NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
MARINE SCIENCES P1
NOVEMBER 2025
MARKING GUIDELINES
MARKS: 150
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Marine Sciences Grade 12 Paper 1 NSC November 2025 Memo
Grade 12 Marine Sciences Paper 1 memorandum from the NSC November Exam 2025, 22 pages. Read online or get the free PDF download, question paper linked when available.
Marine Sciences · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2025. Memorandum, 22 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- Marine Sciences
- Grade
- Grade 12
- Document type
- Memorandum
- Year
- 2025
- Exam period
- NSC November Exam
- Paper
- 1
- Curriculum
- CAPS
- Pages
- 22
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- 721.6 KB
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Marine Sciences/P1 2 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
PRINCIPLES RELATED TO MARKING MARINE SCIENCES
1. If more information is given than marks allocated
Stop marking when the maximum number of marks is reached and draw a wavy line
and write 'max' in the right-hand margin.
2. If, for example, three reasons are required and five are given
Mark the first three reasons irrespective of whether these first three are correct or not.
3. If a whole process is given when only a part of the process is required
Read the whole process given and credit the relevant part.
4. If comparisons are asked for, but descriptions are given
Accept the description if the differences or similarities are clearly stated.
5. If diagrams are given with annotations when descriptions are required
Mark the description.
6. If flow charts are given instead of descriptions
Mark the description only.
7. If a described sequence is muddled and links do not make sense
Where sequence and links are correct, marks are given. Should a logical sequence
resume, marks are given.
8. Non-recognised abbreviations
Accept the abbreviation if it is first defined in the answer. If the definition is not
defined, do not give credit for the unrecognised abbreviation, but credit the rest of
the answer if correct.
9. Wrong numbering
If the answer fits into the correct sequence of questions, but the wrong number is
given, credit the answer if the answer is in the correct order.
10. If the language that is used changes the intended meaning
Do not accept the answer.
11. Spelling errors
If a word is recognisable (if read out loud), accept the answer, provided it does not
mean something else in Marine Sciences terminology or if it is out of context.
12. In QUESTION 1.1 of SECTION A, only accept and credit the correct letter.
13. Be sensitive to the sense of an answer, which may be stated in a different way.
14. Title
All illustrations (e.g. diagrams, graphs and tables) must have a title written above or
below.
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Marine Sciences/P1 3 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
15. Code-switching of official languages (terms and concepts)
A term or concept written in any official language other than the learner's
assessment language used in their answers should be credited, if it is correct. A
marker that is proficient in Marine Sciences content and the official language used
should be consulted. This is applicable to all official languages.
16. Changes to the marking guidelines
No changes must be made to the marking guidelines. The provincial internal
moderator must be consulted, who in turn will consult with the national internal
moderator (and the Umalusi moderators where necessary).
17. Official marking guidelines
Only marking guidelines bearing the signatures of the national internal moderator
and the Umalusi moderators and distributed by the National Department of Basic
Education via the provinces must be used.
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Marine Sciences/P1 4 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1 1.1.1 C
1.1.2 D
1.1.3 A
1.1.4 B
1.1.5 C
1.1.6 D
1.1.7 B
1.1.8 A
1.1.9 A / C
1.1.10 A
(10 x 2) (20)
1.2 1.2.1 Groynes
1.2.2 Ripples /capillary waves
1.2.3 (Marine) terrace
1.2.4 Tombolo
1.2.5 Interglacial periods
1.2.6 Fish stock /fish resource
1.2.7 Hydroponics
1.2.8 Weather
1.2.9 Oscillation (cycle)
1.2.10 Embryo dune
(10 x 1) (10)
1.3 1.3.1 B only
1.3.2 Both A and B
1.3.3 A only
1.3.4 None
1.3.5 Both A and B
(5 x 2) (10)
TOTAL SECTION A: 40
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Marine Sciences/P1 5 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
SECTION B
Important notice: more potential responses are given in these marking guidelines
than marks allocated per question.
'/' means either the first or the following phrase provided in these marking
guidelines is allocated marks.
