Name: Oscar Mnthemendla

School: Lifolethu High School

P.O.Box 190, Ubombo, 3970

One of the main environmental issues faced on our coast s that of poaching. I am not against the killing of wild life as long as this is done in order.

Nowdays some species have become extinct due to some uncontrolled killing and our kids will only hear of them in stories and books. Usually most the poachers are uneducated about nature so they just do what come within their heads with nature. As far as I am concern at least a bit of education will make some difference.

Our beaches are far below the required standards. In my own mind most if not all our beach. Users do not know how to keep our beaches clean. So tome this may impact South Africa negatively. Tourists need to feel comfortable within the surroundings they visiting.

May be community awareness programmes may be greate utility in reducing such problems. Excesseve usage of liqured is also another problems since an intoxicated person can not think properly.

Safety at sea is also another problem in our coast. I have been to sea so many times in my life but I do not recall a single day seeing a life saver. In the beginning of this year alone approximately 8 people lost their lives due to safety problem. More than accaisionally some dangerourese creatures are reported at large within disallowed areas. There is also no clear demarcation within our sea.

Oil slicks destroy plankton and form a thin film on the ocean surface which cuts of oxygen supply consequently many fish die and the oxygen and carbon cycles are affected. Oil slicks also dirty the beaches. This adversely affects tourism.

My involvement in this expedition will equip me with more knowledge to contribute in my community. It will also make me a worthy citizen. I will be exposed to the marine world being part of the expedition and research will also deeping my love for nature. Through my knowledge my community will benefit. I will also be a key to unlocked opportunities available to them which they do not know.

If I go this will also attract intreast to the unintreast. I strongly believe that educating one citizen is like future investment especially economically. An educated community easily attracts tourist. Practical teaching will help me understand things more visibly so I feel that being a part of such expedition is a must for me.