CHAMPIONS
South Africa is lucky to have many organisations that are focused on various aspects of ocean conservation. Typically, these aren't large, rich institutions - they're the unsung heroes who have followed their passions and created organisations that benefit not just the sea, but all life on Earth. Donor funding is often part of how they operate. Here's a list of 25 organisations and campaigns that The Ocean Advocate admires. They deserve recognition and support.
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SHARKLIFE
Sharklife addresses the exploitation of shark populations and ocean fisheries in South African waters. It is actively involved in innovative research and the protection of many marine species. |
SAAMBR
The South African Association for Marine Biological Research aids conservation by supporting the Oceanographic Research Institute and overseeing uShaka Sea World and its education programmes. |
BATTLE 4 BLUE
This initiative is run by a teenager who works to increase awareness about the challenges facing the ocean and who raises funds for conservation programmes by taking on endurance tests. |
WILDTRUST
Its WILDOCEANS unit mentors young people, promotes MPA expansion and builds resilience to the impacts of climate change and pollution for vulnerable ecosystems and dependent communities. |
OCEANS ALIVE
An organization dedicated to protecting the ocean through offering guidance and project funding in support of research, education, conservation, clean-ups and community awareness. |
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JUSTICE 4 JAWS
This initiative educates South African youth by sharing information about sharks and rays to alter the negative perceptions about these marine animals and encourage their conservation. |
TOAF
The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation is involved in education, research and turtle conservation. It aims to inspire people to take action by showing them their connection to the sea. |
SHARK RESEARCH UNIT
This is a shark and marine research and conservation institute driven by a passionate team of shark experts. It partners with scientists, postgraduate students, ecotourism operators and academic institutes. |
BIODIVERSITY LAW CENTRE
An organisation of activist attorneys who use the law to protect and restore ecosystems in southern Africa. It provides legal advice and support to protect indigenous species and ecosystems. |
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GUARDIANS OF THE DEEP
Using a 10-year marine science and conservation curriculum, holiday programmes and public talks, it empowers children and adults with the knowledge and compassion to become guardians of the deep. |
OCEANHUB AFRICA
The organisation offers blue economy support and runs an acceleration programme that fosters personal, product & business development for startup market and investor readiness. |
MPA DAY
Marine Protected Areas Day highlights the role of MPAs in ocean conservation for people and nature. It shares information about why and how to conserve the ocean and keep supporting MPAs. |
#NOTONOURWATCH
This campaign works to raise awareness about the impending extinction of endangered African penguins and encourage lawmakers to put in place better protections for the survival of the species. |
BIRDLIFE SA
BirdlLife South Africa is involved in landscape conservation, seabird conservation, science and innovation, policy and advocacy and empowering people through education to be stewards for birds. |
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MARINE DYNAMICS
This is a family of organisations dedicated to the marine environment. Its mantra is 'Discover & Protect' through ecotourism, research, conservation and outreach projects. |
SEA SEARCH
The Sea Search group is a made up of scientists and students who produce peer-reviewed scientific research and offer student training. The organisation has a particular focus on marine mammals. |
SHARK SPOTTERS
Shark Spotters is a shark safety and research organisation that improves beach safety by applying environmentally responsible solutions to reduce the overlap between people and sharks. |
SUSTAINABLE SEAS TRUST
SST aims to uplift and sustain African communities by providing solutions that help build the blue economy. It targets marine pollution through education, research and direct action. |
I AM WATER
I AM WATER believes in marine conservation through human experiences in the ocean. It takes people free diving and snorkeling so that they might learn to love and protect what's under the water. |
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SENTINEL OCEAN ALLIANCE
The Sentinel Ocean Alliance was founded in 2018 to try and address some of the disparities in SA and create opportunities for the underserved coastal communities and at-risk youth of Hout Bay. |
SEA CHANGE PROJECT
Sea Change Project is an environmental storytelling organisation, founded by Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck, who are dedicated to the protection of the Great African Seaforest. |
EXPLORE THE SHORE
Emeritus Professor Charles Griffiths and his son Matt visit different shores and explore the wide range of habitats, animals and seaweeds that occur, uncovering a hidden world in a series of videos. |
SANCCOB
SANCCOB aims to reverse the decline of seabirds through the rescue, rehabilitation and release of ill, injured, abandoned and oiled seabirds – especially endangered species like the African penguin. |
WWF-SASSI
This initiative helps consumers make sustainable seafood choices and works with suppliers and seafood vendors, addressing all aspects of the supply chain to drive change in the local industry. |
"The river needs to take the risk
of entering the ocean
because only then will fear disappear,
because that’s where the river will know
it’s not about disappearing into the ocean,
but of becoming the ocean."
Osho, philosopher and writer, from the poem 'The River Cannot Go Back' in the book 'Beyond Enlightenment'
of entering the ocean
because only then will fear disappear,
because that’s where the river will know
it’s not about disappearing into the ocean,
but of becoming the ocean."
Osho, philosopher and writer, from the poem 'The River Cannot Go Back' in the book 'Beyond Enlightenment'