“Research on visitors to uShaka Marine World revealed that only about half of the visitors knew what an MPA is”
On Tuesday, 1 August we will celebrate the 3rd annual MPA Day – and if you’re new to the concept, you’re in the right place. An MPA is a Marine Protected Area, sort of like a ‘game reserve of the sea’ where a pivotal part of the ocean is protected from overfishing and other activities to preserve marine life. Here are some interesting facts about MPAs, and some of the ways you can celebrate.
1. Did you know that South Africa has 41 MPAs, covering 5.4% of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ)? Our closest is iSimangaliso MPA which covers 1 328 901ha of marine and terrestrial land, while also earning the title of a World Heritage Site.
2. Approximately 8.2% of the world’s oceans are MPAs but, of these, less than 3% falls into zones that are fully or highly protected from the impacts of fishing.
3. In 2022, nearly 200 nations finalised the 30×30 global target to protect 30% of the world’s ocean and land areas by 2030. This landmark agreement is vital towards building a biodiverse, productive and resilient future.
4. MPAs are vital for climate change adaptation and maintaining the persistence and resilience of South Africa’s marine biodiversity.
5. MPAs contribute directly to human well-being through their roles in the local economy, tourism, education, emotional upliftment, research, and climate change resilience.
6. MPAs protect marine ecosystems, biodiversity, spawning and nursery areas for fish, and are insurance for healthy ocean economies.
7. South Africa has 10% of the world’s coral species, 261 endemic fish species, and 290 estuaries along the coastline. MPAs help protect different habitats, including coral and rocky reefs, kelp forests, rocky and sandy shores, estuaries and underwater canyons.
8. MPAs protect our sharks, rays and skates, with South Africa home to 16% of these species – many of which are threatened.
9. Resident older, larger female fish in MPAs produce more and healthier eggs than fish in other areas, contributing to a healthy ecosystem and job security in the fisheries sector.
10. There are around 2 000 fish species found in South African waters and 700 marine species are harvested.
MPA Day was founded by Dr Judy Mann, executive of strategic projects at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation. The team behind MPA Day, as well as a number of other organisations, are organising various talks and activities around the day. Get involved in MPA Day 2023 action by visiting www.mpaday.org for updated events and activities.
Join in the discussions around MPAs on Instagram @marineprotectedareassa, Twitter @MPAsSA1, Facebook Marine Protected Areas SA @MPASouthAfrica, YouTube MPA Day @mpaday2219, or LinkedIn MPA Day. Follow the hashtags #MPADay #letstalkMPAs.
Source: www.mpaday.org
