AfriOceans Conservation Alliance

ABOUT US

Summary Overiew
AfriOeans Conservation Alliance (AOCA) was founded in 2003. It is a registered non-profit organisation, governed by a highly respected board of directors, an advisory board, as well as project specific consultants. AOCA is well known for its unique campaign work, exciting research projects and education and awareness initiatives, and its role in being prepared to speak out for those who cannot. We have achieved considerable success during a very short space of time and considered leaders of shark conservation in South Africa.

We take pride in our many successes and continue to strive for excellence in all we do, and most of all, to put into ACTION that which will result in lasting change.

Some of our achievements include:

The M-SEA Programme, a high profile shark conservation programme, involving the satellite tagging and releasing of sharks from the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Panda Award winning Rethink the shark campaign – 6 awards.
Rethink the Predator Campaign - 1 award.
The multi-award winning documentary, Sharks in Deep Trouble – 7 awards.
Consulting for other NPOs in the development of awareness campaigns such as The Oceans Speak Out Campaign, and producing the Panda winning 'Save Our Sharks' documentary short.
Establishing Save Our Seas Foundation, a previous AOCA sponsor, in South Africa.
Our vision of establishing a Shark Centre and running it for two years – within 18 months we reached 18 000 children and over 30 000 adults through our innovative education and awareness initiatives.

Unique environmental education and awareness programmes such as the AfriOceans Warriors, the Sea Smart Kidz series, and Shark Warrior.
The development of numerous environmental education resources, documentaries, public awareness campaigns, and aquarium displays both locally and internationally.
Aggressive lobbying for improved protection of South Africa's sharks.

Our Mission
We are the Voice of Our Oceans.
We believe in Moving from Awareness into Action in order to save our oceans.

Our Goals and Objectives
AOCA proactively encourages and lobbies for commercial, corporate and government policies and practices that provide sustainable marine conservation. By aligning with others that share our vision, and through conservation research, and compelling education and awareness initiatives, we are making a difference in preserving our precious marine resources. We call upon all people, particularly the young, to aspire to the long-term conservation of the oceans off the African continent.

Our Rationale
Africa’s long and beautiful coasts and the abundance of marine resources can contribute to providing economic, food and environment security for the continent. These coastal and marine resources, like the rest of Africa’s environmental resources, cannot continue to be exploited in a manner that does not benefit Africa and her people. This is a paradox of people dying from hunger, starvation and poverty when they are potentially so rich and well endowed.”
Former South African President, Nelson Mandela

Today, there is a growing recognition that the oceans surrounding Africa face serious threat. Yet, Africa’s place in the global community is highlighted by the fact that the continent is an indispensable resource base that has served all humanity for many centuries. Up to 30% of the world fishery resources come from Africa yet many coastal African countries are without fishery management policies as they lack the skills and resources to develop effective management plans.

Furthermore, most African countries have rapidly growing human populations and although conservation models are ideal, they are difficult to implement when the demand for food and growing economies remains so high. If fisheries in Africa continue to be unsustainably exploited, food resources and any economic benefits associated with the exploitation of the oceans will be jeopardised, exacerbating existing problems.

AOCA is therefore dedicated to creating and implementing action plans that will contribute towards making meaningful and lasting contributions to the conservation of Africa’s marine resources, and which ultimately assist towards sustainable development and poverty alleviation.