Community Conservation ~ Ranger Wellness and Skills Development

Supporting Conservation in the Table Mountain National Park and Robben Island
Marine Protected Areas

Table Mountain National Park and Robben Island Marine Protected Areas

The Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area (TMNP MPA) protects the marine environment along the Cape Peninsula coastline, from Mouille Point to Muizenberg, and includes no-take zones where fishing and resource extraction are strictly prohibited. The MPA plays a crucial role in preserving marine biodiversity, protecting fish stocks, and maintaining the health of the Great African Sea Forest. The northern boundary of this MPA abuts the Robben Island MPA, an approximate 680 km2 of controlled and restricted zones with the goal to protect biodiversity, ecological processes, threatened seabirds and overexploited marine species.

Both the TMNP and the Robben Island MPA are actively monitored and managed by SANParks, as the Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit and supported by the SANParks Honorary Rangers. Regular beach clean-ups, educational programs, and patrols ensure ongoing conservation efforts, involving both Rangers and community volunteers.

Prescient Fund Services support the Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit through the SANParks Honorary Rangers
and the Prescient Freedom Paddle

Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit

The TMNP Marine Unit is responsible for the protection and enforcement of conservation laws within the MPAs. These dedicated Marine Rangers work tirelessly to patrol the coastline, prevent illegal activities such as poaching, and educate communities about marine conservation.

The Marine Unit engages in:

  • Coastal and vessel patrols to protect marine life and enforce conservation laws.
  • Swim training programs to enhance ranger safety and response capabilities.
  • Environmental education initiatives, including school visits, workshops, and community outreach.
  • Collaborations with SANCCOB, NSRI, and other organisations to rescue and rehabilitate marine wildlife.

The Unit has been recognised at the SANParks Cape Regional Awards, with their Section Ranger going on to win the Kudu Leadership Award, for their outstanding work and continues to grow its impact through joint operations with other conservation teams.

SANParks Honorary Rangers and Marine Watch

The SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHR) of the TMNP are volunteers who provide critical support to the Marine Unit, assisting with patrols, clean-ups, environmental education, and conservation awareness campaigns. Their work strengthens community involvement in conservation efforts and expands the reach of marine protection activities.

At the heart of these efforts is Marine Watch, an award-winning community conservation and skills development project. Marine Watch has received Project of the Year at the SHR Indaba and SHR Project of the Year at the Kudu Awards for its impactful work in marine conservation.

Key initiatives of Marine Watch include:

  • Community conservation, fostering community involvement in marine protection.
  • Beach clean-upsin collaboration with local schools and organisations.
  • Educational outreach programs, including the launch of a children’s book series promoting marine conservation.
  • Ranger wellness and skills development through various training programmes and retreats, and improvements to their office precinct

Find out more: SANParks Honorary Rangers

Sally Sivewright – A Conservation Leader

Sally Sivewright is a Project Leader for the SANParks Honorary Rangers and a driving force behind Marine Watch. Her commitment to conservation, community engagement, and education has played a significant role in strengthening the partnership between the Marine Unit, the SANParks Honorary Rangers and the local communities. Sally has led key initiatives, including fundraising, book projects, and ranger training programs, ensuring continued support for marine conservation.

Learn more: Sally Sivewright’s Work

How you can Help

We invite you to support the Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit and SANParks Honorary Rangers in their mission to protect South Africa’s marine heritage. Funding opportunities include sponsorships for equipment, training programs, educational resources, and community outreach initiatives.

For partnership inquiries and sponsorships, please reach out to:

Sally Sivewright
sally@guardiansofthedeep.org.za

212 students from 7 different schools and community groups were engaged in nature conservation through the Marine Watch project during the 2024/25 financial year

“Those who protect and save other animals, lead the way in protecting and saving humanity and Earth”

~ Anthony Douglas Williams