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August 2026
BY HOSTING FOUR MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CCAMLR MEETINGS:
SOUTH AFRICA IS STRENGTHENING GLOBAL OCEAN CONSERVATION WHILE ADVANCING SCIENCE, SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
South Africa has long been recognised as the Gateway to Antarctica, providing a strategic link between the green continent and the icy outskirts through its ports, research programmes and scientific expertise. In June and July 2026, that gateway took on a new dimension as scientists, fisheries experts and policy-makers from around the world gathered in Hazyview (Mpumalanga), the gateway to the iconic Kruger National Park, to help shape the future of the Southern Ocean. This follows the 100th anniversary celebrated on the 31st May, a milestone for biodiversity management.
HAZYVIEW - DOOR TO THE ICONIC KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AND CAPE TOWN - THE GATEWAY TO THE SOUTHERN OCEAN
While Hazyview opens the door to the iconic Kruger National Park and Cape Town being the gateway to the Southern Ocean, both represent globally important conservation frontiers where science, collaboration and responsible stewardship are essential to the protection and management of biodiversity. It was therefore fitting that discussions on the future of Antarctic marine ecosystems were held on the doorstep of one of the world's most celebrated conservation landscapes on the year of its centenary.
FOUR MEETINGS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE SOUTHERN OCEAN
Each meeting focused on a critical aspect of Antarctic science, conservation, and management:
- The working group on incidental mortality associated with fishing (WG-IMAF-2026) developed practical measures to reduce the incidental capture of seabirds and other protected marine species during fishing operations.
- The workshop on the harmonisation of marine spatial planning for subarea 48.2 (WS-48.2-2026) improved scientific assessments of how fishing of Antarctic krill is spatially spread taking into account krill dependent predators, the crustaceans that form the foundation of the Southern Ocean food web and sustain the ecosystem.
- The working group on ecosystem monitoring and management (WG-EMM-2026) evaluated the health of Antarctic ecosystems and examined how environmental change and fishing activities can be managed using an ecosystem-based approach.
- The working group on statistics, assessments and modelling (WG-SAM-2026) refined the statistical methods, stock assessments and scientific models that underpin sustainable fisheries management.
Chief Director: Marine Resource Management - Mr Saasa Pheeha opening the WG-EMM-2026 scientific meeting
WHY THIS MATTERS TO SOUTH AFRICA
SOUTH AFRICA IS THE ONLY AFRICAN NATION WITH A PERMANENT SCIENTIFIC PRESENCE IN ANTARCTICA AND THE SOUTHERN OCEAN.
This unique position gives the country an important voice in international decision-making forum in shaping the future of resources on one of Earth's last great wildernesses. Hosting these meetings reinforces South Africa's reputation as a trusted participant in Antarctic science and creates opportunities for local scientists, universities and research institutions to collaborate with some of the world's foremost marine experts. These partnerships strengthen national scientific capacity, support innovation and help train the next generation of South African researchers.
Healthy Southern Ocean ecosystems contribute to global climate regulation, influence ocean productivity and support internationally important fisheries. Understanding these systems helps improve the management of marine resources worldwide and contributes to healthier oceans for future generations.
SCIENCE DIPLOMACY IN ACTION
The scientific recommendations developed during these meetings will inform discussions at the upcoming CCAMLR Scientific Committee and Commission meetings in October this year, where member states collectively determine the conservation and sustainable management of Antarctic marine living resources.
These meetings provided a platform for scientists, fisheries experts and policymakers to share knowledge, evaluate new scientific evidence and build consensus that informs CCAMLR's approach to conserving and sustainably managing Antarctic marine living resources.
At a time when the world's oceans face increasing environmental pressures, South Africa continues to demonstrate how science diplomacy translates scientific knowledge into international policy, ensuring that decisions affecting the Southern Ocean are guided by robust evidence, collaboration and a shared commitment to responsible stewardship.
Chief Director: Oceans and Coastal Research - Mr Ashley Johnson opening the WG-SAM-2026 scientific meeting