QUESTION 2
2.1 2.1.1 (a) - The (same) location was used
- The sample bottles were the same volume/500 mℓ
- Sterile bottles
- Collected the rainfall data from India Meteorological
Department
- Collected 3 samples at each site
- All samples were collected at the same depth
(Mark any 1, mark first 1) (1)
(b) - (Average amount of) rainfall
- (Average) density of sea water
(Mark any 1, mark first 1) (1)
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Marine Sciences/P1 6 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
2.1.2 MARKING GUIDELINES
CRITERIA MARK
ALLOCATION
Descriptive heading (H) ½
Heading includes all variables
(Seasons, rainfall and density) (V) ½
Types of graphs (Format):
Bar graph (T1) ½
Line graph (T2) ½
Independent variable (I) ½
Dependent variables
Y-axis1 (D1) ½
Y-axis2 (D2) ½
Label for X-axis: Seasons (XL) ½
Label for Y-axes
YL1: Rainfall (YL1) ½
YL2: Density (YL2) ½
Unit of measurement of Y1-axis (YM1): (mm) ½
Unit of measurement of Y2-axis (YM2): (kg/m3) ½
Formatting of bars:
Bars width equal (BW) ½
Bars spaces equal (BS) ½
Appropriate scale on Y-axes:
(YS1) (Axes for bar graph must start at zero) ½
(YS2) ½
Plotting
Bar graph (PB) 3x½
Line graph (PL) 3x½
If 2 separate graphs, then the learners will not get the marks for
type of graph (Format)
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Marine Sciences/P1 7 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
(11)
2.1.3 - Adsorption in ion exchange
- Spray
- Chemical precipitation
- Biological uptake
- Percolation into the seabed /in ocean trenches
- Evaporation forms salt crystals
(Mark any 2, mark first 2) (2)
2.1.4 (a) Autumn (1)
(b) - Autumn has the largest amount of rainfall *
- The density of the sea water increased during
autumn *
- as a result of more minerals/ions being transported into the
sea water
- because more fresh water/run off flowing into the ocean
during the rainy season
(Mark 2 compulsory * and any 1) (3)
2.1.5 - The intensity of the Monsoons could increase resulting in a higher
precipitation /rainfall
- reducing salinity /density
OR
- The Monsoons could bring less rain /the dry periods could last
longer
- the changes in the density of sea water between seasons will be
smaller /less
(Any logical relevant answer, marker discretion for insightful
thinking)
(Mark any pair) (2)
(21)
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NSC – Marking Guidelines
2.2 2.2.1 Damage to the ears /sinuses/lungs (1)
2.2.2 P1 = 3 + 1 = 4 bar
P2 = 1 bar
T1 = 7 °C + 273 = 280K
T2 = 27 °C + 273 = 300K (Calculating Kelvin)
V1 = 1 litre
V2 = ?
P1V1 = P2V2
T1 T2
OR
V2 = P1V1T2
P2T1
V2 = (4 bar) (1 000 mℓ OR 1 ℓ) (300K)
(280K) (1 bar) ( substitution)
= 4.29 ℓ / 4 285.71 mℓ ( for correct answer and unit) (5)
(6)
2.3 2.3.1 - The greenhouse effect is a process in which the greenhouse
gases act as a blanket, keeping/trapping the sun's heat in the
atmosphere
- With an increase in the greenhouse gases comes an increase in
the heating of the atmosphere /an increase in the transfer of
energy.
- Therefore, ice at the poles melt / rainfall increases
- With less available ice, less sunlight is reflected into space,
resulting in more ice melting
- and an increased volume of water in the ocean.
(Mark any 3) (3)
2.3.2 (a) Tidal bores need the following conditions to develop:
- River mouth /narrow inlet
- A large tidal range
- Large enough amount of incoming water enters through the
narrow inlet
(Mark any 2, Mark first 2) (2)
(b) Incoming tidal water is moving in the opposite direction of the
river current.
(1 mark for correct movement of the water)
(1 mark for mentioning both tidal water AND river current) (2)
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NSC – Marking Guidelines
2.3.3 - Tidal bores attract surfers from around the world / Tidal bore
tourism
- which could potentially improving the community's economy
(Any logical relevant answer, marker discretion for insightful
thinking) (2)
2.3.4 - By tracking spring high tides, local municipalities can warn citizens
to stay clear of these areas during these times
- to prevent injury/loss of life.
