PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The annual Plett Ocean Festival will take place for the fourth time from 4 to 13 July.
Plett Tourism says the festival provides an opportunity for "regular" people to learn, guided by leaders in the field, how they can play a role in protecting our oceans for future generations, as citizen scientists for marine conservation.
The festival was also about visitors having fun, it said.
"This festival has to be one of the coolest community events on the calendar, as it quite literally takes place slap-bang in the middle of winter."
Science and swimming
The festival is packed with activities and excursions putting rock pools under the microscope, ocean art workshops and sporting events, and trips to get up close and personal with what lies above and what lies below.
The Ocean Aweh-ness Kids Club will kick off again, while the Black Mermaid Foundation educational underwater workshops, in partnership with the Adopt-a-Swimmer organisation, will teach local kids to get water-savvy and open up a whole new world of possibility for their future.
Marine Science Symposium
The Plett Ocean Festival is anchored around the Marine Science Symposium hosted from the Beacon Island Resort. A key objective of the symposium is to lead the discourse on ocean observation, conservation, preservation and action, both locally and in a broader sense.
"Rest assured that researchers, marine biologists, oceanographers and conser-vationists will brainiac their insight into practical, fascinating formats scattered with 'what the heck' moments that will blow you away," Plett Tourism says.
Marine life
The latest updates on our Cape fur seal population and the rabies outbreak are bound to be of particular interest this year, along with other equally important deep dives around shark research and how Plett is partnering these magnificent creatures.
"Whales will be a hot topic, having arrived in the bay by then, making their grand entrance breaching, lobtailing, and spy-hopping," Plett Tourism says.
"Our delicate, critically endangered seahorses will be in the spotlight, along with our dolphins, birds and beaches, and how we can minimise our impact, and how the Plett community is involved in protecting this ecosystem with integrity, respect and purpose."
Surfing contest
The Plett Board Riders Association will host the Wedge Classic Surf & Bodyboarding Contest. A part of the festival programme, this event will take place from 7 to 12 July at the Wedge on Hobie beach.
"There is something magical about Plett in the winter," says Plett Tourism CEO Patty Butterworth. "There are fewer crowds, the air is crisp, and the town becomes a fantastic setting for families to explore outdoor adventure and seaside fun."
The full programme is available and tickets are for sale. Check out www.plettoceanfestival.co.za for more details.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
