Marine Protected Areas Day is held on 1 August every year – and it’s an especially significant day for Morukuru Family De Hoop. After all, our two properties, Morukuru Beach Lodge and Morukuru Ocean House, are located within the De Hoop Nature Reserve, part of the precious De Hoop Marine Protected Area.
This Marine Protected Area (MPA) stretches 51 km across the coastline and extends five nautical miles out to sea. The entire MPA is a Restricted Zone (No Take Area) and forms part of the migratory route and calving zone for Southern Right whales.
Did you know that South Africa has a total of 42 MPAs? These areas, including the De Hoop MPA, serve various purposes, including biodiversity conservation and building ecosystem resilience. MPAs safeguard marine species from threats such as overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution. In fact, studies have shown that marine life within fully protected MPAs can exhibit increases in biomass of up to 670% more than nearby non-protected areas. That’s pretty incredible!
But MPAs do more than just protect the ocean’s inhabitants. They offer many societal benefits, too. For example, they boost fisheries by allowing fish populations to recover and expand, often resulting in increased catches in adjacent areas. This supports local economies reliant on fishing while ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine resources. MPAs also provide opportunities for education, research, and cultural heritage preservation.
Governmental organisation CapeNature, officially known as the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, is the custodian of De Hoop Nature Reserve, which is one of the largest natural areas managed by the organisation. Besides the treasures of the ocean, De Hoop Nature Reserve is home to a 16 km long vlei, rare fynbos, over 260 bird species, various wildlife species, and the Potberg Mountains.
In collaboration with CapeNature, Morukuru Goodwill Foundation works hard to amplify the positive effects of the De Hoop Marine Protected Area, organising regular beach clean-ups (our most recent clean-up took place on 17 and 18 May 2024), and removing alien vegetation within the reserve. We also sponsor and assist the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation with releasing rehabilitated turtles back into the ocean, like Bheni. Together we can all make a difference.
Travellers like you can also play a role in boosting the benefits of MPAs for both the environment and local communities:
Here’s to marine protected areas and striking that balance between enjoying nature and preserving it for generations to come.
This Marine Protected Area (MPA) stretches 51 km across the coastline and extends five nautical miles out to sea. The entire MPA is a Restricted Zone (No Take Area) and forms part of the migratory route and calving zone for Southern Right whales.
Did you know that South Africa has a total of 42 MPAs? These areas, including the De Hoop MPA, serve various purposes, including biodiversity conservation and building ecosystem resilience. MPAs safeguard marine species from threats such as overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution. In fact, studies have shown that marine life within fully protected MPAs can exhibit increases in biomass of up to 670% more than nearby non-protected areas. That’s pretty incredible!
But MPAs do more than just protect the ocean’s inhabitants. They offer many societal benefits, too. For example, they boost fisheries by allowing fish populations to recover and expand, often resulting in increased catches in adjacent areas. This supports local economies reliant on fishing while ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine resources. MPAs also provide opportunities for education, research, and cultural heritage preservation.
Governmental organisation CapeNature, officially known as the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, is the custodian of De Hoop Nature Reserve, which is one of the largest natural areas managed by the organisation. Besides the treasures of the ocean, De Hoop Nature Reserve is home to a 16 km long vlei, rare fynbos, over 260 bird species, various wildlife species, and the Potberg Mountains.
In collaboration with CapeNature, Morukuru Goodwill Foundation works hard to amplify the positive effects of the De Hoop Marine Protected Area, organising regular beach clean-ups (our most recent clean-up took place on 17 and 18 May 2024), and removing alien vegetation within the reserve. We also sponsor and assist the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation with releasing rehabilitated turtles back into the ocean, like Bheni. Together we can all make a difference.
Travellers like you can also play a role in boosting the benefits of MPAs for both the environment and local communities:
- Support eco-friendly accommodations and tours
- Minimise pollution
- Join beach clean-ups
- Raise awareness
- Play your part
Here’s to marine protected areas and striking that balance between enjoying nature and preserving it for generations to come.
