The Marine and Coastal Educators Network (MCEN) hosted its 24th annual national conference from 19-24 January 2025 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. As a coordinating body within the South African Network for Coastal and Oceanic Research (SANCOR) and funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF), MCEN plays a crucial role in advancing marine and coastal education in South Africa. The conference was funded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and brought together a diverse group of educators, including school teachers, aquarium educators, conservation professionals, independent educators, marine scientists, NGO representatives, and government officials – all dedicated to teaching about marine and coastal education.
Presentations kick off at the MCEN conference (photo: Gustav Rautenbach)
The South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) was represented by Engagement Manager, Dr. Wade De Kock, and the Research Coordinator for Data, Products, and Society, Miss Rabia Mathakutha. Attending their first MCEN conference, they received an enthusiastic response from delegates interested in SAPRI’s work. In response, Rabia and Wade delivered an impromptu presentation on SAPRI’s role in marine and polar research in South Africa, providing valuable insights into the field. Wade also presented on including polar research within MCEN to educate learners. To their surprise, Rabia and Wade were awarded a prize for the best novice presentation (feature image).
Rabia delivering a presentation about SAPRI at the MCEN Conference (photo: Aphiwe Mtetandaba)
Wade provides insights about oceanography and polar research (photo: Gustav Rautenbach).
Representing the host of SAPRI, the South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON), were the SAEON Egagasini Node’s Science Engagement Officer and National Chairperson of MCEN, Mr. Thomas Mtontsi, along with Ocean Product Developer, Miss Aphiwe Mtetandaba, and Ocean Modeller, Mr. Gustav Rautenbach. They actively participated in the conference, with Aphiwe and Gustav leading an interactive session titled “From Shores to Seas: Exploring Marine Data with Beginner-Friendly Python Coding – A Hands-On Introduction to Python.” This engaging workshop introduced delegates to basic coding techniques for marine data analysis, allowing them to apply these skills in real-time. The session aimed to promote the integration of coding in marine and coastal education, empowering participants to process and utilise valuable but often underused data.
Thomas provided an overview of NRF-SAEON at the MCEN conference (photo: Rabia Mathakutha).
Aphiwe introduced coding and the SOMISANA project under NRF-SAEON (photo: Rabia Mathakutha).
Gustav giving a practical demonstration of python during the coding session (photo: Rabia Mathakutha).
The conference itself featured a blend of presentations and interactive workshops, highlighting innovative teaching techniques and hands-on activities for use in classrooms and educational settings. Highlights included puppet shows by the Two Oceans Aquarium and DFFE, a microplastic-focused beach cleanup by the City of Cape Town, a penguin pollution project, and creative activities such as crafting 3D marine animal cutouts.
A group activity demonstrating undertaking a marine biodiversity survey in a classroom (photo: Rabia Mathakutha).
A microplastic-focused beach cleanup at Mossel Bay Beach led by the City of Cape Town (photo: Thomas Mtontsi)
Delegates acted out a puppet show as a creative way of teaching during the conference, hosted by the DFFE and the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Outdoor excursions were also incorporated into the programme, offering delegates the opportunity to experience the scenic beauty of Mossel Bay while networking with fellow educators. As representatives of NRF-SAEON and SAPRI, we were honoured to participate in this inspiring event, which set the stage for another year of advancing marine and coastal education among South African youth.
Delegates visited the (L) St Blaze Cave and walking trail; and, (R) the newly proclaimed World Heritage Site, Pinnacle Point Caves, in Mossel Bay (photos: Rabia Mathakutha).
The delegates also got to enjoy the Dias Express Train to Grootbrak River.
At the Grootbrak River, the delegates learnt about the management of the Grootbrak River estuary, led by the Grootbrak River Conservancy (photo: Rabia Mathakutha).
The conference concluded with a gala dinner and awards ceremony hosted by the MCEN National Chairperson, Mr. Thomas Mtontsi. After three years of dedicated service, he formally stepped down, passing the role to the newly appointed national chairperson.
The conference provided valuable opportunities for engagement and networking. As SAPRI, we are excited to be part of the Marine and Coastal Educators Network and look forward to integrating polar science into MCEN.
We extend our gratitude to the NRF, SANCOR, and the DFFE for making this conference possible, as well as to NRF-SAEON for its support in enabling our participation.
Rabia Mathakutha, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 31 January 2025.
