Latest News & Developments
marine protected area
Rocky the elephant seal makes a splash after five months of rehabilitation
After months of care at uShaka Sea World, Rocky the juvenile elephant seal has been successfully released back into the ocean.
uShaka Sea World celebrates release of thorntail stingray pups
uShaka Sea World proudly announces the release of six thorntail stingray pups, highlighting their commitment to marine conservation and the dedicated care provided by their aquarists.
Is ocean productivity declining? understanding the impacts on fisheries and climate
A new study reveals a troubling decline in ocean productivity, posing serious threats to fisheries and the planet’s climate regulation systems.
Around Africa ocean expedition takes off
Exploring Africa’s oceans to advance ocean science
Illegal abalone trade nets poachers R500 000 per shipment
South African authorities reveal shocking details of sophisticated illegal abalone poaching operations, with single shipments earning criminals up to R500 000.
PICS: Surprising early morning bloom of night light jellyfish in Durban
Early risers in Durban were treated to a stunning sight as night light jellyfish bloomed along the beach, prompting insights from marine experts on their unusual presence.
Thomas Peschak: Capturing wonders of the Amazon and Great African Seaforest
Award-winning National Geographic photographer, Thomas Peschak who has 25 years experience visited our shores to share his jaw-dropping footage filmed during his 396 days spent tracing the course of the Amazon River and its tributaries across South America.
Rocky the elephant seal: a journey of recovery at uShaka Sea World
Discover the inspiring journey of Rocky, a young elephant seal receiving care at uShaka Sea World.
SA Navy severely compromised due to underfunding of vessel maintenance
Underfunding has resulted in the South African Navy being unable to do repairs and maintenance to their combat vessels and achieving its target of hours at sea for the 2023/2024 financial year.
PICS: Nine people arrested in Jeffrey’s Bay with R240,000 worth of abalone
A 17-year-old is among eight others arrested in connection with abalone poaching in the Eastern Cape.
‘From wound treatments to complex surgeries’: Behind the scenes at SANCCOB’s Penguin Rescue
As African penguin numbers plummet, SANCCOB’s crucial work reveals the urgent need for conservation and stronger protections to save this species from extinction.
How Africa’s Sustainable Finance Coalition is transforming conservation
With a focus on Africa's most vulnerable ecosystems, the Sustainable Finance Coalition aims to unlock billions in funding for biodiversity and community-based conservation projects.
Advancing SA’s ocean economy through innovation and heritage
As we navigate the final months of the year, it is essential to acknowledge that none of the efforts would be possible without the continued support and collaboration of our stakeholders.
South Africa’s Conservation efforts ranked 25th globally but challenges remain
South Africa’s conservation practices are recognised globally, but the Nature Conservation Index highlights urgent areas for improvement, especially in marine protection and policy enforcement.
SANParks honours Table Mountain marine conservation heroes
The South African National Parks Honorary Rangers has recognised the outstanding achievements of the the Table Mountain Marine Support group which works to protect the marine ecosystems and in the fight against illegal fishing and poaching.
City could face criminal prosecution for Hout Bay marine outfall issues
The action was taken against the City, which holds Coastal waters discharge permits (CWDPs), for allegedly contravening the National Environment Management Act (Nema) by “releasing in excess of 30 million litres of raw, untreated sewage into the marine reserves” along the Atlantic seaboard.
Protecting African Penguin from vanishing
Compounded by habitat loss, climate change, pollution, increased vessel traffic and noise, and the impacts of predation and disease, the African penguin is facing a perilous future. The last remaining populations are now concentrated in only seven colonies across the Western and Eastern Cape provinces.
Play your part - Join the Penguin Palooza 2024!
CapeNature, together with SANCCOB, has been actively working to rehabilitate ill and injured penguins and hand-rear abandoned chicks to release them back into the wild.
Critical conservation: How SANCCOB is fighting to save African penguins
With less than 10,000 breeding pairs left, African penguins are on the brink of extinction. SANCCOB's rehabilitation efforts provide a crucial lifeline, but urgent action is needed to protect their habitats and food sources.
New research proves no-take zones are helping to protect African Penguins
Recent scientific research highlights the positive impact of no-take zones around African Penguin breeding colonies, but experts argue that further expansion is necessary to fully protect the endangered species.
Lisa Starr continues to lead ocean-awareness in the Helderberg
Among the beachgoers at Strand Beach Marine Protected Area (MPA), one person catches the eye, Lisa Starr, the founder of the Helderberg Ocean Awareness Movement (Hoam).
Police confiscated R1. 4 million worth of abalone in Schaapkraal
Police arrested four suspects, aged between 19 and 33, who face serious wildlife crime charges.
Endangered bird in agony: triple fishing hook trapped in throat
A Cape gannet named Malletjie was transported from Richards Bay to Durban after x-rays confirmed that a triple fishing hook had lodged in the bird’s oesophagus.
‘Seals need our help’: Urgent efforts to protect Cape fur seals from plastic pollution in South Africa
One of the most immediate and tangible threats is plastic pollution, particularly debris from commercial fishing.
SA ports’ ability to deal with influx again under scrutiny
The increase in maritime traffic as reported by Business Report, has been attributed to vessels – especially those with ties to Israel – that are being attacked by Houthi rebels.