Protecting Marine Life on Our Coastline
The problems, the threatened species and the solutions
South Africa has an extraordinary coastline, stretching along the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Our beaches, rocky shores, estuaries and offshore waters support an enormous variety of marine life. These ecosystems provide food, employment, tourism opportunities and natural protection for coastal communities.
However, our marine environment faces increasing pressure from human activities and climate change. South Africa's National Biodiversity Assessment, published in 2026, found that 71% of assessed coastal ecosystem types are threatened. Protecting marine life is no longer simply a conservation issue; it is essential for our future.
1. The major problems
Plastic pollution and waste
Plastic bags, bottles, fishing line, packaging and discarded fishing gear enter the ocean through rivers, stormwater drains, beaches and coastal dumping. Marine animals can become entangled in discarded materials or mistake plastic for food. Over time, plastic breaks into microplastics that contaminate marine environments and enter food webs.
Sewage and chemical pollution
Untreated sewage, industrial effluent, agricultural chemicals and polluted stormwater damage coastal habitats. Poor water quality threatens fish, shellfish, seabirds and marine mammals, while contaminated beaches and estuaries also create risks for people.
Overfishing and accidental capture
Unsustainable fishing reduces populations and disrupts marine food chains. Animals such as dolphins, turtles, seabirds and sharks can also be caught unintentionally in fishing nets and lines. Illegal harvesting threatens valuable species, including abalone and West Coast rock lobster.
Coastal development and habitat destruction
Construction, mining, harbour expansion and poorly managed tourism can damage dunes, estuaries, rocky shores and breeding areas. Artificial lighting and human disturbance can also affect wildlife, particularly animals that depend on quiet beaches or undisturbed breeding colonies.
Climate change
Warming seas, ocean acidification, changing currents and extreme weather affect marine habitats and food supplies. These changes can disrupt breeding, alter the distribution of fish and make survival more difficult for species already under pressure.
2. Marine species under threat
Several species along South Africa's coastline need urgent conservation attention.
African penguin — Critically Endangered globally
The African penguin is one of our most recognisable seabirds, with important colonies around the Western Cape and Algoa Bay. Its population has declined dramatically. The decline is attributed to limited access to appropriate sardine and anchovy prey, competition with commercial fishing, breeding failures, and various environmental pressures.
Solutions include protecting breeding colonies, reducing disturbance, improving food availability and carefully managing commercial fishing around important penguin feeding areas.
Leatherback turtle — Critically Endangered regionally
These remarkable ocean traveler's visit South African waters and nest on parts of the country's eastern coastline. They face threats from fishing bycatch, marine debris, coastal development and climate-related changes to nesting beaches.
Safer fishing methods, protected nesting beaches, reduced plastic and light pollution and monitoring of nesting activity can improve their chances of survival.
Indian Ocean humpback dolphin — Endangered
This coastal dolphin is particularly vulnerable because it lives close to shore, where human activities are concentrated. Pollution, coastal development, shipping and accidental capture threaten its survival. South Africa's population is estimated to number fewer than 500 individuals.
Protecting coastal habitats, reducing pollution, improving fishing practices and managing vessel activity are essential measures.
Cape cormorant and Cape gannet — Threatened seabirds
These seabirds depend on healthy marine food webs and adequate supplies of small fish. Food shortages, fishing pressures, predation and climate-related changes can affect their breeding success and survival.
Improved fisheries management, safeguarding of breeding colonies, and monitoring of prey populations are crucial solutions.
Threatened sharks and rays
Several South African shark and ray species face pressure from targeted fishing, accidental capture and habitat degradation. The scalloped hammerhead is globally Critically Endangered, while endemic species such as the happy Eddie shark and twin eye skate are assessed as Endangered.
Stronger fisheries controls, protection of nursery areas and improved monitoring can help prevent further population declines.
3. What can we do?
Protecting our coastline requires action from individuals, communities, businesses and government.
Reduce plastic waste: Avoid unnecessary single-use plastics, reuse containers and dispose of rubbish responsibly.
Join organised beach clean-ups: Remove litter safely and report illegal dumping or pollution to the authorities. Save-a-fishie, led by Zoe Prinsloo, exemplifies organizations dedicated to the restoration of our coastlines. Their Coast-to-Coast initiative involves traveling along the coastline to advocate for and facilitate clean-up efforts, while also educating young people on the critical importance of preventing ocean pollution.
Choose sustainable seafood: Support responsible fisheries and follow fishing regulations, including size limits and seasonal restrictions.
Protect wildlife: Keep your distance from animals, never disturb nests or breeding colonies, and keep dogs under control where permitted.
Improve wastewater management: Municipalities must maintain sewage infrastructure, monitor water quality and act against illegal discharges.
Strengthen marine protected areas: Protect important feeding grounds, breeding sites and habitats, while enforcing existing regulations.
Support conservation organisations: Contribute to credible research, wildlife rescue, habitat restoration and public education initiatives. Examples of conservation organizations you can support include SANBI, SANCCOB, WILDTRUST, DYER ISLAND CONSERVATION TRUST, WESSA, and the Sustainable Seas Trust.
Conclusion
Our coastline is a national treasure, but marine animals cannot protect themselves from every threat we create. The decline of the African penguin serves as a cautionary example that even well-known species can face extinction when subjected to excessive pressures.
We need cleaner rivers, responsible fishing, stronger environmental enforcement and communities that take pride in protecting their surroundings. Every piece of litter prevented, every habitat protected, and every informed decision makes a difference.
Our coastline is not just a place to visit. It is a living ecosystem we have a responsibility to protect.
Comments