The importance of conserving oceans came under the spotlight at this year’s 7th International Marine Conservation Congress, held from 13 to 18 October 2024 at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town. Joining the marine science research community at the conference was a team of researchers from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). 

To promote an understanding of the CSIR’s work in the marine sciences and policy environment, principal researchers Dr Lara van Niekerk and Dr Brent Newman, as well as senior researcher Dr Marie Smith and researcher Anisha Velayudan all participated, presenting on the protection of South Africa’s estuaries; the restoration of blue carbon ecosystems for a resilient future; the occurrence and potential hazard posed by pharmaceutically active compounds in the coastal waters of Cape Town; and support for monitoring coral bleaching in the Western Indian Ocean.

The biennial conference was organised by the Society for Conservation Biology’s Global Marine Programme and attracted more than 800 scientists and marine conservation practitioners.

“It’s a thrilling opportunity to join ocean conservation scientists from across the world,” says Newman. “Raising awareness of the country's marine and coastal environments during October as National Marine Month, and inspiring action to protect marine life also create a platform for science and technology in this domain.”

Van Niekerk shared, “South Africa is celebrating and engaging everyone involved in marine conservation to share ideas and promote action for the long-term health of oceans.”  

The conference programme included exciting evening entertainment activities, dynamic pre-congress and marine ecosystem monitoring workshops, focus groups, field trips, student socials, a film night, and exhibitions, including thematic plenaries and daytime sessions.