{"id":6691,"date":"2026-07-27T14:43:32","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T12:43:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/?p=188311"},"modified":"2026-07-27T14:43:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T12:43:32","slug":"how-are-you-celebrating-mpa-day-this-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/how-are-you-celebrating-mpa-day-this-year\/","title":{"rendered":"How Are You Celebrating MPA Day This Year?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/how-are-you-celebrating-mpa-day-this-year\/#Track_Your_Press_Release_HERE\" >Track Your Press Release HERE<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/how-are-you-celebrating-mpa-day-this-year\/#Check_Online_Visibility\" >Check Online Visibility<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Environment_FQI-scaled.jpg\" class=\"ff-og-image-inserted\"><\/div>\n<p>Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are being celebrated across the globe on MPA Day, with lots of activities planned across South Africa \u2013 its country of origin!<\/p>\n<p>The countdown has begun to MPA Day on Saturday, 1 August, and South Africans are invited to discover the incredible marine life on their doorstep through a packed programme! Guided hikes, snorkelling excursions, beach clean-ups, fun runs, educational talks, citizen science projects, online events\u2026 there\u2019s something for everyone \u2013 even those living inland.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMPA Day aims to include everyone, from every walk of life, no matter where they live \u2013 because the health of our ocean affects us all,\u201d says Dr Judy Mann-Lang, from the Two Oceans Aquarium and Founder of MPA Day. \u201cThe day\u2019s activities are designed to inspire all ages and interests, with online activities connecting those who live far from the ocean as well. Even if you can\u2019t participate, we encourage you to do whatever you can \u2013 create awareness, reduce plastic use, or pick up litter \u2013 because every small act works toward our great goal \u2013 protecting the ocean.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>What\u2019s planned for MPA Day 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1. Sodwana Bay MPA | KwaZulu-Natal<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Organisers: Adventure Mania (info@adventuremania.co.za) | Maputaland Hope Spot (thongatrails@gmail.com)<\/p>\n<p>Some of South Africa\u2019s biggest MPA Day celebrations will take place in the iSimangaliso MPA, with activities including:<br \/>\u2022 5km, 10km and 21km Fun Run &amp; Walk: Through the dunes and along the beach, celebrating the importance of the Sodwana Bay MPA.<br \/>\u2022 Marine Conservation Presentations: For Grade 6 to 8 pupils, highlighting the role of MPAs and introducing careers in marine science, ecotourism, and scuba diving.<br \/>\u2022 Rocky Shores Explorer Challenge and Beach Clean-Up: Pupils get hands-on experience discovering marine life while helping protect the coastline.<br \/>\u2022 Children\u2019s Ocean Celebration: Message in a bottle activities, whale-themed games, recycled coral reef building, and Ocean Olympics for local children.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2. uThukela MPA | KwaZulu-Natal<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Organiser: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife<\/p>\n<p>Pupils from schools neighbouring the MPA will enjoy:<br \/>\u2022 Guided rocky shore explorations.<br \/>\u2022 Discovering the remarkable species living between the tides.<br \/>\u2022 Learning how MPAs safeguard these unique ecosystems.<\/p>\n<p><strong>3. Aliwal Shoal MPA | KwaZulu-Natal<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Organisers: Wild Alliance Africa (claire.ht431@gmail.com) | Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot<\/p>\n<p>A full day of activities includes:<br \/>\u2022 A 33km beach walk along the length of the MPA.<br \/>\u2022 Guided scuba diving and snorkelling excursions on Aliwal Shoal.<br \/>\u2022 Screening of the Mission Blue documentary featuring a special message from Dr Sylvia Earle.<br \/>\u2022 Citizen science rocky shore exploration with Wild Alliance Africa Ocean Leadership interns.<\/p>\n<p><strong>4. Tsitsikamma MPA | Western Cape<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Organiser: Nature\u2019s Valley Trust (alejandra.vargas@nvt.org.za)<br \/>\u2022 Guided rocky shore exploration for 60 primary school pupils.<br \/>\u2022 Hands-on discovery of marine life including crabs, fish and starfish.<br \/>\u2022 Lessons on why healthy MPAs benefit both wildlife and local communities.<\/p>\n<p>Organiser: Conserve Eden<br \/>\u2022 Guided hike through Robberg Nature Reserve, showcasing one of the Garden Route\u2019s most spectacular MPAs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>5. Table Mountain MPA | Western Cape<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>With activities across the peninsula, there\u2019s something for every ocean enthusiast:<\/p>\n<p>Organiser: Two Oceans Aquarium (marketing@aquarium.co.za)<br \/>\u2022 Free Rocky Shore Explore at Dalebrook Tidal Pool from 10am to 12pm. Discover sea stars, nudibranchs, octopus, anemones and other fascinating marine life.<\/p>\n<p>Organiser: I AM WATER Foundation (page@iamwaterfoundation.org)<br \/>\u2022 Guided community snorkel through the Great African Seaforest at Miller\u2019s Point. Suitable for beginners and experienced snorkellers, with equipment provided.<\/p>\n<p>Organiser: Trail Freedivers (ian@designology.co.za)<br \/>\u2022 Guided freediving and snorkelling adventure at Water\u2019s Edge Beach near Boulders Beach.