2013 National Marine Week celebrations

National Marine Week is an initiative of DEA celebrated annually to raise awareness about the marine environment and inter-connectivity of oceans with the rest of inland South Africa. The campaign also aims to promote sustainable use and conservation for the benefit of present and future generations.

The theme for this year's celebration speaks directly to the Department's planned deployment of a data buoy system off Algoa Bay. The system will give a better understanding of the ocean environment, with an envisaged Early-Warning System. The products derived from the scientific data collection will inform all stakeholders and the public of the most recent ocean conditions and whether any ocean-based hazards are imminent, therefore linking science to direct benefits to society. As a consequence of better understanding and preparedness, life and property can be protected

Delivering key note address on behalf of Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, Deputy Director-General responsible for Oceans and Coasts, Dr Monde Mayekiso, revealed that the Department has embarked on a process of developing an Oceans Policy for the country.

"The Green Paper discussion document received extensive valuable comments and we are currently progressing well on the White Paper. In deliberating on the Ocean Policy Cabinet further requested that the Ministry of Water and Environmental Affairs coordinates national discussions to produce detailed information on existing and potential future ocean economic opportunities," he said.

The Oceans Policy will also ensure that marine resources are used optimally and sustainably. "As the custodian of the ocean and coastal environment, we have to ensure that South Africa's rich marine resources, both living and non-living, must be utilised optimally and sustainably in order to promote job creation and increase social benefits emanating from this," Mayekiso said.

Officials from the Department will be visiting different schools throughout the country to encourage pupils to take up careers in the fields relating to marine science, biology, biodiversity and conservation.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit the Department's exhibition stand on marine science and research at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University on Tuesday 8 October. The SA Agulhas II will be open for the public on Saturday, 12 October at East Pier, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.

All South Africans (coastal and inland) are responsible for the well-being of the ocean and coastal environment and this campaign is therefore intended for all South Africans!

To access the speech delivered by Dr Monde Mayekiso on behalf of Minister Molewa, go to www.environment.gov.za/speech/mayekiso_launching_nationalmarineweek.