Happy National Marine Month! Did you know that a healthy ocean generates more than half of the oxygen we breathe? Our oceans are vital for our, and our planet’s survival.
Plettenberg Bay, and the Southern Cape coastline, is a hotspot of biodiversity; home to the endangered humpback dolphin, transient location for humpback and Southern right whales and possibly the only place on the planet where you can view great white sharks from land. And beneath the waves, there’s even more beauty and diversity: colourful reefs teeming with interesting critters: endemic shysharks, rays and reef fish, nudibranchs, coral and swaying sea fans.
Marine Protected Areas, or MPAs, are vital in ensuring the future health of our marine ecosystem. MPAs are areas of the coastline that have been protected by law, limiting or prohibiting consumptive use within the designated boundaries of the area.
The benefits of this are clear to see – from ensuring the protection of threatened and vulnerable species resident in the area, to allowing the fish species to breed without being over-exploited, which has a knock-on effect on the surrounding ocean area. Our beautiful Robberg is a Marine Protected Area, national monument and World Heritage Site.
Plettenberg Bay is also one of South Africa’s five international Hope Spots, declared an area of marine significance, worthy of protection, by international marine spokesperson and oceanic pioneer, Dr Sylvia Earle.
However you choose to enjoy our marine treasures: snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving, paddling, sailing, hiking, biking or taking a marine safari – be inspired by our incredible seaside location!