[DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA] – Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot - one of South Africa’s most famous dive sites, a key tourism attraction, and a Marine Protected Area (MPA) - is located just 50 km south of Durban and 5 km off the coast of Umkomaas on the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) South Coast.

Originally designated in 2014 as part of a suite of South African Hope Spots, Mission Blue is pleased to announce the re-launch in February 2025 of Aliwal Shoal as a Hope Spot. World-renowned oceanographer, Dr Sylvia Earle, founded the Mission Blue NPO to protect the ocean from pollution, climate change, and other threats. Hope Spots were created as one of the initiatives to achieve this by establishing special places that are scientifically identified as critical to the health of the ocean - championed by local conservationists.

Congratulations to Russel Symcox, local resident and Founder of Wild Alliance Africa, who will take the helm as the new Champion to continue protecting the biodiverse Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot. Symcox and his wife, Olivia, a renowned local conservationist, were both part of the initial launch of the Hope Spot in 2014, and have been championing the cause of ocean protection for more than a decade.

Dr. Sylvia Earle, Founder of Mission Blue, says, “South Africa as a country has committed to protection of 30% of the land and 30% of the ocean, so we're really looking forward to seeing how Mission Blue with the Hope Spot initiative can help work with the government and of course with the people, to reach that goal.”

As internationally recognized sites of conservation, Hope Spots are key to attracting eco-tourism to an area. Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) - the district-wide entity mandated with attracting visitors and investors to the region - said: “This is a fantastic addition to our tourism assets on the KZN South Coast which includes 3 MPAs and the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province. We are proud to have Russel Symcox drive this Hope Spot in his role as Champion, and encourage our local businesses and tourism operators to leverage this newly launched tourism site by tagging the Hope Spot in marketing and communication.”

This Indian Ocean rocky reef lies along the inner edge of the Agulhas Current, a tropical current that supports a rich variety of marine life. The reef is geologically formed from submerged, fossilized sand dunes, and is home to an astonishing diversity of tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate marine species including corals, reef fish, turtles, dolphins and shark species, including seasonal aggregations of the ragged-tooth, tiger, and black tip sharks.

“I’m honoured to have been awarded the role of Champion of the Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot, and I look forward to finding ways to expose the wonders and importance of this Hope Spot to our local communities,” commented Russel Symcox. “It’s vital that we find ways to celebrate this MPA collectively, to showcase the incredible benefits of ocean conservation for every sector of the community, so that we’re united in our vision for the Aliwal Shoal MPA and the Hope Spot.”

He also acknowledged the input of many other dedicated individuals who have been involved with the Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot since its launch. Among them are Dr Tony Ribbink, Dr Bruce Mann, Dr Judy Mann, Walter Bernadis, Ivan Van Heerden, Sam Ndlovu of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Odette Williams, as well as the Clansthal Conservancy and several local community members and groups.

The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, where Aliwal Shoal is found, is also renowned for the annual sardine run which typically occurs in the winter months. This spectacular event, known as ‘The Greatest Shoal on Earth,’ sees millions of sardines migrating along the coast, attracting various predators, including dolphins, sharks, and seabirds.

Additionally, the waters around Aliwal Shoal serve as a migration route for tens of thousands of humpback whales and the occasional Southern Right whale, which can be seen from June to November. Aliwal Shoal is not only a popular location for divers, but also for surfers and ocean paddlers. This marine ecosystem and the diverse species it supports are vital to both tourism and the regional economy.

The area also faces significant pressure from human activity, such as overfishing, illegal fishing, and poaching which continue to undermine conservation efforts, while commercial and industrial pollution also jeopardize the health of the region’s estuarine and marine ecosystems.

To mitigate these threats, the Aliwal Shoal (MPA) was established in 1991 and later expanded in 2018. This MPA includes no-take zones and restricted areas to safeguard its rich ecosystems. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of law enforcement in the area, despite the establishment of protected areas such as the Green Point Inshore Restricted Zone (GPIRZ) and the Crown Offshore Restricted Zone (CORZ). Aliwal Shoal MPA also forms part of the annual MPA Day celebrations on 1 August – a global event that recognises the important role of MPAs in ocean conservation for both people and nature.

The Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot aims to strengthen the conservation efforts in this ecologically vital area, ensuring that its diverse marine life is preserved for future generations. With a focus on preserving its extraordinary biodiversity, the re-launch of Aliwal Shoal as a Mission Blue Hope Spot underscores the need for ongoing collaboration between government, conservation organizations, and local communities to safeguard this invaluable marine treasure for future generations.

To get involved with the Aliwal Hope Spot or find out more about partnership opportunities, contact Russel@wildallianceafrica.org.