An Instrinsic Detail To The Cape
False Bay
After travelling to False Bay and identifying it as an ecologically unique area, Dr Sylvia Earle declared False Bay a Mission Blue marine ‘Hope spot’ in 2014. A Hope Spot is any special place that is critical to the health of the ocean—Earth‘s blue heart.
Hope spots can be large, they can be small, but they all provide hope due to:
- A special abundance or diversity of species, unusual or representative species, habitats or ecosystems
- Particular populations of rare, threatened or endemic species
- A site with potential to reverse damage from negative human impacts
- Spectacles of nature, e.g. major migration corridors or spawning grounds
- Significant historical, cultural or spiritual values
- Particular economic importance to the community
Currently there are 143 hope spots worldwide including Moreton Bay Marine Park in Australia, the glass sponge reefs of Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound in Canada and the Jardines de la Reina in Cuba. We are extremely lucky to live on the doorstep of one!
Other unique factors about False Bay are that it is more protected, the waters are warmer compared to the Atlantic side of the peninsula and it is incredibly biodiverse. Biodiversity refers to the variety of living species on Earth, including plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi. The winter months bring in the cold Benguela current clearing up the water and providing us with amazing visibility. Winter also welcomes whales into the bay.
Simons Town is an eco-conscious community with a huge connection to the nature around it. There is something really special about travelling to a country or town and seeing how passionate it is about caring for its environment. After interviewing our students and guests it is clear that this doesn’t go unnoticed.
Another unique thing about Simons Town is that it has its own Marine Field station, Cape RADD! Our small field station attracts international scientists and ocean conservationist who help us conduct valuable research, plus we get members of the public involved in our research too!
If you have any questions then please let us know. Here are some links to more information:
