Marine Month: Why South Africa celebrates coastal biodiversity

October serves as South Africa’s National Marine Month, which aims to create awareness of the country’s marine and coastal environments, as the oceans bring great benefits.

What will be celebrated during Marine Month?

South Africa is nestled between two currents; the Agulhas current and Benguela system, the month-long celebrations will include various events from provinces around the country.

Oceans and its ecosystems are the primary producers of moisture to the country’s atmosphere, which eventually produces rain over the land and this plays a critical role in shaping the socio-economic activities in South Africa.

The rainfall patterns further dictate many activities as it is vital when defining natural habitats and ecosystems.

How do the two currents serve the country?

The warm Agulhas current has extensive ocean biodiversity and the cold Benguela system that supports large fisheries; such as those focused on the small fish like the anchovy and sardine, including the bigger fishes such as hake.

These precise currents are key drivers of the South African climate and rainfall conditions, in addition to the cold southern oceans.

The country’s different climatic zones, its different biodiversities, agricultural and economic activities, are structured by the availability of freshwater, a scarce resource in the 21st century.

Easy Facts about the world’s oceans:

• Oceans generate most of the oxygen humans breathe and regulates the climate.
• The global trade is dominated by sea transport and the oceans further offer ingredients for potential medicines.
• To protect the oceans never pour chemicals, pharmaceuticals, oil or paint into the drain or toilets.
• Choose green detergents and household cleaners and get rid of waste effectively.

When was Marine Month established?

In 1988, October was declared as National Marine Month in South Africa, to further bring awareness about marine conservation. For all seafood lovers, make informed seafood choices and don’t indulge on species that are about to be extinct.

The marine ecosystem brings about employment in provinces near the coastal lines and recreational opportunities for all citizens.

What does the fishing industry do?

• The employment of people at the aquarium and various ports across the coast.
• This industry provides socio-economic importance in provinces along the coast and it creates income for small-scale fishermen and brings forth food and income for subsistence fishing communities.
• The larger fishing companies also fish in the surrounding waters which contributes to the local economy.

The country also relies on the state of its pristine beaches and coastlines to boost and sustain the tourism industry.