MPA Day is near, and whether you’re a teacher, business owner or photographer, there are many ways you can use your skills, passions or career to help protect our oceans.
South Africa (22 July 2026) – When people consider careers in ocean conservation, they often picture marine biologists, divers or scientists working on research vessels. While these professions play a vital role, there are so many more careers and roles that can contribute to keeping marine life safe and protected.
As Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day approaches on 1 August, five inspiring ocean champions have shared how their careers have become unexpected pathways into marine conservation, proving that everyone has a role to play in safeguarding MPAs and the blue planet.
Tourism opens people’s eyes to the wonders of marine life
Wilfred Chivell, the driving force behind Marine Dynamics Shark & Whale Tours and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, has always believed that people protect what they understand and value.
“Through Marine Dynamics, we have introduced hundreds of thousands of people to South Africa’s remarkable marine environment over the past 25 years. Seeing whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, and African penguins in their natural habitat creates a connection that often lasts a lifetime,” Chivell says.
His love for the ocean started at a young age while growing up on a dairy farm in Gansbaai, spending as much time as he could in and around the sea.
“My career has been shaped far more by practical experience than formal qualifications. I’ve learnt from spending thousands of hours at sea and working alongside scientists, conservationists, skippers, guides and researchers from around the world.”
His greatest highlight has been seeing conservation make a real difference. Establishing the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, opening the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, contributing to more than 40 scientific publications, and mentoring young conservationists are all achievements Chivell is incredibly proud of.
Teachers as the bridge between students and the ocean
Retired Centre Manager of the Mimosadale District Teacher Development Centre, Gladness Sikhosana shared that in her role as an educator, she has helped guide the next generation, which in turn helps protect the ocean.
She notes that teaching requires a genuine passion for young people and that the highlight of her teaching career has been the opportunity to provide holistic support and guidance to learners, emphasising that the fruits of the seeds planted became evident when several former students went on to pursue careers dedicated to protecting the environment.
Related Stories
K9 Hero Mufasa Helps Sniff Out R161,000 in Poached Abalone Overnight!
Two Dogs, One Happy Home: The De Lange Family Doubles Up on Love“Teachers are the bridge between students and the scientists researching Marine Protected Areas. Through environmental education, we help young people understand how their everyday actions affect rivers, coastlines and ultimately the ocean,” says Sikhosana who has a Master’s degree in Education and has done courses at uShaka Marine World.
Currently a retiree and educational volunteer guide at uShaka Sea World, she plans to adopt a school in a rural area to conduct a schoolyard clean-up.
Journalism Brings Environmental Issues to People
Journalism provides a public forum to raise people’s awareness about the threats to ocean health. Environmental Journalist for the Daily Maverick, Tony Carnie, says that communicating and raising debates through news helps to bring these issues to public attention.
“Providing knowledge and insights can help to shift behaviour and inspire responsible custodianship and respect for the oceans.”
After studying journalism in Zimbabwe, Carnie gained experience as a news journalist and was exposed to a wide variety of political, legal, financial and social figures and events that shaped her views.
“I found myself drawn to writing more stories that reflected conservation interests, and over time, my focus became almost exclusively on environmental issues at a time when global awareness and interest were growing steadily.”
Not one to shy away from challenging authority and narrow self-interest, Carnie says environmental journalism is about asking questions, listening carefully, and helping people understand why these issues matter.
Sustainable Marine Tourism as a Guardian of the Ocean
Sea expedition guides become valuable observers of marine wildlife, helping identify conservation concerns, contributing to citizen science and working alongside researchers.
Head of Expedition Operations & Sustainability at Noble Caledonia, Pamela Le Noury has spent more than 26 years in and on the ocean through marine tourism.
“We also inspire thousands of travellers to appreciate and protect the extraordinary places they visit,” shares Le Noury, who studied zoology but has worked mostly as a powerboat skipper.
“I became a dive master, dive instructor, powerboat skipper, and guide. I started my own scuba and whale watching company and conducted dolphin surveys. I heard about a small tourism ship that hired marine biologists who could drive boats and jumped at the chance to live and work at sea. For the next decade I was full-time at sea, travelling to every remote wilderness corner of the globe.”
The Power of Citizen Science, Photography & Marine Education
Dennis King, Author, Underwater Photographer, Recreational Diver and Creator of the Coastal Fishes Apps, has been a passionate recreational diver and snorkeller for more than 74 years.
While he has no formal qualifications, he is a marine aquarist and underwater photographer. Through his fish identification books and Coastal Fishes apps, King has helped people better understand the incredible diversity of South Africa’s marine life.
“Everything I’ve learnt has been self-taught through decades of observing marine life underwater, keeping marine aquariums, and learning from fisheries biologists and internationally respected ichthyologists. My passion for the ocean has been my greatest teacher.”
One of his greatest honours was having a newly discovered species of angelfish, Apolemichthys kingi (the Tiger Angelfish), named after him.
King emphasises that you don’t have to be an academic to make a difference.
“Develop a genuine passion for the ocean, spend time observing marine life, keep learning, and share your knowledge with others. Every diver, snorkeller, and ocean enthusiast can play a role in promoting marine conservation and supporting the importance of MPAs.”
There you have it; there are so many careers, roles and ways you can explore when it comes to ocean conservation!
Start with MPA Day!
As MPA Day approaches on 1 August, organisers encourage people to discover how their own careers, skills and passions can contribute to protecting our MPAs.
Whether it’s educating children, influencing consumers, running a business, conducting research or telling powerful stories, every contribution helps build a more sustainable future.
You can join in on all the MPA Day 2026 action by visiting www.MPADay.org for updated events and activities. You can also check out MPA Day’s Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube pages.
Sources: Supplied
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:
Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 
