Children from Nelson Mandela Bay schools visited Bayworld last week in celebration of National Marine Week, learning about the importance of the ocean.
The week is celebrated annually in October, with this year’s theme “Plastic is Drastic” highlighting the effect plastic pollution has on the marine environment and how it can be addressed.
The bulk of local Marine Week activities took place at Bayworld from October 15 to 18, where school groups got the opportunity to explore various exhibitions and participate in activities to learn more about plastic pollution, the importance of estuaries, recycling, dolphins, penguins and Algoa Bay. All activities were fully booked with organised school groups.
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) sponsored and participated in this week’s National Marine Week activities as custodian of the Nelson Mandela Bay ports.
“The central message we want to get across is that we who live in Nelson Mandela Bay are heavily influenced by Algoa Bay and we in turn influence the Bay too,” Marine Week activities co-ordinator Karen Binning said.
“It is important that especially young people learn more about the ocean surrounding us, the animals that call it their home and how we impact them.
“The objective of the campaign was to create awareness of the oceans and coastal environment to promote sustainable use and conservation for the benefit of present and future generations.
“All South Africans – coastal and inland – are responsible for the well-being of the ocean and coastal environment.”
Among the organisations taking part in the Marine Week activities were Algoa Bay Hope Spot, Bayworld, the department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, ENACTUS (Nelson Mandela University), Nelson Mandela Metro Environmental Unit, Noziqhamo Arts and Crafts, SAEON, SANCCOB, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and Zwartkops Conservancy.
The primary sponsor of Marine Week activities in the Bay was Aegean Bunkering Marine Services. Other sponsors included TNPA and Bayworld.