As the 3rd MPA (Marine Protected Areas) Day celebrations conclude, it’s time to honour the dynamic women who have committed their lives to protect the ocean and its inhabitants. This Women’s Day, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the MPA Day women who are educating people about ocean health to ensure the survival of marine life and the planet.

Dr Judy Mann, Founder of MPA Day, and the Executive of Strategic Projects at The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation

Q: What work do you do in MPAs/for MPAs?

I do research, with a focus on the social effectiveness of MPAs. Our research has shown the critical role that local community support plays in MPA governance, and we are exploring better ways for communities to benefit from MPAs. I also study the impact of awareness-raising campaigns, to that we can better communicate about MPAs. I am passionate about raising awareness and building support for MPAs so I design communication campaigns and exhibits, facilitate workshops and since 2021 I have co-ordinated MPA Day. MPA Day has been one of the most exciting and fulfilling campaigns that I have been involved in – because of the passion and hard work of our tiny team!

Q: Why do you do what you do? What drives you to keep going?

My love for the ocean started at an early age – fishing with my dad in the Eastern Cape. I am passionate about the ocean and I believe that MPAs are one of the best tools in the conservation toolkit to protect the ocean for current and future generations. My husband Bruce Mann inspires me daily – his passion for MPAs is infectious!

Q: What is your hope for MPAs and ocean protection?

For ocean protection, I would love everyone to appreciate the value of the ocean – to act as though their lives depended on the ocean – because our lives do depend on the ocean. I would love to see a complete shift in society's values – from consumerism– to a gentler, kinder world in which we value each other and nature. For MPAs, I hope to see communities around the world deciding to set aside parts of the ocean as protected areas – and then defending those areas with appropriate government support.

Q: What is the one thing you would like people to do about MPAs?

Learn more about them, work with others to share that knowledge and build community support for MPAs. I would also like us to see how we can engage and empower communities close to MPAs to gain greater benefits from the MPAs. And I would love everyone to obey the regulations in MPAs.

Q: What is your favourite marine species, and why?

I love the Seventyfour fish – it is a fish that gives me hope. By the 1960s this species had been fished to economic extinction – now, after 24 years of protection, the population is recovering. This shows me that if we protect nature and give it a chance, it can bounce back.

Q: What is your favourite MPA and why?

The Tsitsikamma MPA is my favourite – it is where my husband and I first connected – and it is our oldest MPA. It shows the value of old, no-take MPAs for nature and people.

Di Martin, Graphic Designer at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

Q: What work do you do in MPAs/for MPAs?

I am a graphic designer working for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife supporting educators and community conservation staff. I develop awareness and educational resources in line with conservation campaigns running in the organisation and with stakeholders like WildLands, SAAMBR, and ORI.

Q: Why do you do what you do? What drives you to keep going?

I am fortunate to have a career I love in conservation and can, through my work, encourage adults and children to appreciate and conserve the natural environment.

Q: If you had a superpower, what would be the one thing you would do for marine conservation?

If I had a superpower, I would make plastic biodegradable.

Q: What is the one thing you would like people to do about MPAs?

RESPECT is a very powerful word - respect the amazing life, the habitats, the food sources that are found in MPAs and the people that work to protect MPAs, that depend on MPAs.

Q: What is your favourite marine species and why?

The nudibranchs! ‘Flowers’ of the ocean.

Q: What is your favourite MPA and why?

iSimangaliso, but only because it is the MPA I have explored and dived in the most. I can't wait to move closer to the sea again (I am in Pietermaritzburg) and explore the MPAs in the Cape.

Dr Alison Kock, Marine Biologist at SANParks

Q: What work do you do in MPAs/for MPAs?

As a marine biologist at SANParks, I use science to enhance MPA management. I actively research and monitor our MPAs' health and make scientific knowledge readily available and accessible to guide informed decisions and implement sustainable conservation practices. My role bridges gaps between scientists, rangers, managers, and policymakers. This collaborative approach ensures that the latest scientific findings are integrated into the management strategies of our MPAs. By optimising the management of these protected areas, we can safeguard the health and diversity of marine life, conserving the nature-based and socio-economic benefits of MPAs for current and future generations.

