In celebration of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day, ocean lovers headed to Scottburgh Main Beach on Sunday, July 31 in support of Aliwal Shoal to celebrate the top 10 marine protected areas countrywide, as global recognition grows for these life-giving ‘game reserves of the sea’.
The event opened with an insightful talk on the importance of MPAs to ecosystems and local communities led by Dr Bruce Mann, a senior scientist at the Oceanographic Research Institute (SAAMBR).
The spotlight was shone on ecotourism with the diving community coming out in full force, gathering at the backline with surfers and other ocean lovers for a paddle out to celebrate MPAs.
Dive operators that showed their support for MPA Day included Mokarran Dive Charters, Mako Adventures, Oceans Alive Boat Rides, ScubaXcursions and Travel to Dive.-
A highlight was also the attendance of the Station 39 Rocky Bay NSRI crew.
Bruce Mann said the shoal is special because it is one of the top dive sites in South Africa. Its reef complex has a magnificent diversity of marine life. “The MPA will help to make sure that our grandchildren can enjoy the treasures of the ocean in the future,” added Mann.
Dr Ryan Daly, also from the institute, agreed stating that the shoal MPA presents a marine oasis for many threatened and endemic species along the coast.
“It is particularly important for many shark and ray species that aggregate there every year. Its diversity, beauty and uniqueness make it one of my favourite dive sites in South Africa,” he said.
In addition to being a home to a variety of marine life and a cleaning station for the highly endangered shortfin devil rays, Aliwal Shoal has also been identified as a Hope Spot by Mission Blue, a scientific recognition that this space is critical to the health of the ocean.
Because of its status, there are many ecotourism, social and environmental benefits; it sustains fisheries by protecting the habitats of geelbek and dusky kob, with seasonal protection for spawning aggregations of threatened line-fish; It attracts tourism development association with the beautiful beaches, scuba diving tours and educational opportunities.
It also supports the shark diving ecotourism by preserving habitats for sharks to protect these iconic apex predators.
To support and find out more about MPAs such as Aliwal Shoal or to become part of the global climate crisis awareness movement, check out the social media pages: Instagram @marineprotectedareassa, Twitter @MPAsSA1 or Facebook Marine Protected Areas SA (@MPASouthAfrica) following the hashtags #MPADay #LetsTalkMPAs #MPAs #MarineProtectedArea; or visit www.marineprotectedareas.org.za
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