The numbers have more than doubled since 2024 when around 40 events brought 12 countries together — with this year welcoming 31 countries across more than 100 events, all calling for the protection of these "nature reserves of the sea", says the MPA Day Committee.

"We knew that this year's MPA Day would be big, but we never imagined it would be this big," says Dr Judy Mann, Founder of MPA Day, and the Executive of Strategic Projects at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation. "MPA Day is now truly a global celebration as people around the world connected around a unifying belief: we need to protect our oceans."

She went on to thank everyone, from organisations to individuals, who made the day, and following days, a success. "Seeing all the social media was incredible, because each one represented someone or a team doing something — arranging an activity, writing something, creating a post graphic or a video, a piece of art, doing a run or walk, joining in or supporting from behind the scenes. Ocean care is a team sport, and MPA Day is a perfect example of teamwork."

MPA Day 2025 Statistics

According to the MPA Day Committee, the MPA Day 2025 Statistics include:

  • 800+ kilometres run or walked in #Run4MPAs Strava Challenge
  • 120+ global partners collaborating
  • 104 events recorded
  • 31 countries involved, and
  • 22 Mission Blue Hope Spots involved.

MPA Day supports the "30x30" global goal to protect 30% of the planet's land, freshwater and ocean by 2030, as well as the UN's 10 Ocean Decade Challenges. There are more than 5 000 MPAs across the world, which actively protect little more than 3% of the ocean, with South Africa's mainland being home to 41 of these MPAs, says the committee.

In line with this year's theme, "Ocean Protection needs Human Connection", the MPA Day activities sought to connect people to the ocean and bring about conservation awareness around the world. From school pupils and rangers, to community members and artists, scientists and sportspeople, everyone came out in support of MPAs, adds the committee.

While over 35 activities took place in South Africa, this year MPA Day was also celebrated in Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, the United States of America, Spain, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Norway, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Australia, Maldives, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Pitcairn Islands, Tanzania, Egypt, Gambia, Mozambique and Liberia, says the committee.

Activities included walks along the shore and boat-based activities, cleanups and shore explores, classroom-based activities and film screenings, storytelling, immersive experiences through snorkelling and dives, photographic and art competitions, virtual tours and webinars, television and radio broadcasts, the launch of innovative interactive maps and other resources, seaweed tasting, mangrove planting and more, adds the committee.

There was truly something for everyone, with artists engaged through the Creative Waves project; runners and walkers competing in the Strava Challenge; scientific discussions and fun activities for families — ensuring everyone was connected in their desire to protect the ocean through MPAS, says the committee.

"This year showed that MPA Day is for everyone — whether you live by the sea, or far from it. We came together — in person, online, across oceans and time zones," says Paul Trouth, Communication Coordinator of PROTECT BALTIC.

"From beach clean-ups to art projects, online talks to coastal walks, over 100 events across seven continents this year show what's possible when we unite. Because when people care enough, the world can't help but listen — and that's where real ocean protection can begin. That's the power of connection. And that's the hope behind every Marine Protected Area."

Helen Lockhart, Conservation and Sustainability Manager for the Two Oceans Aquarium, concludes, "MPA Day 2025 exceeded all our expectations with activities all over South Africa and indeed the globe. The passion and commitment shown by a diverse range of organisations to hosting events to celebrate MPAs and the ocean was overwhelming. And it was truly wonderful seeing people of all ages and from all walks of life participating in activities that gave them opportunities to show their love and care for the ocean. Just what the ocean needs at this time."

For more information, visit www.mpaday.org. You can also follow the Marine Protected Areas on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of Facebook