Q: Why do you do what you do? What drives you to keep going?

I have always felt connected to the sea. My fondest memories include exploring rocky shores as a child, catching crayfish and abalone as a teenager, spending years on the ocean studying great white sharks, and most recently, being at sea monitoring MPAs with rangers and students. My ocean experiences have brought me immense joy, and personal and professional value. I aspire to contribute to securing the health of our oceans and marine wildlife, ensuring that future generations can experience the same stimulating experiences. I firmly believe that well-managed MPAs hold the key to achieving this goal.

Q: If you had a superpower, what would be the one thing you would do for marine conservation?

If I had a superpower, it would be to inspire people to care deeply for MPAs and marine wildlife, just as they do for the Kruger National Park and rhinos. Imagine this: when people see photos of rhinos, elephants, or lions, my superpower will transform these animals into abalone, red steenbras, or puffadder shy sharks – highlighting their identical threatened status and significance. With this ability, I could foster the same appreciation and concern for our oceans and marine life as we have for iconic terrestrial protected areas and wildlife.

Q: What is the one thing you would like people to do about MPAs?

The one thing I want people to do is to identify and recognise their numerous benefits and share this information. By spreading awareness about the importance of MPAs, we can collectively support biodiversity conservation, promote sustainable fisheries, protect coastal ecosystems, preserve our cultural heritage and promote nature-based recreational and tourism opportunities. Sharing these benefits can inspire more individuals to take action and contribute to the conservation of our oceans.

Q: What is your favourite marine species and why?

Sharks and rays are special in my heart, from the iconic white shark to the small local cat sharks. Over a quarter of sharks and rays are threatened with extinction, and MPAs provide habitat and species protection. A recent study I collaborated on produced distribution maps for 87 shark and ray species in South Africa, identifying important conservation areas for sharks and rays in the context of existing MPAs, and recommendations for strengthening regulations, as well as new places that should be considered in MPA expansion strategies to conserve these species. 

Q: What is your favourite MPA and why?

If I had to choose just one, my favourite would be the Namaqua National Park MPA. Located in the Northern Cape near Hondeklipbaai, it captivates me with its unique balance of beauty and ruggedness. Serving as a hope spot for the Northern Cape, this MPA offers a sanctuary where beaches, dunes, rocky shores, and kelp forests hold countless secrets waiting to be discovered. Each year I am fortunate to conduct surveys in this MPA. Exploring its pristine coastline feels like stepping back in time, providing a glimpse of what the marine world looked like thousands of years ago and what it can look like if we take care of it.

Jade Garridigan, Project Coordinator of the South African Marine Protected Area Network - SAMPAN at World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Q: What work do you do in MPAs/for MPAs?

I work as the project coordinator of the South African Marine Protected Area Network - SAMPAN at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The project is aimed at improving management effectiveness throughout the MPA management agencies in South Africa, via various training initiatives. We also engage with coastal communities in and around MPAs, supporting the government with the GBF 30 X30 targets – specifically marine expansion in addition to being the platform, through the annual MPA Forum, for role-players in the MPA space to engage and collaborate.

Q: Why do you do what you do? What drives you to keep going?

The ocean has always played a special role in my life and holds a lot of spiritual meaning for my family and me. Growing up, my toes were in the sand and water before I could walk! What drives me to keep going is doing as much as I can to ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and peacefulness that the ocean brought and continues to bring to me. Being a part of the WWF organisation and my role in the SAMPAN project allows me to touch base with various key stakeholders in the sector, observing the passion and motivation in my encounters encourages me to push the agenda for marine conservation.

Q: If you had a superpower, what would be the one thing you would do for marine conservation?

