PORT ELIZABETH - ALGOA BAY NAMED BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Algoa Bay in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape is no longer just the Water Sports Capital of South Africa, it has also been named the Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the World.

Tourism authorities in the province officially launched The Bottlenose Dolphin Capital in conjunction with the bay on Monday.

Scientific research conducted in the 90’s by the Centre for Dolphin Studies in South Africa showed that approximately 20 000 bottlenose dolphins were making use of Algoa Bay.

Today that number has increased and the estimated population of the bay is close to 30 000 dolphins. This number surpasses other areas around the world.

In addition to being named the Dolphin Capital of the World, a dolphin festival will be held in the city each year to celebrate the international popularity of the species.

CEO Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Mandlakazi Skefile says,"We have this in our backyard and the benefit will be to further establish the city on the international map and just another attraction to what we can offer as a destination."

Bottlenose dolphins appeal to people worldwide, the permanent smiles on their faces and the interactions they have with people make them an incredible attraction in their natural environment.

VIA - sabc.co.za