There is only one purpose in documenting South Africa's marine life: to advocate for the protection of marine life.
Hopefully, these underwater images will show the value of MPAs – the space reserved for nature conservation.
This photo of the red Romans was taken at the Dehup Marine Reserve on the east coast of South Africa. These reef fish cannot be found anywhere else in the world and are particularly vulnerable to overfishing.
The cape snapper was photographed in the kelp forest around Cape Town. MPAs help manage the environment, keep marine ecosystems functioning, protect the species that live there, and help people benefit from the ocean.
Short-tailed stingrays glide over offshore seaweed forests in the Western Cape, which were declared marine protected areas in 2019.
The green sea turtle was photographed while undergoing rehabilitation treatment at the Durban Aquarium before its release. While many marine animals are negatively affected by human activities, humans are also vital in caring for and protecting them.
Blue sharks patrolling their own turf.
Cape Town clawless otters enjoy an abundance of food in Fowles Bay, Cape Town.
Humpback whales have recently returned to areas where they were previously extinct. MpAs have also helped increase the number of whales.
Scientists have attached a satellite tag to the tiger shark to track its movements.
Cape seals, often referred to as the "Dogs of the Sea," play in the kelp forest around Duke Island in Hout Bay. These animals were once threatened, but today their numbers have increased to about 2 million. Before the pandemic, they had become popular tourist attractions around Cape Town.
Southern right whales spawn in shallow bays along the coastline of South Africa's South Cape.
This photo shows a lamprey shark that was once common in Millers Point in Falls Bay. They have left, possibly due to disturbance and predation by orcas. ”