<\/p>\n<p>Organiser: Ocean Pledge (diony@mesh.co.za)<br \/>\u2022 Kayaking through the False Bay MPA with marine biologists.<br \/>\u2022 Educational session on MPAs.<\/p>\n<p>Organiser: Save a Fishie (info@saveafishie.co.za)<br \/>\u2022 Beach clean-up and nurdle hunt at Milnerton Lagoon to help protect the Robben Island MPA.<\/p>\n<p>Organiser: Guardians of the Deep (sallys@guardiansofthedeep.org.za)<br \/>\u2022 Swim for Life fundraising challenge across multiple locations within the Table Mountain and Robben Island MPAs. This raises funds for marine conservation, ranger support, and water safety.<\/p>\n<p><strong>6. Creative &amp; Community Activities<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Not every MPA Day activity takes place in an MPA:<\/p>\n<p>Organiser: Sunshine Life Centre (communication4nature@gmail.com)<br \/>\u2022 Family-friendly Market featuring educational exhibits, interactive displays and activities in Port Alfred.<br \/>Organiser: The Ocean Advocate (renee@theoceanadvocate.com)<br \/>\u2022 Free online communication toolkit helping scientists and conservation organisations tell more compelling ocean stories.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t Miss Any of the MPA Day Action!<\/p>\n<p>For these and many more MPA Day activities, visit the MPA Day Map or check www.MPADay.org for updated events and activities. Check out the MPA Day videos on YouTube.<\/p>\n<p>Keep updated by following:<br \/>Marine Protected Areas Day on Instagram<br \/>@MPASouthAfrica on Facebook<br \/>MPA Day on LinkedIn<\/p>\n<p><strong>MPA DAY FAQs<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>1. What is MPA Day?<br \/>MPA (Marine Protected Area) Day is celebrated annually on 1 August to raise awareness of the importance of Marine Protected Areas in protecting biodiversity, supporting sustainable fisheries, building climate resilience and connecting people with the ocean.<\/p>\n<p>2. Do I need to live near the ocean to take part?<br \/>No. Many activities are available online, while everyone can contribute by reducing pollution, learning more about ocean conservation, supporting sustainable seafood and sharing awareness about Marine Protected Areas.<\/p>\n<p>3. Are the activities suitable for families?<br \/>Yes. Many events have been specifically designed for children and families, including guided rock pool explorations, snorkelling, educational talks, beach clean-ups, creative activities and fun runs.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/contact\/featured\/\">CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Author<\/strong>: Agnes Matladi from <strong><a title class=\"aalmanual\" href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/directory\/a\/olivia-jones-communications\/\">Olivia Jones Communications<\/a><strong> on behalf of <strong>MPA<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p> <strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Track_Your_Press_Release_HERE\"><\/span>Track Your Press Release HERE:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"mypr-visibility-box\" readability=\"4.2608695652174\">\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Check_Online_Visibility\"><\/span>Check Online Visibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Verify where this release is currently indexed:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"entry-pagination pagination\">Pages: <span class=\"post-page-numbers current\" aria-current=\"page\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Page <\/span>1<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/how-are-you-celebrating-mpa-day-this-year\/2\/\" class=\"post-page-numbers\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Page <\/span>2<\/a><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/how-are-you-celebrating-mpa-day-this-year\/\" target=\"_blank\">CLICK HERE to Read the Original Press Release on MyPR<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are being celebrated across the globe on MPA Day, with lots of activities planned across South Africa \u2013 its country of origin! The countdown has begun to MPA Day on Saturday, 1 August, and South Africans are invited to discover the incredible marine life on their doorstep through a packed programme! &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","autoblue_enabled":true,"autoblue_custom_message":"","autoblue_shares":[{"did":"did:plc:revymtt5qssww7e7avbruzic","date":"2026-07-27T13:04:19+00:00","uri":"at:\/\/did:plc:revymtt5qssww7e7avbruzic\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mrmxi5ulsx2x","response":"{\"uri\":\"at:\/\/did:plc:revymtt5qssww7e7avbruzic\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mrmxi5ulsx2x\",\"cid\":\"bafyreidtaopf44qvaozzjiurcgswn6etixlwn7c7yixsoeyyqbe7ste7l4\",\"commit\":{\"cid\":\"bafyreibozyocw3rjlv4eeiyscaeodllmer3mvjs5guxaqrqsngeprizfqq\",\"rev\":\"3mrmxi5usnp2x\"},\"validationStatus\":\"valid\"}"}],"autoblue_post_url":"","autoblue_publish_document":false,"republication-tracker-tool-hide-widget":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[29],"class_list":["type-post","category-news","tag-mypr-africa","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6691","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6691"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6691\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6691"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6691"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6691"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}