launches National Marine Week: Oceans of Hope: Nations working together to
protect our marine environment
15 October 2006
"South African sea waters have exceptionally rich marine biodiversity. Our
waters hold 10% of the world's marine biodiversity. This places a huge
responsibility on our shoulders to ensure the sustainability and protection of
this unique and extraordinary environment," said Marthinus van Schalkwyk,
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, when launching National Marine
Week.
In protecting the marine environment of the globe, it becomes crucial for
nations, including governments, scientists, researchers and marine managers to
work together.
At a regional level, South Africa is collaborating with Angola and Namibia
on the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) programme, which is
aimed at developing and strengthening an ecosystems approach to fisheries
management. "We agreed to address jointly transboundary marine environmental
issues and to begin to manage our marine resources at the larger ecosystem
level," said the Minister.
Earlier this year, during the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly,
the countries re-committed themselves by signing an interim agreement on the
formation of the Benguela Current Commission, which will drive the
implementation of the ecosystems approach to our marine resources
management.
Speaking on fisheries research in South Africa, Minister van Schalkwyk
indicated that the local fishing industry lands resources worth between R3 and
R3,5 billion per annum. "Fisheries research in our country has a long history,
and most fisheries have been managed quite rigorously through effective
ecological and biological research, comprehensive surveying, catch and effort
data gathering, and application of high-level stock assessment techniques."
The research component at Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) utilises three
research vessels. These are the FRS Africana, the FRS Algoa and the RV
Sardinops. The former two vessels are utilised for deep-sea research whereas
Sardinops is used for coastal research on inshore resources, environmental
studies and ecological work. Linefish, squid, and rock lobster resources and
bird and marine mammal research have been primary foci.
Commenting on the importance of National Marine Week, which is celebrated
annually in the third week of October, Minister van Schalkwyk said, "Its
central purpose is to create awareness of our marine and coastal environment.
We all have a responsibility to promote the sustainable use and conservation of
these resources for our own benefit and that of generations to come."
"During the forthcoming week our department, together with our partners,
will embark on various events and activities. I encourage all South Africans to
become part of this important celebration."
The National Marine Week programme is available on http://www.nationalmarineweek.org.za
Enquiries:
Blessing Manale
Cell: 083 381 2939
Riaan Aucamp
Cell: 083 778 9923
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
15 October 2006
