PLETTENBERG BAY - Plett is known for its wide variety of festivals throughout the year and this year another will be added to the calendar - one that focuses on everything marine life.
Plett Tourism announced this week that from 1 to 10 July this year, the town will be hosting the inaugural Plett Ocean Festival during which the area's "beloved treasures" including the ocean, marine life, and beaches will be celebrated.
The festival will be anchored by a three-day marine science symposium and a variety of ocean-themed events with a strong conservation theme.
Plett Tourism chief executive Patty Butterworth said Plett Tourism has chosen July for the festival as Plett has much to offer during winter, 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, scuba diving and snorkeling conditions are often idyllic, and our resident seals, dolphins, sharks, and marine birds are attracted to plentiful food sources."
Marine Science Symposium
Among many highlights of the upcoming festival, the Marine Science Symposium will be held at the oceanside Beacon Isle Resort over three days, and presentations by a selection of top scientists and biologists in their fields will cover topics such as marine life, ecological impact, and conservation projects.
"The depth of knowledge and extent of research in Plettenberg Bay and the Garden Route on oceanography, conservation, and marine life is vast, and we want to share it with the world," said Butterworth.
"The symposium is about a sustainable ocean economy - the ocean and our beaches are Plett's most important tourist attraction and Plett Tourism is committed to continuing the work of keeping these attractions pristine and flourishing."
The symposium, to be held from 1 to 3 July and MCd by Zandile Ndhlovu of the Black Mermaid Foundation, is sure to be a must-do for all interested in, working in, or studying in the marine sciences.
Tickets will be available per presentation, per day, or as a full symposium pass.
Fun activities
The Plett Ocean Festival will also offer a variety of fun and family-friendly activities including rocky shore excursions, guided hikes, scuba diving, and snorkeling, trail runs, surfing lessons, angling competitions, a team surfing competition, and an oceanic art exhibition.
Collaborations at the festival are many.
Nature's Valley Trust has partnered with Open Plan Pictures to screen the animated movie Seal Team alongside an educational talk on pollution and marine debris.
Adopt-A-Swimmer and the Black Mermaid Foundation have partnered to introduce youngsters to the wonders beneath the waves, and the local NSRI Station 14 will hold an open day for visitors to tour the station and learn more about National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and its work.
"As a town with six international Blue Flag beaches and two Blue Flag boats, a Mission Blue Hope Spot, and surrounded by both 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 our marine resources: beaches, shoreline, and the deep blue sea," said Butterworth.
Find more information and tickets at Plett-tourism.
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