SOUTH AFRICAN MARINE SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM

Conference and Exhibition

As the world faces the intersecting challenges of biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change, marine and coastal science is more important than ever. The Southern African Marine Science Symposium (SAMSS) 2025 will unite scientists, practitioners, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to share knowledge, innovations, and strategies for a more resilient marine and coastal future.

The 2025 Southern African Marine Science Symposium (SAMSS), organised by the Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) under the auspices of the South African Network of Coastal and Oceanic Research (SANCOR) with the theme “The triple planetary crisis – resilience and conservation of ocean and coastal ecosystems” will be hosted in Cape Town from 8-12 September 2025 at the Southern Sun Cape Sun, 23 Strand St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, Western Cape. SAMSS is partially funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

The symposium’s eight themes range from foundational biodiversity and ecosystem studies to cutting-edge work in oceanography and atmospheric science, and solutions-oriented engineering for sustainable development. SAMSS 2025 also creates space for critical conversations around science communication, marine education, citizen science, Indigenous knowledge, and sustainable use of marine resources through the blue economy.

Importantly, SAMSS 2025 recognises the need to empower the next generation of scientists and decision-makers through technology, data, and capacity-building initiatives. By bridging Indigenous knowledge, community engagement, scientific research and innovative practice, SAMSS aims to contribute meaningfully to climate resilience and sustainable development across Southern Africa’s marine and coastal environments.