Exhibition at uShaka to raise awareness
SAAMBR launched a new exhibit to celebrate ocean heritage and showcase the 22 new Marine Protected Areas proposed for South Africa.
THE South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) is launching a new exhibition at uShaka Marine World to emphasise the importance of protected water areas for people and nature.
A Marine Protected Area (MPA) is an area of coastline or ocean that is specially protected so that marine life can thrive, reproduce and grow.
In a recent survey only 10 per cent of visitors to uShaka Sea World could name one of South Africa’s MPAs.
This exhibit will help visitors to learn more about and understand these valuable areas in need of protection.
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Currently only 0.4 per cent of South Africa’s ocean territory is protected.
In KZN the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area and the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area protect critical biodiversity along the shore.
This means that critical habitats, such as canyons and corals that are hundreds of years old, endemic fish found nowhere else in the world and unique gathering places for sharks, among other unique features, are currently vulnerable to fishing and mining pressures.
SAAMBR CEO Dr Larry Oellermann explains, “MPAs are one of the best ways we have to protect the marine environment. An environment that must be protected.”
Find a list of the MPAs here.
For more info contact Ann Kunz on 031 328 8152
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