OR
- Allocating more funds to permanently relocate local households/
businesses along the river
- to prevent future damage to infrastructure.
OR
- Constructing a wall/barrier along the river / Hard engineering /
soft engineering
- to reduce the potential flooding along the river banks.
(Mark any pair, mark first pair)
(Any logical relevant answer, marker discretion for insightful
thinking) (2)
2.3.5 IF BENEFICIAL
- Tidal bores could bring in money for the local communities through
tourism/surfers
- More tourism from international surfers, could provide
opportunities for locals to improve and learn new skills in various
economic sectors
IF HARMFUL
- Tidal bores could cause damage to infrastructure /could lead to
loss of lives
- Climate change could potentially cause sea levels to continue to
rise, therefore, preventative measures may not work in the long
term resulting in less money from tourism /leading to a decline in
development
(Mark only allocated for Beneficial or Harmful if answer is
motivated)
(Any logical relevant answer, marker discretion for insightful
thinking) (2)
(13)
[40]
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Marine Sciences/P1 10 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
QUESTION 3
3.1 3.1.1 Mesoscale eddies are:
- circular patterns of water / anticlockwise movement of water
- temporary ocean current eddies
- larger than average sized eddies (100 km)
- last up to a month
(Mesoscale eddies from the Agulhas Current would be)
- warmer / distributing heat and
- more saline than surrounding waters.
(minimum 1 mesoscale eddies,
minimum 1 Agulhas Current and any 1) (3)
3.1.2 (Once the eddies dissipate, they could release)
- warm water which could be less dense than the surrounding
waters therefore,
- reducing overturn as the water does not sink downwards
OR
- more saline water than the surrounding area which could
increase the density of the water in the area, therefore,
- causing water to sink and therefore, increasing overturn
Density 1 mark
Overturn 1 mark
(Mark any pair, mark first pair) (2)
3.1.3 - The gyres could potentially move southwards /have a larger
circulation
- as there will be more area available for the circular movement of
the gyre
OR
- The Agulhas Current could potentially move further south
- as the westerly wind belt no longer creates a barrier in that area
to the flow of the current
OR
- There will be more eddies entering the Atlantic Ocean /moving
north/south into the Atlantic Ocean
- as there will be more area available for eddies to escape the
Agulhas Current.
(Mark any pair, mark first pair)
(Any logical relevant answer, marker discretion for insightful
thinking) (2)
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NSC – Marking Guidelines
3.1.4 IF 'YES'
- The eddies from the Agulhas Current affects the entire globe and
therefore, international researchers would also benefit from
supporting this research.
- South Africa may have limited funding for the research and
therefore, international funding may result in better equipment to
conduct the research
IF 'NO'
- South Africa already produces leading research on eddies in this
area, without the support from international community
- Should international researchers be involved, there may be
debates on the ownership of the data collected /intellectual
property
(Mark only allocated for Yes or No if answer is motivated)
(Any logical relevant answer, marker discretion for insightful
thinking) (2)
(9)
3.2 3.2.1 (a) Ekman transport (1)
(b) - The wind at the surface has a frictional drag effect on the
surface water and
- sets the surface water in motion / creates a surface
current/the kinetic energy is transferred from the wind to the
water
- The movement of surface water is deflected from the
wind direction *
- as a result of the Coriolis effect.
- The surface water layer drags underlying water with it /
kinetic energy is transferred to underlying water
- Each deeper layer of water moves more slowly
- and at a smaller distance than the layer above it due to
friction/a loss of kinetic energy at each layer to the left.
- Each successive lower layer is deflected further
(until at approximately 100-150 metres below the surface,
currents move in exactly the opposite direction to currents
moving on the surface.)
(1 compulsory * mark and any 3) (4)
3.2.2 - The stronger the wind speed the more likely it is for a La Niña to
develop.
- The weaker the wind speed the more likely it is for a El Niño to
develop.
