MPA DAY 2023
Beyond South African shores
What began as a local celebration has grown into a powerful movement. In 2023, MPA Day evolved into an entire week of ocean-centered events — bigger, bolder, and more inclusive than ever before. For the first time, the celebration extended beyond South Africa’s borders, resonating with new audiences across the continent.
Tanzania dived into the festivities, hosting a dynamic virtual gathering that united voices from across the marine world — government leaders, NGO trailblazers, MPA managers, ecotourism operators, and fisheries stakeholders. Together, they explored the real-world benefits and tough challenges of Marine Protected Areas in a lively, collaborative exchange.
MPA Day 2023 sent a clear message: protecting MPAs isn’t just a local concern — it’s a global imperative.
2023 Theme: Celebrating MPA Day for people
This year brought together coastal champions across South Africa and beyond for a week of virtual and in-person events:
- Live crossing to South Africa's MPAs: Participants explored South Africa’s marine treasures from the comfort of their homes – from Betty’s Bay and Table Mountain MPA to Aliwal Shoal and iSimangaliso.
- Virtual event by Tanzania's Marine Parks and Reserve Unit: A cross-border connection – Tanzania’s MPRU hosted a virtual Zoom meeting to honour MPAs for people and biodiversity.
- Webinar for Recreational Anglers: Anglers tuned in for an expert-led webinar on the value of MPAs, with an opportunity to engage directly with scientists and marine managers.
- Ocean Festival at Aliwal Shoal MPA: From beach cleanups to surf-ski paddles, the South Coast came alive with ocean-positive action at this full-day festival hosted at Scottburgh Beach.
- Kelp night at the Two Oceans Aquarium: Guests enjoyed an evening of science, stories, and kelp-inspired cuisine and cocktails at this sold-out event featuring three kelp champions.
- Chronicles of the Coast: CapeNature launched a four-part video series exploring MPA partnerships, enforcement, science, and community collaboration along the coast.
- Leadership for Conservation in Africa Talk: Dr Judy Mann-Lang shared insights on the power of marine conservation in Africa in this inspiring online event.
- Youth4MPAs Film & Discussion: Young ocean leaders hosted a screening of Lalela uLwandle (Listen to the Ocean), followed by a meaningful discussion on the future of South Africa’s MPAs.
- Rocky Shore Treasure Hunt: Families explored the intertidal zone with marine experts, discovering sea stars, urchins, anemones, and more – all while learning how MPAs protect our coastal heritage.
- Twitter chat: Sparking dynamic conversation between MPA experts, influencers, and ocean lovers.
MPA Day Makes Waves in Tanzania!
For the first time beyond South Africa’s borders, Tanzania joined the global MPA Day celebration with an exciting virtual event hosted by the Marine Parks and Reserves Unit – Tanzania.
The dynamic webinar brought together over 70 high-level participants, including representatives from government, NGOs, marine protected area (MPA) managers, ecotourism operators, and leaders in aquaculture and fisheries.
Together, they engaged in a lively and insightful discussion exploring the benefits, challenges, and future potential of MPAs in Tanzania. It marked a significant step toward regional collaboration and shared ocean stewardship across Africa’s coastline.
Ocean festival
The Ocean Festival team celebrated with a full day of coastal action along the Aliwal Shoal MPA on the KZN South Coast, including.
- 30km beach walk from Illovo River to Happy Wanderers Beach, with scientists from SAAMBR collecting sand and water samples and removing litter along the way.
- Surf-ski paddle expedition along the same route, collecting offshore water samples and documenting marine life sightings.
- Marine research conducted by the Oceanographic Research Institute and South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, including microplastic testing and DNA barcoding aboard the research vessel Phakisa.
- Coastal clean-ups led by participants along both land and sea routes.
- Marine life census submitted via iNaturalist, tracking biodiversity across the MPA.
- Live virtual coverage on social media, sharing insights, videos, and conservation updates.
The day brought communities, scientists, and ocean lovers together to celebrate and protect one of South Africa’s most iconic MPAs.
kelp night
Two Oceans Aquarium hosted a memorable evening on
1 August 2023 dubbed “Kelp Night” — a celebration of South Africa’s magnificent underwater kelp forests tucked within the
Table Mountain and Robben Island MPAs.
The event featured enlightening talks, kelp-based culinary delights, and networking with the local conservation community.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Rocky Shore Treasure Hunt
On 5 August 2023, Two Oceans Aquarium and TOA Foundation hosted an exciting Treasure Hunt at Dalebrook Tidal Pool.
Participants were not searching for gold but for colourful anemones, split-fan kelp, spiky urchins, tiny sea stars, the odd octopus, and many more amazing species!
Leadership for Conservation in Africa Talk
On 3 August 2023, Leadership for Conservation in
Africa (LCA) Unlocking Nature saw MPA Day
Founder, Dr Judy Mann-Lang, speak to 70 participants
(mostly inland) on: Why do South Africa’s Marine
Protected Areas matter?