In part two of my South African hope stories I tell you a little about some of the people who inspire #OceanOptimism. My stories were motivated by an article I read by Elin Kelsey titled “The Rise of Ocean Optimism”.
Dr Kerry Sink is one of five recipients of the Pew Fellowship in marine conservation in 2016
South Africa’s Dr Kerry Sink was awarded a Pew Fellowship earlier this this year and was also awarded the Society for Conservation Biology’s 2015 Distinguished Service Award for “outstanding leadership and self-sacrifice in mainstreaming marine biodiversity conservation research into South Africa's development planning, policy, management and industrial arenas”.
Not only is Kerry a South African, but she is also a woman doing great work in marine science and conservation. Kerry initiated the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI), which has grown from strength to strength over the years. I hope that she will inspire other women to enter into marine science as a career.
APSS opens in Kleinbaai near Gansbaai
This penguin and seabird rehabilitation and education facility opened its doors in 2015. Conservationist, visionary and businessman Wilfred Chivell is passionate about the oceans and marine life and created the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT).
The African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) is a DICT project and aims to not only treat and rehabilitate injured penguins (and other sea birds), but also to play a vital role in raising awareness about the plight of African penguins.
Since February 2015 APSS has admitted a total of 154 African penguins and they have had a release rate of 92%. A total of 80 other seabirds were admitted to the APSS in the same period, most of these being white-breasted cormorants. They have also rehabilitated two northern giant petrels as well as an Indian yellow nosed albatross.
Given that African penguins are in crisis, their numbers having plummeted from two million individuals to under 40 000 in the last 100 years, they need all the help they can get. Wilfred makes a living from the ocean and his investment back into saving an iconic marine species is hugely encouraging.
The Student Environmental Action (SEA) Team
The SEA (Student Environmental Action) Team is a group of Two Oceans Aquarium Young Biologist graduates who are passionate about the oceans and want to make a difference. They have committed to organising two major beach cleanups every year as well as one bigger project in pursuit of abundant and healthy oceans for life. The future well-being of the oceans is in the hands of these young people – they have the power to generate a wave of energetic and committed ocean ambassadors who will continue the important work into the years to come.
Achmat “Shark Boy” Hassiem speaks up for sharks
Achmat Hassiem was bitten by a great white shark in 2006 and lost his lower right leg while trying to protect his brother from the same shark.
Not only is he now one of our country’s top performing para-athletes, but his commitment to the protection of sharks and being an advocate for these much-maligned creatures is inspirational to say the least. Click here to watch his hugely inspirational TEDxSea Point presentations, "Impossible is Me".
Odwa from Gansbaai
“I want you to meet someone,” said Russell Stevens, Head of Education at the Aquarium, when I walked into his office. He introduced me to Odwa Mntakaziwa from Gansbaai. Odwa is a grade 10 student at Gansbaai Akademie. She participated in the I&J Young Biologist course in April this year. When it came to Odwa completing her volunteer hours she caught a taxi from Gansbaai to Bellville where Thabo, our Oceans in Motion Outreach Teacher, collected her and brought her through to the Aquarium. Odwa stayed with Russell and his family for a week while she volunteered in the July school holidays.
The Young Biologists are required to complete an environmental project in order to graduate and so Odwa did a beach cleanup near the Gansbaai harbour. Odwa’s determination and pride is admirable and I have no doubt that she will inspire and guide others to care for and protect the oceans.
