SA Marks Marine Protectors Day with Call to Safeguard Ocean Heritage

As South Africa joined the global community in observing Marine Protectors Day, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, issued a heartfelt call for all South Africans to take action in preserving the country's marine ecosystems. The commemoration, held on Friday, serves not only as a celebration of those protecting marine environments but also as a national call to action in the face of growing environmental pressures.

A National Commitment to Ocean Stewardship

“Our oceans are not just scenic coastlines or holiday destinations—they are the very lifeblood of biodiversity, food security, and the livelihoods of our coastal communities,” said Minister George. “Whether through reducing plastic waste, supporting sustainable seafood choices, or participating in coastal clean-up initiatives, every action counts. Together, we can ensure that our oceans remain vibrant and thriving for generations to come.”

Marine Protectors Day has become a symbolic moment in South Africa’s environmental calendar, acknowledging the dedication of marine rangers, scientists, enforcement officers, coastal communities, and NGOs who work tirelessly to protect marine biodiversity.

The Minister paid special tribute to these unsung heroes, stating: “On Marine Protectors Day, we celebrate the rangers, scientists, enforcement officers, and community members who work relentlessly to preserve our marine resources for future generations.”

South Africa’s Ocean Economy and Conservation Priorities

South Africa's marine environment stretches over 2,800 kilometers of coastline, encompassing three oceans and a diverse range of marine habitats. This marine wealth plays a critical role in the Blue Economy, contributing to fisheries, tourism, transport, and coastal livelihoods.

Minister George highlighted that marine conservation is not just an ecological imperative but also a strategic economic concern. “South Africa’s oceans are a cornerstone of our natural heritage, supporting millions of lives and driving economic growth through sustainable fisheries, tourism, and conservation initiatives.”

Key Achievements in Marine Conservation

Under the leadership of Dr George, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has implemented several impactful initiatives aimed at strengthening the protection and sustainable use of South Africa’s marine resources:

• 36% increase in fishing allocations for small-scale fishers on appeal, improving livelihoods in historically marginalised communities.

• Enhanced anti-poaching enforcement to tackle the illegal harvesting and trade of marine species, including high-value species like abalone.

• Development of draft management plans for the Benguela Muds and Cape Canyon Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)—key biodiversity zones.

• Strengthening the Marine Protected Area (MPA) network, which serves as critical sanctuaries for species like the African Penguin, helping bolster the resilience of marine ecosystems under stress from climate change and human activities.

These developments underscore the DFFE’s commitment to balancing environmental protection with socio-economic development, especially in vulnerable coastal areas.

Advancing International Commitments

The Minister reaffirmed South Africa’s pledge to expand and improve its network of MPAs, aligning national efforts with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted at COP15 in 2022. This framework sets global biodiversity targets, including the commitment to protect 30% of the planet’s land and sea areas by 2030.

“Our Marine Protected Areas are sanctuaries for marine life, providing safe havens for species like the African Penguin and supporting the resilience of our coastal ecosystems,” said Minister George.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Action

Looking ahead, the DFFE plans to intensify its collaborative work with key national institutions and stakeholders. These include:

• The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), for ecosystem research and biodiversity assessments.

• The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), for marine safety and regulatory enforcement.

• Community-based organisations and private sector partners in efforts to combat marine pollution, overfishing, and marine environmental crime.

The department is also exploring innovative policies to reduce plastic leakage into marine ecosystems and improve waste management in coastal towns, as pollution remains one of the most persistent threats to marine health.

A Call to All South Africans

Minister George concluded by calling on citizens across the country—whether inland or coastal—to recognise their role in protecting South Africa’s marine legacy.

“Environmental protection is not the responsibility of government alone. It is a collective duty,” he said. “By making mindful choices in how we consume, dispose, and engage with nature, we each play a role in shaping a sustainable future for our oceans and the generations who will depend on them.”

On Marine Protectors Day, South Africa honours the individuals who stand on the frontline of marine conservation while renewing its national commitment to a thriving, sustainable ocean economy that benefits people and the planet alike.