# Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George, says Marine Protected Areas are boosting coastal tourism, from diving to whale watching, while ensuring biodiversity is safeguarded. Key estimates from the Oceans Economy Master Plan predict that South Africa’s ocean economy could contribute 166-billion-rand to the gross domestic product, and create over 600-thousand jobs by 2035. George says this ambitious projection pivots on five essential areas: aquaculture, fisheries, coastal tourism, offshore oil and gas, and marine conservation.
Minister George highlights the economic potential of South Africa’s oceans