During the Welcoming of the Whales Festival, the history of whaling in Algoa Bay is shared. For centuries, coastal Khoisan communities supplemented their diet from stranded whales. Maritime trade in 1488 brought changes, and whales became economically exploited. In total, 1,600 whales were killed over 137 years of whaling along the South African coast.
Algoa Bay hosts some events that focus specifically on whales and dolphins, where people come together to express their respect and gratitude for these animals through ceremonial practices.
In March 2022, the Ocean Connections Project and Multimedia Exhibition took place. This exhibition provided a space for Indigenous and local knowledge holders to share their ocean and coastal knowledge, and sometimes places of cultural significance, along the coast in Algoa Bay through photographs and stories. The exhibition was interactive and invited participants to share their ideas of how Indigenous and local knowledge should inform coastal and marine management in South Africa.
Nelson Mandela University has also conducted a lot of research on the importance of the ocean and marine life in local traditional culture and heritage.
Helpful links
Apply to become a Wildlife Heritage Area