(Mark relationship)
(Mark any 1) (2)
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Marine Sciences/P1 12 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
3.2.3 (a) Weaker (1)
(b) - Between 2018–2019 the weaker winds resulted in an
El Niño event
- causing less surface water moving offshore which
- reduced the strength of the upward moving current
- as there was less surface water to replace
- resulting in a lower nutrient supply
(Mark any 3) (3)
3.2.4 (a) (Stronger upwelling could cause):
- a decrease in sea surface temperature in the region
which could result in
- reduced precipitation / colder temperatures than normal (2)
(b) (Stronger upwelling could cause):
- an increased income for fishers of the local communities
- due to increased ocean productivity which brings in greater
harvests
OR
- improved food security for the local communities
- as fish are attracted to the increased productivity, allowing
for more fish to be harvested
(1 mark for impact and 1 mark for reason)
(Mark any pair, mark first pair)
(Any logical relevant answer, marker discretion for
insightful thinking) (2)
3.2.5 IF 'YES'
- ENSO events tend to change every 2-3 years on average,
therefore, the data could potentially be used to predict the
following years.
IF 'NO'
- ENSO events may last longer or shorter than observed and
therefore, the data cannot be used to accurately predict ENSO
events of future years.
(Mark only allocated for Yes or No if answer is motivated)
(Any logical relevant answer, marker discretion for insightful
thinking) (2)
(17)
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Marine Sciences/P1 13 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
3.3 3.3.1 (a) East coast (1)
(b) - Yellowwood trees
- Sneezewood trees
- (Prehistoric) cycads
- Aloes
- (Albany) thicket
- Any relevant vegetation example relevant to the Wild
Coast
(Mark any 1, mark first 1) (1)
3.3.2 - Erosion (e.g. Hydraulic action, abrasion, attrition, wave
action, corrosion) of rock on a cliff
- This creates a weak point /notch/crack
- with further erosion to form a cave over time
(Mark any 2) (2)
3.3.3 Grotto Cave formation
MARKING GUIDELINES
MARK
CRITERIA ELABORATION
ALLOCATION
Correct drawing (D) Three of the features present
(ocean/waves, waterfall, cliff, ½
notch/crack, cave)
Suitable heading (H) Descriptive heading ½
Drawing technique (T) Drawing in pencil ½
Drawing solid lines (not more
than 45–55% shading – marker's
discretion) ½
Annotations (A) Mark any 2 2x1
Annotations linked (L) Annotations linked to
corresponding process/
Key system used ½
Process direction (P) Arrow(s)/Clear formation shown
from a notch to a cave ½
(5)
(9)
[35]
TOTAL SECTION B: 75
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Marine Sciences/P1 14 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
SECTION C
When marking essays:
- Markers should indicate with the designated letter.
- Compulsory marks per section are indicated with *.
- The breakdown of the synthesis marks is indicated for each question.
- Credit valid responses which may be provided by the candidate from other sources.
- Markers need to allocate a minimum of four marks per subsection.
- A maximum of two marks for the opinion.
- Excluding the opinion, the other seven marks may be awarded for any of the sections
being discussed.
Important notice: more potential responses are given in these marking guidelines
than marks allocated per question.
'/' means either the first or the following phrase provided in this marking guideline is
allocated marks.
ASSESSING THE PRESENTATION OF THE ESSAY
MARK
2 1 0
ALLOCATION
The introduction Some attempt to There is no
shows a contextual write an introduction. Starts
link that the introduction/ with the asked
candidate stated intention of content straight
understands what essay but to a away.
the question is, by: large extent using Provides randomly
the wording from arranged facts.
Correctly stating in the question.
INTRODUCTION
their own words Unclear that Restating the
2 marks
what the question candidate fully question
(INTR)
is about AND understands the
describing the topic.
intention/purpose
of the essay. Stated the
intention of the
essay in their own
words.
The internal Some paragraph All content sections
structure of a division but is written as one
paragraph clearly unclear (not paragraph.
planned. One main linked) why
USE OF aspect/idea content is grouped
PARAGRAPHS discussed in a in these
2 marks paragraph. If more paragraphs.
(PAR) than one aspect is
discussed in a
paragraph, the
connection is
clearly visible.
