“South Africa has large ocean spaces and we are beginning to appreciate the value of this vital national asset and how it can contribute to our livelihoods and economy,” said Environmental Affairs Deputy Director General Dr Monde Mayekiso, on Monday.

He said technology was unlocking the resources that lie within the ocean and the sustainable use of these resources will have a meaningful contribution towards the ability to create jobs in years to come.

“Much of our ocean remains unexplored and therefore there is a need to urgently gather information and describe what resources are available and how they can be used sustainably,” he said.

Mayekiso was speaking at a meeting with various stakeholders in Port Elizabeth, following the gazetting of the White Paper on the National Environmental Management of the Ocean (NEMO) for implementation.

Available: http://sanews.gov.za/south-africa/sa-developing-blue-economy-strategy