South Africa is marking National Marine Week by encouraging communities to protect marine ecosystems while celebrating the extraordinary journeys undertaken by ocean wildlife every year.
National Marine Week is underway, shining a spotlight on the importance of South Africa’s oceans and the role they play in sustaining biodiversity, regulating the climate and supporting livelihoods.
Celebrated under the 2026 theme, “Incredible Journeys”, this year’s campaign highlights the remarkable migrations and life cycles of marine animals, from whales and turtles to seabirds and fish, while encouraging greater public awareness of the need to protect ocean ecosystems.
South Africa’s coastline is shaped by two powerful ocean currents that influence the country’s climate, biodiversity and economy.
The warm Agulhas Current flows along the east coast, supporting exceptional marine biodiversity, while the cold Benguela Current along the west coast sustains some of the world’s most productive fisheries, including anchovy, sardine and hake stocks.
Together with the Southern Ocean, these currents help drive rainfall patterns, influence weather systems and support industries ranging from tourism and fisheries to agriculture.
Healthy oceans also provide many of the natural services people depend on every day. They generate much of the oxygen we breathe, regulate the Earth’s climate, produce the moisture that eventually falls as rain, support global trade through shipping and provide food and potential medicines for millions of people.
Despite their importance, marine ecosystems continue to face growing threats from plastic pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction and climate change.
National Marine Week aims to encourage individuals, families and communities to take practical steps that reduce these pressures while promoting sustainable use of ocean resources.
Activities taking place throughout National Marine Month include beach clean-ups, educational workshops, guided coastal walks and marine awareness programmes across the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and other parts of the country.
Conservation organisations are encouraging South Africans to reduce their use of single-use plastics, choose sustainably sourced seafood, dispose of hazardous chemicals responsibly and protect fragile coastal habitats during visits to the beach.
Supporting locally produced food, planting indigenous vegetation and choosing environmentally responsible household products can also reduce pollution entering rivers and ultimately the ocean.
National Marine Week serves as a reminder that the health of South Africa’s oceans is closely linked to the country’s environmental sustainability, food security and economic prosperity.
As communities celebrate the incredible journeys made by marine life, organisers hope the campaign will inspire lasting action to ensure future generations inherit healthy oceans that continue to support both people and nature.
