Algoa Bay Hope Spot Re-Launches with New Champions for Conservation

February 21, 2025

Cover image © Sustainable Seas Trust

Algoa Bay, South Africa – Algoa Bay on South Africa’s Eastern Cape is one of the country’s largest bays, opening into the Indian Ocean. It is home to several of the world’s largest breeding colonies of critically endangered African penguins (Spheniscus demersus), the largest pods of bottlenose dolphins in the world and the famous sardine run, the largest migration of the planet. Bounded in the west by Cape Recife and in the east by Cape Padrone, Algoa Bay is a highly productive marine ecosystem due to the presence of the Benguela Upwelling system, which brings cold, nutrient-rich water into the area and supports a wealth of biodiversity. Rare species from both warm and cold currents co-exist in the bay.

Dr. Sylvia Earle, Founder of Mission Blue, says, “South Africa as a country has committed to protection of 30% of the land and 30% of the ocean, so we’re really looking forward to seeing how Mission Blue with the Hope Spot initiative can help work with the government and of course with the people, to reach that goal.”

Originally designated in 2014 as part of a suite of South African Hope Spots, Mission Blue is re-launching the Algoa Bay Hope Spot by recognizing a new pair of Hope Spot Champions. In addition to the initial Champion, Adj Prof Lorien Pichegru, Mission Blue now welcomes Dr. Stacey Webb, Head of Marine and Coastal Impact Programmes for the Sustainable Seas Trust (SST), and Jonguxolo Davids, Research Officer, also of SST, as Hope Spot Champions. Together, they form a powerful team with decades of experience in the region, and are dedicated to the continued protection of the rich biodiversity of Algoa Bay.

“Through the recognition of the Algoa Bay Hope Spot, and raising awareness of its significance, we aim to inspire the people of Algoa Bay to actively protect this extraordinary resource right on our doorstep,” says Dr. Stacey Webb, Head of Marine and Coastal Impact Programmes at SST. She continues, “Our goal is for the bay to become a sanctuary for the endangered and endemic species it is known for.”

The Algoa Bay Hope Spot aims to improve and expand existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by connecting boundaries, supporting regional discourse on MPA priorities and increasing community involvement. The Bay is a hotspot for marine ecotourism activities, home to the big 7 with the Addo Elephant National park and the Addo Marine Protected Area. Activities include whale watching and diving, providing opportunities to engage visitors, drive public education campaigns, and increase awareness to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices to preserve the natural wonders of the region. 

Jonguxolo Davids, Research Officer at SST, shares, “I see us at Sustainable Seas Trust as the bridge connecting people with the environment, with a vision of a future where both communities and our seas flourish together. Through initiatives like the Hope Spot, we strive to inspire the people of Algoa Bay to take action and protect the extraordinary natural resources right on their doorstep. My goal is to see the bay become a sanctuary for its endangered and endemic species, ensuring its preservation for future generations. We are committed to supporting the Algoa Bay Hope Spot by empowering local communities through research, education, and empowerment—providing the knowledge and tools needed to safeguard the ocean and its unique ecosystems.”

The area bordering Algoa Bay is home to a dense human population, particularly in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) area, and therefore faces challenges particularly associated with anthropogenic impacts. Local communities and the indigenous Khoisan people maintain deep cultural connections to the Bay, including traditional fishing practices, and water plays an important role in the beliefs of the many indigenous inhabitants of NMBM.

Professor Lorien Pichegru of the Coastal and Marine Research Institute of Nelson Mandela University has spent years engaged in conservation efforts for Algoa Bay and shares, “Awareness of the beauty of our bay and its uniqueness is crucial to develop love and care from the citizens for the precious biodiversity on their doorstep. The Algoa Bay Hope Spot has run a long-term citizen education programme locally to raise awareness and develop citizen initiatives for the environment. This programme could be extended to businesses and decision makers.”

Anthropogenic impacts including sewage discharge, plastic pollution, harmful algal blooms, major ship traffic and oil spills threaten the biodiversity of the area. Implementing sustainable waste management practices, improving fishing regulations and management, and establishing collaborative approaches to monitoring the health of the Bay and managing their impact are central to plans for the Algoa Bay Hope Spot going forwards.

Hope Spot Champions Stacey Webb and Jonguxolo Davis aim to continue their important work engaging local communities, stakeholders, and supporting further scientific research for Algoa Bay. As a critical habitat for the largest breeding colonies of the critically endangered African penguin, as well as a major urban area, there is important work to be done for Algoa Bay and the future of those who call it home.

About Sustainable Seas Trust (SST)

Sustainable Seas Trust (SST) is a science-based organisation working to protect Africa’s seas and communities for the benefit of all who live on the continent. SST aims to achieve six UN Sustainability Goals; Goal 4, ensure inclusive, equitable quality education and learning opportunities for all; Goal 8, promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all; Goal 11, working towards sustainable cities and communities; Goal 12, ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns; Goal 14, to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development; and Goal 17, partnering for the sustainable development of these goals.

The organisation currently works with both national and international partners, like the Abidjan Convention on the west coast of Africa and Nairobi Convention on the east coast of Africa, as well as the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association and the African members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, to holistically address the waste issue in Africa. They are now actively collaborating with 32 of the 54 states in Africa and counting.

About Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University

The Institute for Coastal and Marine Research (CMR) is a research entity of the Nelson Mandela University, based at the Ocean Sciences Campus. It is the largest marine research entity in Southern Africa, striving for excellence in transdisciplinary research and training related to the ocean and coastal environments. This research advances scientific knowledge, provides a basis for management strategies that optimise the maintenance of biodiversity and sustainable use of our resources, and contributes to the education of the community at large in all matters pertaining to the ocean and coast. The CMR spans across all seven University Faculties, and it includes over 350 members from the university and external research entities and stakeholder groups (nationally and internationally).