Jenny Hatton (Clansthal), Claire Taylor (Scottburgh) and Jeff Maulin (Clansthal).
During this time, they engaged beachgoers about MPAs and recorded wildlife sightings.
Offshore, surfski paddler Barry Lewin (Ballito) mirrored the route, spotting dolphins, a turtle and whale; while Julian Taylor (Widenham) (Ocean Warriors founder) swam about 5km from Scottburgh to Clansthal Conservancy under the Green Point Lighthouse.
Dr Ryan Daly of the Oceanographic Research Institute in Durban, who assisted in the creation of the free digital MPA maps for South Africa, was part of the day’s team.
“It’s a great day to highlight the diversity of MPAs in South Africa and connect to a global stage that recognises the value of MPAs worldwide,” he said.
After the successful event, Symcox said that while the strong southerly winds and massive swells hampered some of the planned activities, it’s important that people make every day MPA Day to hit the 30×30 target of conserving at least 30% of the land and ocean areas by 2030.
“Thanks to everyone who came out to support, and we hope that the information shared will make an impact on protecting this and many other MPAs,” added Symcox.
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