15 October 2007
National Marine Week (15 to 20 October 2007) is celebrated this year under
the theme: 'Opportunities in the ocean.'
The theme 'Opportunities in the ocean' emphasises the potential contribution
of the country's marine resources to support the socio-economic development of
our nation. Opportunities exist across the following marine and coastal
ecosystem services: food provision and security, climate and weather, sea
trade, culture and recreation, mining and minerals and beneficial chemical
compounds.
Food provision and security
It has long been established that fish and other seafood are healthy
alternatives in a balanced diet. While the formal commercial sector lands more
than half a million of fish products, several communities in all coastal
provinces support their livelihoods through recreational and subsistence
fishing. Nowadays we are beginning to unlock the potential of our long
coastline in identifying suitable habitats to grow suitable species in marine
aquaculture facilities. Products from these fish farms can add to our wild fish
stock products to meet growing local and international demand.
Climate and weather
Much of the climate we enjoy is influenced by the large ocean space around
our country. Climate and the weather create opportunities in agriculture,
fishing and sea trade. It can however result in catastrophic natural disasters
through storms and erosion. To take full advantage of the energy of the ocean
and climate, the power of weather and the sea can be harnessed to contribute to
our energy production requirements.
Sea trade
South Africa has several commercial and fishing harbours. The Durban harbour
is the busiest harbour in Africa, processing well over a million containers of
goods a year. South Africa also has specialist harbours like Richards Bay and
Saldanha, which specialise in coal and iron ore transport respectively. Ngqurha
(Coega) is the newest edition to our commercial ports and has great potential
with its deep port facilities.
Culture, recreation and tourism
The fishing harbours not only concentrate on commercial fishing activity but
also serve to attract many marine and coastal recreational and tourism
activities. Besides catering for several different types of recreational and
tourism activities, our coast has cultural and heritage significance to many of
our communities. Such communities regard the coast as special places of
community gathering and worship.
Mining and minerals
Further away from the coast South Africa is also taking advantage of mining
opportunities spanning oil, gas and diamonds. More recently we are learning
from other parts of the world that the sea floor has many beneficial chemical
compounds that contribute to pharmaceutical, food preparation and other
industries.
For a National Marine Week programme, please visit our website http://www.deat.gov.za.
Please contact:
Mava Scott
Cell: 082 411 9821
Carol Moses
Cell: 082 829 3917
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
15 October 2007
