PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Following the success of the inaugural Plett Ocean Festival and Marine Science Symposium last year, organisers have started to put together a special programme for the second edition.
It will focus on not only celebrating Plett's marine treasures, but also on understanding, observation and conservation of marine life.
The festival is scheduled to take place between 30 June and 9 July with the symposium from 30 June to 2 July at the Beacon Island Resort.
Organisers said symposium delegates and visitors can look forward to a programme that will cover a range of topics by oceanographers, scientists, naturalists and biologists. According to festival director Cindy Wilson-Trollip, last year's event was inspirational for many, including local photographer and wildlife enthusiast Rob Smith.
"After attending a series of presentations at the Marine Science Symposium, he was inspired to investigate the Whale Heritage Site programme for Plettenberg Bay which has resulted in Plett's recognition as an official candidate for Whale Heritage Site status," she said.
A Whale Heritage Site is an initiative by the World Cetacean Alliance to recognise and accredit destinations across the world that support and demonstrate the importance of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) and their ocean habitats.
These sites also empower communities to care for and protect these marine mammals while encouraging respect for and celebration of cetaceans through local culture, arts and events, supporting local economic and environmental sustainability; and developing locally based science, research and education.
Wilson-Trollip said Plett has much to offer during the winter season including mild weather and abundant marine life.
"Attention during this time of the year is largely focused on the wonders of the ocean as the whales are in the bay, ocean conditions are often idyllic, and Plett's resident seals, dolphins, sharks and marine birds are attracted to plentiful food sources."
Highly regarded freediving instructor Zandile Ndhlovu is also set to return after a stint as master of ceremonies at the 2022 symposium and a successful collaboration with Plett's Adopt-A-Swimmer to introduce young swimmers to the wonders of the underwater world.
Ndhlovu is known for her Black Mermaid Foundation, which aims to create diverse representation in the ocean arena of South Africa with the goal of inclusive participation, recreationally and professionally, while creating a new generation of ocean guardians.
She was recently selected as one of four speakers to address and be part of the assembly of 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) 2022 in New York.
Wilson-Trollip said as a town with six international Blue Flag beaches and two Blue Flag boats, a Mission Blue Hope Spot, and surrounded by national parks and marine protected areas, the Plett Ocean Festival aims to be "an all-inclusive, one-of-a-kind event" that celebrates conserving and sustainably enjoying the marine resources of Plettenberg Bay.
More information about the programme will be shared via www.plettoceanfestival.co.za. Tickets will be available from 1 April.
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