South Africa is the meeting place of two great oceans, whose life-giving currents clash at the southernmost tip, resulting in one of the most complex and diverse marine realms on our planet. We are surrounded by a spectacular 3000 km coastline and ocean that delivers an array of ecosystem services, amounting to some R180 billion per annum. It is estimated that over 40% of Africa's population derives its livelihood from coastal and marine ecosystems and resources - a percentage that will continue to increase with current human migration and demographic patterns. It is clear that at least in the medium term, pressures on marine ecosystems are likely to increase considerably. There is thus a great urgency for us to adopt responsible and ecosystem-based practices that take into account the needs of all stakeholders and secures the economic, social and environmental services of our marine ecosystems for the equitable benefit of present and future generations.
The WWF Sanlam Marine Programme is focusing its work around three major areas to ensure that our marine ecosystems continue to provide these vital services to society:
1. Investing for our children through the development of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
2. Securing our fish stocks by reducing the pressure on our over-exploited stocks.
3. Enhancing the health of our marine ecosystems by reducing the impacts of destructive fishing practices.
WWF encourages government, civil society and the private sector to work together to build a future in which healthy marine ecosystems underpin the sustainable development of South Africa and enhance the quality of life of all its people.
