For the first time ever the 7th International Marine Conservation Conference (IMCC7) was held in Cape Town in October 2024. Having the incredible opportunity to attend this conference it felt particularly special to me as it was the first time it was hosted on the African continent. 

The conference officially began on Monday, October 14th, with an opening ceremony that set the tone for the event. It was a fantastic chance to reconnect with colleagues in the marine conservation field—many of whom I don’t often get to see. One of the highlights of the evening was a performance by the Klopse (Cape Minstrels), a Cape Town tradition that added a cultural flair to the occasion. 

From that moment, the conference was a whirlwind of learning, connecting, and reflecting. The program was jam-packed with fascinating presentations, film screenings, and poster sessions, covering a broad range of marine conservation topics. I spent my days attending talks about the conservation of endangered marine species, such as the shark meat trade in various countries, the effects of orca predation on great white sharks in South Africa, and two important talks on the critically endangered African penguin.  

One of the key takeaways from the conference for me was the realisation that marine conservation cannot just be about science—it must be about people too. This theme was introduced in the opening plenary by Dr Judy Mann Lang and carried through the entire event. The message was clear: true, lasting conservation efforts must engage and involve local communities, stakeholders, and those who rely on the ecosystems we are trying to protect. It’s about creating a sense of ownership and partnership with the people who live and work in these areas. 

Some of my personal highlights included the talks on the second day related to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and their effectiveness in protecting sharks and rays. These sessions highlighted the incredible amount of work that has gone into shark and ray conservation, as well as the considerable challenges that still lie ahead. The movie night was another standout moment, where we had the chance to watch several marine conservation short films. One film, Ours Not Mine, was particularly impactful. It told the story of how various stakeholders—including local communities, farmers, and tourism operators—came together to prevent heavy mineral sand mining along South Africa’s West Coast near Lamberts Bay. This film perfectly captured the unofficial theme of the conference: real, lasting change in environmental conservation is only possible when the people who live, work, and depend on these areas are involved in the process. 

It was also incredibly inspiring to connect with other young scientists and researchers at the conference. It’s heartening to see so many passionate individuals from around the world working toward the common goal of marine conservation. It filled me with hope to see such bright minds dedicated to the cause. 

Attending IMCC7 was an experience I’ll never forget. I left feeling motivated, inspired, and more committed than ever to the work ahead. A huge thank you to Shark Spotters for providing me with the chance to be part of this event. This experience has deepened my passion for marine conservation, and I’m excited to continue contributing to this important cause. The work we do today is crucial for the future of our oceans, and I am more determined than ever to help protect our natural environments. 

Written By: Megan Vokes