African Wildlife & Environment Issue 74

CONSERVATION

South Africa now has TWENTY NEWMARINE PROTECTED AREAS Dr Judy Mann

On 1 August 2019, the protection of South Africa’s marine biodiversity received a massive boost with the implementation of 20 new or extended Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Just as on land, protected areas in the ocean are critical for the conservation of an amazing variety of marine plants, animals and ecosystems.

T hrough careful planning, 5% of South Africa’s ocean is now protected, including about 87% of South Africa’s different marine ecosystems and habitats. At 50,000 km2, these new and enlarged MPAs will protect an area of ocean more than twice the size of the Kruger National Park! While most South Africans are familiar with terrestrial protected areas, the same cannot be said for their marine counterparts. A Marine Protected Area is an area of coastline or ocean that is specially

protected for the benefit of people and nature. They are places where marine life can thrive, reproduce and grow. MPAs are like underwater parks – the National Parks of the oceans – safe havens for marine creatures and their homes. Importantly, MPAs protect marine ecosystems that provide direct economic, environmental and social benefits to people. Scientists in SAAMBR’s Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI), whose research has contributed to both the placement and requirements for the KZN

Amathole Offshore Lace coral ((ROV)- credit ACEP Imida Project)

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