If I had one superpower that could influence marine conservation, I would want to be able to absorb all the plastic in the oceans and convert it into energy that could feed into power generators to supply electricity to the world. No plastic in the ocean AND no load-shedding – A DREAM!

Q: What is the one thing you would like people to do about MPAs?

Awareness. South Africa has 41 MPAs, and many people do not know of their existence or purpose. By spreading knowledge and the importance of MPAs, it can add value to the area, as well as possibly influence positive change in terms of behaviour or attitude towards these regions.

Q: What is your favourite marine species and why?

Out of the many marine species that I love, a unique favourite is the Leaf Sheep Sea Slug (Costasiella kuroshimae). The species has the ability called kleptoplasty, which is the process of retaining algae chloroplasts (specialised structures for photosynthesis) after consumption. This allows the slug to convert light energy into food, therefore the species blurs the line between animal and plant life in the ocean. Also, they are CUTE!

Q: What is your favourite MPA and why?

Betty’s Bay MPA is my favourite. The green mountainous region on one side and the vast ocean on the other is a spectacular view that I wish more could lay their eyes on. Another feature of the MPA which adds to it being my favourite is that as you are admiring the ocean view - you could also encounter the endangered African penguins roaming around!

Helen Lockhart, Conservation & Sustainability Manager, Two Oceans Aquarium

Q: What work do you do in MPAs/for MPAs?

I am part of the MPA Day team that conceptualises, plans and carries out the activities and communications for MPA Day. MPAs are part of the broader work I do at the Two Oceans Aquarium in terms of creating awareness around the ocean through exhibits, signage, online communication, and campaigns. I was thrilled when Judy asked me to join the MPA Day team as it is an opportunity to work with other passionate ocean advocates, learn more and be inspired!

Q: Why do you do what you do? What drives you to keep going?

I feel a deep connection to the ocean and all of nature. It is my only home and part of my extended family. It is what gives me life. Although I grew up far away from the sea it has been an integral part of my life for the past thirty years as not only do I now live close to it, but I also work in the field of ocean conservation. The plants and animals of the marine realm continually astound me and teach me new things. I am also inspired by the many people who have dedicated their lives to protecting the ocean.

Q: If you had a superpower, what would be the one thing you would do for marine conservation?

In the words of the poet Mary Oliver, I would want people to “Pay attention. / Be astonished. / Tell about it.”

She also said that ‘attention is the beginning of devotion’. In our distracted, fast-paced, materialistic world we have forgotten what it means to slow down, to truly pay attention and to feel connected to other life forms around us.

Q: What is the one thing you would like people to do about MPAs?

Explore them, learn about them, and tell others about them. I would like all voices to be heard and to see all communities working to care for our ocean for the benefit of all life.

Q: What is your favourite marine species and why?

Not an easy choice as there are so many! If I had to choose it would be the puffadder shyshark (Haploblepharus edwardsii), also known as “Happy Eddie”. This little shark is endemic to our coast so it is proudly South African. It hatches out of an egg case called a mermaid’s purse and has the most beautiful, mesmerising eyes. When threatened, it curls its tail over its eyes. This vulnerability is a reminder that all sharks, and indeed all forms of life, face ongoing challenges to survive. As humans, we have the power to make better choices and to change our behaviour positively for the benefit of every living being.

Q: What is your favourite MPA and why?

The Table Mountain National Park MPA is my favourite because it is literally on my doorstep and the animals and plants living in it are my wild neighbours. I love spending time in the MPA - snorkelling, kayaking, exploring rock pools, boogie boarding, and doing beach cleanups - and when I do, my soul sings!

What is MPA Day?

The inaugural Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day was held on 1 August 2021 in South Africa to celebrate these ‘game reserves of the sea’ with several exciting activities planned at home and abroad. MPA Day, which is now an annual celebration, helps people collectively appreciate the value of MPAs and how they benefit humans and the incredible marine biodiversity they are designed to protect. 

To find out more about MPA Day, visit www.mpaday.org. Keep updated by following 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.