ALGOA BAY HOPE SPOT LAUNCH

The launch of the Algoa Bay Hope Spot will take place on the 11 December 2014 and is a phenomenal movement supported by Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT). Renowned marine conservationist, Dr Sylvia Earle is leading the Mission Blue Expedition though South Africa to launch the country's first six Hope Spots, including the Algoa Bay Hope Spot. Dr Earle will unveil a plaque at the Shark Rock Pier after a dive off Hobie Beach as part of a few of the launch activations.

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism CEO, Ms Mandlakazi Skefile confirmed her excitement saying, “Being part of the international project puts Algoa Bay on the map. This will benefit the city, local citizens and tourists with cleaner shores and seas to be enjoyed with increased tourism opportunities.”

Mission Blue defines Hope Spots as special conservation areas that are critical to the health of the ocean — Earth’s blue heart.

Hope Spots in South Africa are geared to involving people, especially children, clubs, societies and NGO’s who will work with the authorities to make their areas special places of fun, hope, education, conservation, tourism and sustainable angling and fishing. The Hope Spot Initiative South Africa -Ikhaya lethemba (The Home of Hope) - addresses critically important South African issues and is totally inclusive, aiming to harness the power of people by involving them in positive action.

Following the unveiling of the plaque there will be a visit to SAMREC and on the eve of the 11th December Dr Sylvia Earle will be the guest of Honor at the evening programme of the Algoa Hope Spot Launch as well as her book launch, “South African Coasts: A Celebration of our seas and shores.”  The next day will include a visit to the Zwartkops estuary and conservancy.

Mission Blue, the promoter and driver of Hope Spots, was established through the Sylvia Earle Alliance (SEA), an initiative aimed at exploring and caring for the oceans and started by Dr Sylvia Earle, a world famous diver, oceanographer and National Geographic Explorer in Residence.

Algoa Bay presents one of the richest marine biodiversity on the planet. It is a marine important bird area that hosts more than half of the global population of the endangered African penguins. It is a nursery ground for endangered great white sharks and southern right whales, harbours large numbers of cetaceans and the sardine run, attracting international TV crews annually. It is the only place on earth where one can spot the big 7.

Dr Lorien Pichegru who is Algoa Bay Hope Spot Committee Chair, a marine biologist and NMMU Zoology lecturer is excited about the launch of the Algoa Bay Hope Spot and confirmed that Algoa Bay includes unique and threatened ecosystems, such as the Alexandria dune field, precious estuaries, reefs, coastal fynbos and stromatolites.

Dr Pichegru says, “The marine research in the bay is of the highest international calibre. Port Elizabeth’s beautiful beachfront and its Blue Flag beaches welcome thousands of international tourists annually through being privileged to be home to such magnificent natural resources.”

"With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you're connected to the sea. No matter where on Earth you live." Says Dr Sylvia Earle

As per Dr Earle, “The Hope Spot is a first step towards healthy oceans and the sustainability of marine life. This first step is taken by the people, all of us, who are lucky enough to live in a Hope Spot. It consists in taking responsibilities for our environment right on our door step.”