Exploring how pollution shapes Mossel Bay’s fish, food and future

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - In celebration of Marine Month, the Bartolomeu Dias Museum in Mossel Bay is hosting an event on Thursday 30 October to bring ocean awareness and science to the community.

The event will feature Stephanie Nicolaides, a PhD candidate in Conservation Biology at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), who will be presenting her research on plastic pollution and its impact on Mossel Bay’s marine ecosystems.

Nicolaides’ research focuses on understanding how microplastics, tiny fragments that come from everyday items like packaging, clothing fibres and fishing gear, are entering local waters and affecting marine life.

Her study investigates the presence of these plastics in the bay’s beaches, sediment and marine species, aiming to shed light on how they move through the food web and what this means for both the environment and local livelihoods.

“Mossel Bay is not just a place of beauty; it’s a living system that supports livelihoods, traditions and food security. By understanding how pollution moves through this environment, we can better protect the resources that sustain our coastal communities.”

Having spent months collecting data in the region, Nicolaides’ work connects science with the community, encouraging greater awareness of the ocean’s health and the importance of reducing plastic waste.

Her talk at the museum will translate this important research into an engaging story for all ages, making complex environmental issues easier to understand.

The museum’s Marine Month celebration is a chance for locals and visitors alike to explore how small actions can make a big difference in protecting our coastline.