Marine Month is more than just a celebration; it’s a call to action! We all have a role to play in safeguarding our oceans. Whether enjoying a day at the beach or simply buying seafood, your choices make a difference.
In October we celebrate our oceans a little extra as it marks National Marine Month, a time to emphasise our connection to our oceans and inspire action to conserve the marine life it supports. With a special focus on Marine Week (the 7th to the 11th), this time of the year serves as a global reminder that healthy oceans = healthy planet. In South Africa, our oceans are important culturally, environmentally, and economically. Marine Month calls on each of us to get active as ocean warriors and safeguard our marine heritage for future generations.
Why South Africa’s Oceans Matter?
South Africa is situated between three mighty oceans: the cold Atlantic, the warm Indian, and the Southern Ocean. These waters fuel rich marine biodiversity, creating unique habitats that sustain thousands of marine species, many which are endemic (found nowhere else on Earth). In fact, South Africa has been globally acknowledged as having the third highest marine endemism. These oceans not only provide food and jobs but also attract millions of tourists, making the marine economy a of South Africa’s prosperity.
The Challenges That Threaten Our Marine Ecosystems
Unfortunately, our beautiful seas are facing mounting pressures that often happen all at once. One of these threats is overfishing which is driven by the growing global demand and appetite for seafood. For example, in 1960 the global consumption of seafood was ~10kg per capita and since then, this has doubled!
Unsustainable fishing practices have cascading impacts on marine ecosystems, reducing fish stocks and disrupting food chains, impacting more than just the fish being targeted. But not all hope is lost!
As seafood lovers and ocean warriors, we need to protect our marine life, and one way to do this by choosing sustainable seafood. Join WWF-SASSI in our efforts to transform the seafood supply chain by reducing demand for red-listed species & checking the list to make sure you are choosing green. This can be done by downloading the SASSI App today!
By choosing green-listed seafood, you’re supporting sustainable fisheries and protecting the big blue that we rely upon. By making informed, sustainable choices, we can ensure that South Africa’s marine ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come!
Kezia Madell, WWF-SASSI Project Officer