Fish tracking studies along South Africa’s coast reveal that Marine Protected Areas are helping species recover and boosting local fisheries. As MPA Day 2025 approaches, new research proves these ‘nature reserves of the sea’ are working.
South Africa (17 June 2025) – They may not have a voice, but thanks to tiny acoustic tags and the dedication of passionate marine scientists, South Africa’s fish are sending a clear message: our Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are working.
In the lead-up to MPA Day on 1 August, local researcher Dr Bruce Mann is shining a light on these undersea sanctuaries, describing them as “nature reserves of the sea” that benefit both marine life and coastal communities. With decades of data and some incredible fish journeys to show for it, his team’s work proves that protecting our oceans isn’t just good for the environment, it’s vital for our future.
“MPAs provide many benefits for both ocean health and human activities,” said Dr Mann, a Research Associate with Durban’s Oceanographic Research Institute. “They enable fish stocks to increase in abundance and biomass and, over time, these spill over into adjacent fished areas, improving catches and ensuring fisheries sustainability.”
And when you leave the ocean alone for long enough, it tells you what a thriving ecosystem should really look like.
“MPAs also provide a useful ‘control’ for our research by giving us a glimpse of the natural world, untouched by humans,” he explained.
Here are just a few fin-tastic examples showing how South Africa’s East Coast MPAs are making waves in marine conservation:
The Scotsman
Over 16 years, Dr Mann and his team tagged more than 1,000 Scotsman seabream in the Pondoland MPA. Most of the fish (85%) stayed close to their reef homes inside the no-take zone, proof that the MPA is offering real protection. The rest ventured northeast during spawning seasons, where some were caught by ski-boat fishers. It’s a win-win: healthy populations inside the MPA help replenish stocks beyond its borders.
The Kingfish
Between Mozambique and the Eastern Cape, giant kingfish (also known as GTs) were tracked travelling up to 632 km at speeds of 130 km a day, always heading for the same MPA spawning site during full moon windows. After the party, they’d swim home, many to other protected zones. These powerful migrations show just how critical MPAs are for this iconic species’ survival.
Catch and Release in iSimangaliso
In a 20-year study, volunteer anglers helped tag fish in the iSimangaliso MPA to test whether catch-and-release (C&R) fishing could support conservation. The verdict? With best practices, it works well for many species, but others remain vulnerable. While C&R isn’t ideal for no-take zones, it offers valuable protection in surrounding buffer areas.
Dive into MPA Day
This year’s MPA Day, themed Making Connections, takes place on 1 August 2025. From beach clean-ups to educational dives, the campaign aims to connect people to the ocean and raise awareness about the importance of protecting these marine safe havens.
Our oceans may face enormous pressure, but through science, stories, and a shared sense of stewardship, there’s still hope. As Dr Mann’s work reminds us, every tagged fish, every protected reef, and every person who cares is part of the solution.
You can find out more via the website here.
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