Marine Month
October marks National Marine Month. Due to the ever-increasing pressures on the ocean ecosystems and species from pollution, overfishing, mining, energy generation projects and changing climate, there is a critical need to set aside parts of each oceanic ecosystem for conservation purposes. The identification of these sites follows a structured ecosystem and species monitoring process to firstly identify the ecosystems and then, through stakeholder engagement with all the ocean users, to identify the most appropriate areas to conserve. Identifying how each area contributes to the bigger ocean conservation network is vital.
These conserved areas provide scientists with an opportunity to monitor change in climate where they can compare the impact of change on used areas and conserved areas. Understanding the value of conservation areas and marine protected area networks in mitigating the impacts of climate change is a critical field of study and education. We can all play a vital role in the conservation of our marine ecosystems and species too. Do not leave plastic or solid waste on the beaches or throw it into the sea. Beach clean-ups are vital as every piece of fishing line, net or plastic can be a potential snare for a marine animal. Abide by the fishing limits on the fishing permits, they are there for a reason.
Related News
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In celebration of the invaluable role played by professional tourist guides, CapeNature, in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, hosted an interactive event at Walker Bay Nature Reserve to mark International Tourist Guide Day.
Young learners celebrate World Wetlands Day with interactive conservation education
CapeNature, in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, celebrated World Wetlands Day at Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve on 7 February. Grade Six learners from Rietenbosch Primary School participated in an educational event.
Public invited to comment on Draft 2024 Western Cape Protected Areas Expansion Strategy
The Draft 2024 Western Cape Protected Areas Expansion Strategy is now out for public comment. You can read all about it here.
Stripy New Arrival to Delight Visitors at CapeNature’s De Hoop Nature Reserve
Visitors to De Hoop Nature Reserve are in for a treat this month as a new foal, born just three weeks ago, joins the reserve’s small but vital population of Cape mountain zebra. The latest arrival is an exciting addition to the herd and for the conservation of this once-endangered species.
Lambert’s Bay Bird Island’s Cape Gannet colony reaches record numbers
During January 2025, the Cape Gannet population reached an impressive 45,000 individuals—its highest in 19 years! This marked a significant milestone for the island, with numbers consistently remaining in the 30,000s over the past five years.
Withdrawal of Litigation welcomed by Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, welcomes the decision by Ryno Engelbrecht, Baboon Matters, Beauty Without Cruelty and Jo-Ann Bosman to withdraw their litigation against the three authorities constituting the CPBMJTT.
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