Compiled by Melissa Javan
National Marine Month, which begins on 1 October, promotes awareness of South Africa’s marine and coastal environments, as well as of the benefits that our oceans bring to our nation.
South Africa is nestled between two currents, and two oceans:
- The warm Agulhas Current, with rich ocean biodiversity, but not large fish stocks; and
- The cold Benguela Current, which supports large fisheries such as those focused on the small pelagic (anchovy and sardine) and the demersal (hake) stocks.
The Indian Ocean, on the east side of the country, is warmed by the Mozambique or Agulhas Current, which flows down from the tropics, while the Atlantic Ocean, on the west coast, is cooled by the icy Benguela Current, which comes up from the Antarctic.
The Agulhas and the Benguela currents, in addition to the cold southern oceans, are key drivers of South African climate and rainfall conditions. (Image: Wikipedia)
Learn more here about where the two oceans meet.
Learn more here about South Africa’s geography.
Photos that are copyright Media Club South Africa and Brand South Africa may be used free of charge for editorial purposes, on condition that Media Club South Africa and Brand South Africa are credited.
Reasons why you should care about our oceans
The world’s oceans generate most of the oxygen we breathe. (Image: Brand South Africa)
The ocean regulates our climate. (Image: MediaClubSouthAfrica)
The ocean is the producer of moisture to the atmosphere, which leads to rain. (Image: MediaClubSouthAfrica)
Rain, which is mainly produced by the ocean, plays a vital role in agriculture. (Image: MediaClubSouthAfrica)
The ocean cleans the water we drink. (Image: MediaClubSouthAfrica)
Global trade is dominated by sea transport. (Image: MediaClubSouthAfrica)
The ocean boosts tourism and has a positive impact on the economy. (Image: MediaClubSouthAfrica)
The ocean offers us a pharmacopoeia of potential medicines. (Image: MediaClubSouthAfrica)
The ocean helps to feed us; it also creates skills development opportunities and employment. (Image: MediaClubSouthAfrica)
Initiatives that involve the ocean
Learn more here about the government’s Operation Phakisa initiative.
Find out more here about the government’s water programmes that create job opportunities.
Read more here about how the ocean plays a role in tackling the energy crisis.
This article was originally posted on the South African Government website.
