National Marine Week

National Marine Week is celebrated annually during the second week of October. This is an Environmental Awareness Campaign driven by the Department of Environmental Affairs, through its Branch: Oceans and Coasts.

Its purpose is to create awareness of the oceans and coastal environment, the promotion of sustainable utilization and conservation thereof, for the benefit of all. It endeavours to bring the science alive to allow politicians, the public and the young to understand the value of the role of the oceans.

This year’s theme is “#OCEAN 70/20 One Ocean, One Planet”.

The objective of the campaign is to create awareness of the oceans and coastal environment in order 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 and this campaign is therefore intended for all South Africans. However, the main target for this campaign is the youth, mobilising them to actively be involved on issues of oceans and coasts.