The inaugural Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day, held on 1 August 2021, was a major success with the national event now set to go global in 2022.
On this day, these “game reserves of the sea” will be celebrated with a number of exciting activities planned at home and abroad, said Dr Judy Mann, Executive of Strategic Projects of the Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation.
“We are very excited about this year’s MPA Day which will be celebrated across the world.” Why are MPAs important?
South Africa has 41 MPAs which make up only 5,4% of the ocean and coast.
In the same way that nature and game reserves protect the terrestrial plants and animals, MPAs serve to protect the ocean’s inhabitants, several which are threatened with extinction. MPAs play a significant role in the protection of spawning and nursery areas that allow for resource recovery to counteract rampant overfishing. They provide safe havens for marine life to thrive and mature into adulthood.
Some of the other benefits of these valuable ocean areas include:. Providing a home to rare and endangered species thereby ensuring marine biodiversity.. Allowing fish stocks to increase in size and abundance, supporting adjacent fisheries.. Protecting cultural heritage connected to the ocean.. Providing beautiful spaces for recreational activities, thereby promoting tourism.. Providing educational centres for environmental learning.. Providing a solid foundation for researching the natural world.. Absorbing enormous amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to create a buffer against climate change.. Creating a marine wildlife economy for sustainable job creation. How can you celebrate MPA Day?
This year, marine scientists will join youth groups onshore to explore South Africa’s MPAs.
There will be an MPA Day Essay and Art Competition for children run by the Youth4MPAs collective.
. Join in the discussions around MPAs on Instagram @marineprotectedareassa, Twitter @MPAsSA1 or Facebook Marine Protected Areas SA (@MPASouthAfrica). For more information about South Africa’s MPAs, visit https://www.marineprotectedareas.org.za/.