Since its inception in South Africa two years ago, Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day has grown to include several global activities as the world acknowledges and celebrates the importance of healthy marine ecosystems. This year, everyone is invited to show their love for the ocean by participating in the many fantastic activities taking place on MPA Day (Tuesday, 1 August) and extending throughout the week.

“Whether you live by the sea or further inland, the health of the ocean impacts you because, without a healthy ocean, there is no life on Earth,” explained Dr Judy Mann, Founder of MPA Day, and the Executive of Strategic Projects at The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation. “MPAs are a vital component of ocean health, yet there’s still not enough known about these important ‘game reserves of the sea’ which is why we’re organising a range of talks and activities this year which will cater to all interests!”

Mann said they are especially excited to see several events for pupils and teachers this year with some lucky pupils getting the chance to visit shores and experience the amazing marine life with Adventure Mania in Sodwana Bay.  NRF-SAEON’s (National Research Foundation – South African Environmental Network) Egagasini Node will also be conducting workshops and community meetings addressing the National Science Week 2023 theme Transforming Lives through Evidence-based Science. The engagement and dialogues will celebrate and create awareness of MPAs with audiences from both near coast and inland, school groups, and communities.

For those who reside near the coast, there are several seaside activities suited to families, ocean lovers, and sports enthusiasts. And, for those who can’t attend in person, the MPA Day organisers are hosting a number of virtual tours and online talks to keep users engaged. The public is encouraged to check local media, including social media, for locally organised events.

MPA Day: Tuesday, 1 August

Twitter Chat

Time: 12pm to 1pm

Handle: @MPAsSA1

Virtual Tour featuring various MPAs

Time: 4pm to 5pm

You will have a chance to explore MPAs around South Africa during this virtual tour featuring various MPAs – from Betty’s Bay and the Table Mountain MPA to Aliwal Shoal and the Isimangaliso MPA.  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsc-qqqDIqHdCBoCqx7bprDZkDcfGyHi9c 

Marine Parks and Reserve Unit (MPRU) Tanzania Virtual Meeting

Time: 9am

Info: This is a Zoom meeting to celebrate MPAs for people.

Details: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5474736214?pwd=UDI1UkhoREJYeW1uTUIveTZwRmN3QT09 

Meeting ID: 547 473 6214

Passcode: mpru2023

Webinar for Recreational Anglers

Time: 7pm

An informative webinar aimed at recreational anglers who have an interest in learning more about MPAs – and who want to ask the scientists and managers some questions.

Register here or visit https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DIL8RbCoRnOGwFCSqB3cxQ#/registration 

Kelp Night

Time: 6.30pm for 7pm

Venue: Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront

Price: R195 available online

Kelp Night welcomes three incredible speakers who will share their unique perspectives on the science, beauty, and value of the kelp forests of local Marine Protected Areas. Guests are in for a kelptastic treat as The Kelp Shack and Blackwood Spirits will join to share some unique kelp-based canapes and cocktails during the interval! A cash bar will be available with light meals for purchase. Limited seats available.

Book: https://shop.aquarium.co.za/events 

Info: https://www.aquarium.co.za/news/kelp-night 

Ocean Festival activities around Aliwal Shoal MPA

Time: 6am to 2pm

Venue: Scottburgh Beach, KZN South Coast

Info: @theoceanfestival on Instagram and @theoceanfestival on Facebook

Ocean Festival is hosting several Scottburgh-based activities including a beach walk, beach clean-up, surfski paddle, and research sample collection. These will take place around the Aliwal Shoal MPA, one of the world’s top 10 dive sites.

Thursday, 3 August

Leadership for Conservation in Africa

Time: 7pm

Don’t miss this informative online talk by Dr Judy Mann, Founder of MPA Day, and the Executive of Strategic Projects at The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.

Info: https://lcafrica.org/events/ 

Chronicles of the Coast

Dates: 3, 4, 7, 8 August

Info: CapeNature will be broadcasting the four-part video series Chronicles of the Coast which will include topics such as partnerships, the use of science for coastal and marine conservation, combatting crime within the marine environment, and the Betty’s Bay marine protected area.

Saturday, 5 August

Youth4MPAs film screening, discussion and reflection

Youth4MPAs will be holding a short-film screening of Empatheatre's Lalela uLwandle (Listen to the Ocean), an open discussion and reflection on South Africa's MPAs and what they mean to the Youth.

MPA Day Rocky Shore Treasure Hunt

Time: 10.30am to 12pm

Venue: Dalebrook Tidal Pool, Kalk Bay

Wear: Non-slip shoes and waterproof or quick-drying clothing

Bring: Hat, sunscreen, water in a reusable bottle, and camera/cellphone

Join in this family-fun search for colourful anemones, split-fan kelp, spiky urchins, tiny sea stars, the odd octopus, and much more! Expert teams from Two Oceans Aquarium will lead the morning adventures. Everyone who adds their contact information to the registration form at the Treasure Hunt will be entered into an ocean-inspired lucky draw!

Info: https://www.aquarium.co.za/news/mpa-day-tidal-pool-treasure-hunt

Get involved in the 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, TikTok @mpa.sa or LinkedIn MPA Day. Follow the hashtags #MPADay #letstalkMPAs.

The partners involved in MPA Day are Two Oceans Aquarium, Flow Communications, Olivia Jones Communications, WildOceans (a programme of WildTrust), WWF-SA, I am Water, Cape Nature, SAEON-NRF, Adventure Mania and the SAAMBR.