MPA Day 2025: A Celebration of Connection, Community & Conservation in Knysna

This year’s MPA Day theme — “Ocean connection needs human protection” — couldn’t have been more fitting for the Knysna Estuary.

Although our estuary isn’t currently an MPA, it is a Mission Blue Hope Spot and home to an incredible variety of life, from juvenile fish nurseries to birdlife, seagrass beds, salt marshes, and more. It’s also deeply woven into the daily lives of people here — a place of food, fun, tradition, livelihoods, and learning.

That’s why the Knysna Estuary Research Foundation (KERF) chose to celebrate MPA Day 2025 with a full weekend of free, public activities — designed to bring people closer to this special ecosystem, and each other.


Walking the Estuary Edge

We kicked things off with a guided walk around Leisure Isle’s estuary edge, starting at Bollard Bay. Led by KERF’s programme manager in her unmistakable blue shirt, the group meandered along the shoreline while learning about Knysna’s unique estuarine habitats, its importance to juvenile fish, and how small actions can make a big difference.

There were curious questions, lots of laughter, and even a few crabs and critters to identify along the way. With people of all ages joining in, it was a walk that mixed exercise, education, and deep connection to place.


Art as Activism: “Our Vision for Knysna”

Next up was our community art station, where we invited everyone — young and old, local and visitor — to add their voice to a collective vision board titled:
“Our Vision for Knysna: A Future Worth Protecting.”

People shared drawings, words, and dreams for what they want this estuary to be — now and in generations to come. Some kids drew mud prawns and butterfly fish. Others wrote about clean water, or their space in the estuary, or just sitting quietly by the shore.

We also had a fun photo station where people could take a snap and share their wish for the estuary. And for those who couldn’t attend in person, we encouraged them to send in their artwork remotely — proving that conservation can be collective, even from afar.


Snorkelling for All

On Sunday, we opened up the estuary with a snorkelling session — welcoming first-timers and seasoned swimmers alike. The goal was simple: let people see what’s under the surface. And wow, did they! Pipefish, gobies, seagrass swaying in the current — and a whole new appreciation for the life beneath the waterline.

Thanks to our friends at DiGO, gear was available for hire (with bookings in advance), making this experience accessible to more people than ever before.


📺 In the National Spotlight

This year, we were also proud to represent Knysna on the national MPA Day Virtual Tour, hosted by Daily Maverick Events. Our talk about the estuary’s importance was broadcast online and will be aired on SABC in the coming week — helping to amplify our message to a much wider audience.


💙 Why It Mattered

At its heart, MPA Day is about recognising the vital role marine and coastal areas play in our planet’s health — and how deeply that health is connected to people.

For KERF, it was also a reminder that real conservation happens in community. When people walk the shore, create art, snorkel with curiosity, or simply show up to learn — that’s where protection begins.

We’re already dreaming of how to go bigger and better next year — with more activities, more partners, and even more opportunities to connect with the Knysna Estuary and each other.


Thanks to everyone who joined us — in person and in spirit — for helping us celebrate this blue heart of Knysna.

“When people care, protection follows. That’s what MPA Day is all about.”
— Jessica Seath, Programme Manager, KERF