SST recently presented at the 7th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC7) in Cape Town from 13 – 18 October. This marked the first time the congress, which brought together stakeholders from more than 70 countries world-wide, was held in Africa.
Researchers, policymakers, regulators, fishers, educators and students came together to share their research, tools and lessons learned to help us further understand marine science and policy to conserve our oceans. Many of the talks discussed the 30 x 30 target – 30% of the marine environment must be protected by 2030 under the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
This target is mainly aimed at increasing the area of the ocean protected by marine protected areas (MPAs). MPAs are designated areas in the ocean that protect the marine environment by restricting human activities. But the ocean must also be protected from pollution.
During the congress, SST presented in Marine Pollution session, which covered presentation topics from illegal oil activities and equipping the youth, to spear head marine conservation to sound pollution and microplastics. SST’s presentation was focused on the presence of plastic-related pollutants in mussels and fish from Algoa Bay, South Africa. Some of the work is published here with more research in preparation for publication.
Alongside the presentation, SST also facilitated an open session symposium titled “Tangible actions to tackle marine pollution”, which hosted speakers from South Africa, Canada, Australia, US Virgin Islands and Mauritius, who shared their tools, methods, findings and innovative designs to monitor and mitigate pollution in the marine environment.
SST remains committed to an intentionally collaborative approach that fosters partnerships to unlock meaningful, systems-wide solutions for a sustainable future for Africa’s seas and her people.
