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
The Western Cape’s natural wonders continue to be a key economic contributor to the tourism sector
Through the peak summer season in December 2024 and January 2025, there was a tremendous influx of visitors to CapeNature-managed provincial reserves, with over 146 550 overnight and day visitors passing through many reserve gates. Minister Bredell unpacks why more visitors are seeking nature-based attractions when it comes to deciding on a holiday destination.
Elusive Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew recorded for the first time in 46 years!
One of the Western Cape’s most mysterious mammals, the Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew (Myosorex longicaudatus boosmani), has made a reappearance, 46 years after it was last recorded! Conservationists from CapeNature, Grootvadersbosch Conservancy and Helihack, together with volunteer biologists found one of these tiny mammals in CapeNature’s Boosmansbos Wilderness Area.
CapeNature’s annual 40% discount is back - Embrace nature, embrace winter!
Wonderful winter experiences at affordable prices! Keep warm, embrace nature! CapeNature’s annual 40% winter discount on select accommodation at camping and glamping spots this May – July, is back!
Water is the lifeline that sustains us all and our future
Today is World Water Day! The 2025 theme for the annual United Nations World Water Day is “Glacier Preservation”. These unique and very sensitive ecosystems, holding vast volumes of global freshwater have started to melt at alarming rates due to global warming.
CapeNature welcomes in principle agreement to protect the African Penguin
CapeNature is thankful that the government, seabird conservation organisations and the pelagic fishing industry have worked together to reach an in-principle agreement on overfishing restrictions around critical penguin breeding areas.
Celebrating South Africa’s storytellers on International Tourist Guide Day
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.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?