Nestled within the internationally recognised Cape Whale Coast Hope Spot®—a 200 km stretch of coastline from Rooi Els to Quoin Point declared by Mission Blue in December 2014—young ocean ambassadors came together to celebrate Marine Protected Area (MPA) Day 2025.

This unique event was hosted by the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, in partnership with CapeNature and the I AM WATER Foundation, with a focus on empowering youth through ocean literacy and meaningful connection.

The DEEP Blue Ambassadors, a group of passionate learners from Gansbaai communities and a flagship project of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, spent the day snorkelling in the tidal pools of Hermanus, exploring the rocky shore, and engaging in experiential learning focused on marine conservation.

Aligned with the global theme, “Ocean Protection Needs Human Connection,” the learners snorkelled, explored rocky tidal zones, and participated in educational sessions covering:

  • The value and function of MPAs
  • Learning about ocean biodiversity and emerging threats
  • Ocean careers and community stewardship
  • The mammalian dive response—a compelling biological link to marine life

This area is home to the Walker Bay seasonal MPA, which temporarily protects vital habitats and marine species—such as southern right whales, seabirds, and fish—when they are most vulnerable. MPAs like this are key to safeguarding biodiversity, replenishing fish stocks, and ensuring long-term ocean health.

Why MPA Day Matters
MPA Day, celebrated annually on 1 August, is a powerful call to action to recognise the importance of marine protected areas in securing a healthy ocean future. As the global movement to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 (30×30) gains momentum, awareness and community involvement become critical.

Currently, only approximately 5.4% of South Africa’s ocean territory is officially protected through MPAs. While this includes representation of around 87% of the country’s marine ecosystem types, it still falls far short of the global conservation target known as 30×30—a commitment to protect 30% of the planet’s oceans and land by the year 2030.

MPA Day plays a vital role in raising awareness about how Marine Protected Areas support biodiversity, fisheries, and the livelihoods of coastal communities. At the heart of this mission is education and connection. When young people connect with the ocean, learning becomes more than just information—it becomes personal, meaningful, and inspiring. That’s why continued youth involvement, recognising important sites through OECMs, and expanding the MPA network are all essential to protecting our marine environment.

Youth Connection = Ocean Protection
By connecting youth directly with the ocean environment, education becomes more than memorising facts—it becomes personal, powerful, and transformative. As the DEEP Blue Ambassadors faced their fears in the water, explored marine life up close, and reflected on their role as future custodians of the ocean, the message was clear: Protecting our oceans begins with understanding and connection.

“By fostering experiences where young people connect emotionally and physically with the ocean, we’re building a generation that is more likely to care, speak up, and act for the future of our blue planet,” said Wilfred Chivell, Founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust.

With the support of dedicated partners and conservation champions, MPA Day 2025 on the Cape Whale Coast celebrated more than a moment—it helped build a movement.

📹 Watch our event video:

🔗 Discover the global MPA Day movement: https://mpaday.org