The All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) is a collaboration that promotes and advances research, innovation and cooperation in the Atlantic Ocean region to address common challenges and opportunities. The 2023 AAORIA Forum was held in Cape Town in partnership with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and SAEON’s Egagasini Node.

SAEON Science Engagement promotes the responsible use of marine resources and addresses climate change impacts and conservation of biodiversity in the Atlantic Ocean through its programmes and projects.  

All-Atlantic Blue Schools Network 

The All-Atlantic Blue Schools Network plays a crucial role in empowering the next generation of ocean stewards. In South Africa this programme is funded by the DSI.

Two SAEON Kids presented their research projects and shared their experiences of being part of the All-Atlantic Blue Schools Network at the AAORIA Forum. Aliswa Mbiko, a Grade 10 learner from Luhlaza Secondary School, presented on their journey in building a Pogo mini-boat and then deploying it to collect ocean data. Aliswa’s research project analysed the relationship between Yemaya’s sea surface temperature and the cold Benguela Current.

Ntobeko Nqunqa, a grade 11 learner from Sophumelela Secondary School, presented on assessing the impact of trawl fishing on epifauna living on the seafloor. Our sincere gratitude to SAEON Egagasini Node scientists Dr Jenny Veitch and Dr Lara Atkinson for mentoring Aliswa and Ntobeko.

Art and poetry competition 

NRF-SAEON in partnership with the DSI hosted an art, poetry and video competition on the Atlantic Ocean. The competition was conceptualised to engage, educate and inspire all Grade R to 12 learners in the country to appreciate and protect the ocean. It provides a platform for creative expression, awareness raising, environmental stewardship and showcasing the cultural diversity of our people connected to the Atlantic Ocean.

The competition themes were:

• How do you or your community connect to the Atlantic Ocean?
• Indigenous knowledge and the Atlantic Ocean
• Marine pollution in the Atlantic Ocean
• Climate change and the Atlantic Ocean
• Sustainable fisheries and the Atlantic Ocean

Approximately 250 entries were received. The winners in the art competition categories were Mia E. Watson from Trinity Grammar and Leche Sampson and Mphumeleo van Wyk from Bethelsdorp Comprehensive High.

The video competition first prize went to Aman Pati from Kingfisher Private School in Phalaborwa; and the second prize went to Vivek Pauly, also from Kingfisher Private School.

The winners in the poetry category were Anele Mlambo from QoQo Primary School (1st prize), Phillip Kroon from St. Andrew (2nd prize) and Nahum Jones from Trinity Grammar (3rd prize).

Winning poem:  Marine Pollution in the Atlantic Ocean

I ask, did our devotion

Go away with our emotions?

For people do not care

About the health of the Atlantic Ocean. I see rivers of pollution

Flowing into the ocean every day.

I am running out of words to say, that things like oil spill

Kills different species every day. But I still want to say

That each and every day, we are killing the youngest in the family

And the fact that it is bonded to its brothers

And sisters hurts me badly. Because injury to one is an injury to all. Let me be more specific:

Oceans like the Pacific

And the Indian Ocean

Are full of faith and devotion

They are “wastefully” being harmed

Because injury to one is an injury to all. I will say this in a way you all understand

The Atlantic’s marine pollution

Is not the world’s “evolution” But it is the death of our planet’s heart

Hence we are losing our emotions

And the world is tearing apart.

The waste you throw away

Affects our lives every way, The cold, the heat, our health and welfare, Why is it so hard for people to care?

I mean, it was here

Before we existed it was here, Before our ancestors were here, Before we were born it was here, But I feel like it will be gone, Before the crack of dawn. If a clock can be strained from keeping up with time, How can the Atlantic keep up with your waste?

I’m trying to say mend your ways, Sustainability is the way. When a great white whale

Floats breathless on the ocean

And everybody regains their emotions, it will be too late. No fish and nothing on your plate, The Atlantic’s marine pollution

Is not the world’s “evolution” But it is the death of our planet’s heart

Hence we are losing our emotions

And the world is tearing apart. I’m trying to say mend your ways, Sustainability is the way.

~ By Anele Mlambo, QoQa Secondary