New campaign to save the country's oceans wants you to give it a name

A coalition of non-profit organisations is embarking on a new campaign aimed at saving the country's oceans - and it wants you to give it a name.

In 2018, organisations including Wild Oceans, Ocean Unite, WWF SA, the Centre for Environmental Rights and the South African Association for Marine Biological Research launched a marine protected areas (MPA) expansion project, with the objective of getting the South African government to declare 1% of the country's coastline as an MPA by 2020.

The project - titled "Only this much" - was also aimed at paving the way for African countries to support a global target of 30% strongly protected areas by 2030.

"We are pleased to announce that the MPA expansion project is now moving into its second phase to support our government's commitment to achieve at least 10% MPA coverage for the waters around South Africa," Wild Oceans executive director Dr Jean Harris said.

The new phase, according to Harris, will see the launch of the new campaign to support ocean protection and highlight the benefits of MPAs.

"This is an opportunity to celebrate the success already achieved and a chance to build new positive energy for ongoing efforts by government and civil society to protect our oceans," said Harris.

"With the campaign and project shifting into its second phase with new objectives and ideas, we need a change, and this is where you come in. We want you to help us come up with a name for the new campaign."

They want a name that is upbeat. It must also be "positive, short, punchy and inspirational” - and should promote the value of South African oceans.

To vote, the organisation wants you to comment on its Twitter, Facebook or Instagram accounts with your suggestions.