South African-born MPA Day Makes a Global Splash with Record-Breaking 2026 Celebrations

What began as a South African initiative has become one of the world's fastest-growing ocean conservation movements, with 2026 the biggest celebration of MPA Day yet! Held annually on 1 August and now officially endorsed as a United Nations Ocean Decade Activity, this celebration of Marine Protected Areas (nature reserves of the sea) plays a vital role in protecting the ocean – and ultimately the planet.

“Last year we hoped for 50 activities to celebrate MPA Day. Over 100 activities took place around the world. This year I secretly hoped that we would reach the same number. I was thrilled to see that in 2026 we had even more celebrations, and we know that more are still to come!” said Dr Judy Mann-Lang, from the Two Oceans Aquarium and Founder of MPA Day.

“I would like to say an enormous ‘thank-you’ to every single person who organised an activity - I know how much work goes into the planning and running for these events. Thanks to those who participated and to those who shared their stories. This year we saw an increasing number of people sharing the importance and value of MPAs for ocean protection. This MPA Day we truly saw human connection in action for the ocean.”

MPA Day Celebrations Across South Africa

South Africa once again led the celebrations, with activities taking place across many of the country's Marine Protected Areas. This is a selection of just some of the many activities that took place locally – with more celebrated across the ocean!

Along the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife introduced learners to the rich biodiversity of the uThukela Marine Protected Area. In Sodwana Bay in the iSimangaliso MPA, Adventure Mania and the Maputaland Hope Spot organised fun runs, marine conservation lessons, rocky shore explorations, beach clean-ups and creative ocean-themed activities.

Over on the KZN South Coast, Wild Alliance Africa and the Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot hosted a 33km beach walk, guided scuba dives, snorkelling excursions, citizen science activities, and a screening of the Mission Blue documentary centred around Aliwal Shoal MPA.

Across the Western Cape and Garden Route, celebrations showcased the diversity of ways people can connect with the ocean. Nature's Valley Trust introduced primary school learners to MPAs through guided rocky shore explorations, while Conserve Eden hosted educational hikes at Robberg Nature Reserve.

Around Cape Town, the Two Oceans Aquarium welcomed families to discover the fascinating life of the rocky shore, the I AM WATER Foundation led community snorkels through the Great African Seaforest, Trail Freedivers explored Water's Edge Beach, Ocean Pledge took people kayaking in False Bay, Save a Fishie organised a beach clean-up supporting the Robben Island MPA, Cape RADD organised a snorkelling activity, and Guardians of the Deep completed their Swim for Life fundraising initiative across the Table Mountain and Robben Island MPAs.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, Dr Mann-Lang said the success of MPA Day extends far beyond a single day on the calendar: “While we're already excited about what MPA Day 2027 might look like, our goal has always been much bigger than one annual celebration.

“We want MPA Day to inspire a global movement that continues throughout the year. Whether you reduce plastic pollution, support sustainable seafood, volunteer at a beach clean-up, educate others, contribute to research or simply spend time appreciating the ocean - every action matters. If each of us commits to doing something positive for our ocean between now and next year's MPA Day, together we can create lasting change for future generations.”

Keep Updated on all MPA Day Activities

Visit www.MPADay.org for upcoming events and activitiesCheck out the MPA Day videos on YouTubeFollow Marine Protected Areas Day on InstagramFollow @MPASouthAfrica on FacebookFollow MPA Day on LinkedIn

MPA Day FAQs

1.       What is MPA Day?Marine Protected Area (MPA) Day is celebrated annually on 1 August to raise awareness of the importance of Marine Protected Areas in protecting marine biodiversity, supporting sustainable fisheries, strengthening climate resilience and connecting people with the ocean.

2.       Why is the United Nations endorsement significant?MPA Day is officially endorsed as a United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (Ocean Decade) Activity, recognising its contribution to global ocean conservation, collaboration and public awareness while helping expand the movement internationally.

3.       Can I support MPA Day throughout the year?Absolutely. Ocean conservation doesn't end on 1 August. Supporting sustainable seafood, reducing plastic waste, participating in citizen science, joining local clean-ups, sharing ocean knowledge and visiting Marine Protected Areas responsibly are all ways to contribute year-round.