Without our oceans, life on Earth would not be possible. Beyond the fundamental role of supplying oxygen and ingredients for medicines, they serve as climate regulators and a crucial carbon sink, absorbing atmospheric carbon.

This decade has seen an unprecedented rise in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere due to human activities. This surge in carbon emissions contributes significantly to global warming and climate change, leading to a host of environmental challenges. The excessive accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere traps heat, causing temperature rise, extreme weather events, melting ice caps, and rising sea levels. The carbon crisis also induces ocean acidification, threatening marine ecosystems. This is why it is so important that we take care of our oceans so that they can keep removing sufficient amounts of carbon from the atmosphere and make our continued existence on the planet possible.

A shared resource, oceans provide livelihoods, employment, and sustenance, acting as both trade routes and sources of cultural and spiritual significance. However, the way that our oceans look after us is often overlooked.

As WWF-SASSI highlights, the trifecta of unsustainable fishing methods, climate change, and pollution has led to a stark decline in fish populations, posing a severe threat to marine ecosystems and species. We have seen the effects of this in South Africa, where shark populations are declining, resulting in the changing of entire ecosystems. When an ecosystem changes, there is a high risk of an ecosystem collapse and the subsequent loss of ecosystem services that benefit the local community.

One key tool in the arsenal of ocean conservation is the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These areas act as sanctuaries, preserving healthy habitats for fish and offering refuge for endangered species like turtles, marine mammals, and sharks.

By restricting or prohibiting fishing practices, MPAs provide a chance for depleted fish populations to recover. However, the Marine Protection Atlas by the Marine Conservation Institute shows only a small fraction of the ocean is formally protected, leaving the majority vulnerable to exploitation.

South Africa has a coastline that extends over 3000km, yet only 5% of that is protected through the proclamation of MPAs. In order for us to see a real positive impact on our marine life, this percentage needs to be increased significantly over the next couple of years, before it’s too late.

To safeguard our oceans, promoting awareness about the importance of MPAs and advocating for their expansion is crucial. Individual and collective efforts in supporting conservation initiatives can contribute to the resilience and longevity of marine ecosystems.

Below are 4 ways that you are able to help (see another 4 ways in part 2 of this blog):