The marine wonderland of Table Mountain National Park’s extensive 127km coastline takes centre stage in a captivating short film titled Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area – Heart of the Great African Sea Forest.
Also read: Cape kelp forests named one of the Seven Wonders of the World
The six-minute documentary explores not only the surface but delves into the fundamentals of marine protected areas (MPAs) and highlights the crucial significance of preserving this precious ecosystem.
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The Great African Seaforest stands as an enchanting marvel beneath the waves. What sets it apart is its exclusive expanse of giant bamboo kelp, a haven for extraordinary organisms and diverse life forms.
Stretching along Cape Town’s shores, this immense ever-expanding ecosystem reaches over 1000km northward into Namibia.
Marine forests exhibit remarkable productivity, they are hubs of biodiversity, playing roles in carbon sequestration, oxygen generation and the mitigation of coastal erosion. Encompassing approximately 28% of global coastlines and stand as a prime example of marine vulnerability.
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By protecting marine biodiversity, we ensure sustainable fishing and preserve coastal ecosystems. A marine biologist for SANParks, Dr Alison Kock has revealed that the ocean reserve within the park boasts a rich variety of marine creatures.
‘A scientific review has identified that this underwater wonderland is home to at least 129 algae species, 687 marine-invertebrate species, 46 shark-and-ray species, 149 fish species, 39 shorebird-and-seabird species, 16 marine-mammal species and three marine-reptile species. The abundance and variety of life within this protected area make it a true treasure trove of marine biodiversity and the jewel of the Great African Seaforest.’
Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area – Heart of the Great African Sea Forest is a collaborative undertaking between SANParks and the Sea Change Project. This cinematic creation not only serves as a rallying call for ocean conservation but also showcases the remarkable beauty of this underwater wonderland.
The Sea Change Project, a nonprofit organisation, is devoted to bridging the gap between humans and the untamed natural world. In 2021, their documentary My Octopus Teacher won a BAFTA award in the best documentary category as well as an Oscar in the best documentary feature division.
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Picture and video: SANParks