BRANCH - 

OCEANS AND COASTS
(OC)

Promotion, management and strategic leadership on oceans and coastal conservation in South Africa.

NATIONAL ASSETS

CREATION OF JOBS

OCEANS CONSERVATION

STRENGTHENING RESEARCH

An integral part of the environment is undoubtedly the Oceans and Coasts. The marine and coastal environment are national assets which provide and sustain a wide range of economic, social and ecological services that are a foundation for the livelihoods of millions of South Africans. They not only underpin national and international transport, mining, coastal tourism and fisheries industries but also are vital components of the climate system as a carbon sink and global temperature controller.

Investigations have found that South Africa’s oceans economy has potential to contribute more than R20 billion to the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2019 and at least 1 million jobs by 2033. As the DFFE, our role in this regard is particularly focused on marine protection services and ocean governance, which entails the protection of the ocean environment from all illegal activities and promotion of its multiple socio-economic benefits.

Our focus is on the management and conservation of our oceans and coastal environment. The purpose is to bring about harmony and integration of the various role players in the ocean space, but also safeguard against any possible compromise of the ocean environment through application of different legislation relevant to oceans and coastal management.

We also continue to strengthen research programmes for integrated oceans and coastal management. Through the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), the department has maintained South Africa’s research presence in Antarctica and the Prince Edward Islands. The scientific data that is collected during voyages is critical to the understanding of amongst other things, the impacts of climate change and weather information associated with extreme events.

FUNCTIONS

The key focus areas in driving oceans and coastal environment conservation are:

MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORKS

Establishments of management frameworks and mechanisms for the ocean and coastal environment.

INTEGRATED OCEANS MANAGEMENT

Strengthening of national science programmes for integrated oceans and coastal management.

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

Development of and contribution to effective knowledge and information management for the sector.

INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT

Participation and support to international agreements and bodies supportive of SA environmental and sustainable development priorities.

MULTIMEDIA

MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING (MSP) IN A NUTSHELL

MSP guides where and when human activities occur in the ocean. Making sure the right activity takes place in the right areas and helps facilitate the development of a sustainable blue economy – benefitting South Africans and the environment alike

OUR OCEANS ARE UNDER SEVERE STRESS FROM HUMAN IMPACT

Oceans cover 71 percent of the planet. They regulate our climate, feed us, is home to countless fish animals and plant life and so much more.

SA AGULHAS II DOCUMENTARY

SA Agulhas II is a South African icebreaking polar supply and research ship owned by the DFFE. SA Agulhas II is designed to carry out both scientific research and supply South African research stations in the Antarctic.

MANAGEMENT