Addo Elephant National Park Marine Protected Area, Marine protected area in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa.
The marine reserve extends across Algoa Bay, encompassing sandy beaches, rocky shores, coral reefs, and offshore islands. It protects a variety of marine ecosystems and complements the neighboring elephant park by safeguarding marine species like penguins and seabirds.
The protected area was established in 2019 as an expansion of an earlier bird sanctuary created in 2013. This expansion aimed to safeguard marine habitats and the seabirds living there for the long term.
The reserve transforms Addo Elephant National Park's Big Five into Big Seven by incorporating marine species for nature education and conservation awareness.
Visitors need permits for certain activities such as scientific research, scuba diving, or sport fishing in the designated zones. It is advisable to check the regulations beforehand, as different areas have different access restrictions.
The area is home to one of the largest breeding populations of African penguins on St Croix Island and serves as a crucial refuge for thousands of Cape gannets. These two seabird colonies hold major significance for the global conservation of these species.
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