Dive into marine conservation at the Marine Science Symposium

‘In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.’ – Baba Dioum

The Marine Science Symposium is returning to the iconic Beacon Isle Resort from 30 June – 2 July 2023, during the 2nd annual Plett Ocean Festival. It will once again be MC’d by the Black Mermaid Foundation’s Zandile Nhdlovu.

Picture: Keegan Pierre Jordaan.

Dive into marine conservation and sustainability, coastal exploration, and beach days. Plett’s winter months offer abundant marine life like southern right and humpback whales, gentle weather conditions with mild, windless days, and fewer holiday-makers and visitors. The Plett Ocean Festival encompasses citizen science, inclusivity, and Plett’s position as a destination for ocean lovers and marine conservation.

Picture: Dr Gwen Penry

The landmark Beacon Island, with its near-panoramic ocean views and exquisite sea lounge, is the perfect location for a symposium, which brings together experts in their oceanic fields and storytellers for a series of sessions that ocean lovers can really immerse themselves in. 

Plett Tourism’s Cindy Wilson-Trollip has curated another excellent symposium and festival, gathering experts from the Garden Route and further afield to bring to life conversations about marine conservation and Plettenberg Bay’s marine assets in an entertaining and thought-provoking way: ‘The depth of knowledge and extent of research on oceanography, conservation, and marine life is vast, and we want to share it with the world.’

An impressive lineup of both speakers and topics features experts on marine mammals, sea birds, and sharks, marine life both great and small, and inspiring lessons from the ocean. The symposium will also take on tougher topics such as the sustainability of boat-based whale watching, the dangers facing our migrating whales, spatial planning for marine protected areas, and the importance of diverse representation in the ocean. As Dr Syliva Earle, founder of global Hope Spots says: ‘No water, no life. No blue, no green.’

Picture: Plett Tourism

The Plett Ocean Festival will also offer a variety of fun and family-friendly activities, including rocky shore excursions, scuba diving and snorkelling, collaborations at the festival with Nature’s Valley Trust and Open Plan Pictures to screen the inspiring movie, Whale Rider alongside a marine education programme for young learners. Adopt-A-Swimmer and the Black Mermaid Foundation have partnered to introduce youngsters to the wonders beneath the waves. 

The 2023 Plett Ocean Festival is scheduled for 30 June – 9 July 2023, and tickets are available via www.plettoceanfestival.co.za.

For more information about the line-up of events, visit www.pletttourism.com.

Picture: Plett Tourism

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