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Marine Sciences/P1 15 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
Sufficient An attempt to 25% or less of the
information with write on the topic, content that the
RELEVANCE many good points but only 26% to learner addressed is
2 marks made, 50% or 49% of the relevant to the topic
(REL) more of the content discussed asked.
content is relevant in the essay is
to the question relevant to the
asked. question asked.
Paragraphs show Generally clear Very difficult to read
logical sequence sequence but the essay as no
and are some facts not in logical sequence.
demonstrably place – content Many facts with no
LOGICAL
linked to each provided is clear layout. Clearly
SEQUENCE
other. correct but is unplanned.
2 marks
meant to be in a
(LSEQ)
different
(relevant)
paragraph. Essay
poorly planned.
Clearly bringing An attempt to No conclusion.
the aspects write a Learner clearly
discussed in the conclusion, but stopped after the
essay together in a closely quotes the content paragraphs –
CONCLUSION
final paragraph in words of the no attempt to pull the
2 marks
own words. question asked. ideas together.
(CONC)
Still shows
linkage of the
topic to their
response.
(10)
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Marine Sciences/P1 16 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
QUESTION 4
INTRODUCTION GUIDELINE
- Includes aquafarming practices and environmental impacts/Namibia's community
- Does not repeat/reproduce wording of the question
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS (F)
- The number of operational staff (with appropriate skill levels) that will be required, in
terms of salaries to be paid for the offshore and onshore aquaculture.
- The consumer demand for the salmon, the potential selling price and the return on
investment.
- The sites, whether to purchase or to rent.
- Designing costs
- One example: such as engineers and builders
- Infrastructure costs / Purchase costs / Construction costs of both the onshore and
offshore facilities
- Equipment costs / maintenance of equipment
- One example: water pumps, air pumps, water-quality testing equipment, mechanical
filters, biological filters, cage costs, vehicles such as cars and boats, tanks,
temperature control equipment.
- Maintenance costs
- One example: electricity, packaging, disease control, loan repayments, vet fees,
repair of equipment, tanks, desalination for onshore operation
- Operational activity costs
- One example: such as husbandry facilities , biocontrol chemicals, food for salmon
pellets, quarantine, computers and software.
- The cost of buying brood stock.
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion for
insightful thinking)
minimum 4
ONSHORE: FRESHWATER DAMS/ FISH CULTURE CAGES/FISH PENS (P)
- The culture cages use an existing, constant flow of water
- to provide oxygen and
- to remove fish excrement/waste and carbon dioxide.
- in order to prevent eutrophication
- This is to prevent the build-up of micro-organisms / the spread of diseases and
- toxins and pollutants which may wash in from upstream
- They are made from flexible material such as nylon, hard plastic or wire netting
- so that they do not break under the water pressure /to be re-used/more resilient to
water damage.
- The culture cages are easy to stock with hatchlings,
- this makes it is easy to supply the hatchlings with food/to harvest the fish for
transport.
- The stock density in culture cages
- depends on the quality of the water required by the salmon hatchlings /and the
recommended biomass per unit volume being considered.
- Care must be taken not to overstock the cages
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- as large concentrations of fish increase their vulnerability to predators /run the risk
of spreading diseases more rapidly.
- Maintenance of cages/boats to prevent salmon from escaping
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion for insightful
thinking)
minimum 4
OFFSHORE: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF FARMING PRACTICE (D)
- Large sea cages with many salmon in results in large volumes of salmon
excrement uneaten fish feed
- which sink through the cage to the seabed,
- increasing the nutrient load in the water column.
- This stimulates an algal bloom
- resulting in eutrophication
- and a depletion of oxygen levels in the water /anoxic conditions.
- This oxygen depletion can lead to lifeless areas on the ocean floor a clear
negative environmental impact on the marine ecosystems of Lüderitz.
- Sea cages concentrate the population of a single species into a small area, which
can result in a rapid spread of pathogens and parasites.
- The usual practice for dealing with pathogens and parasites is to use antibiotics and
antiparasitic solutions, which in turn contaminate the water column.
- High seas off the West coast could cause damage to infrastructure resulting in
pollution /fish escaping
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion for insightful
thinking)
minimum 4
BENEFITS (B)
Ensure food security *
- A growth in aquaculture results in increased availability and access to fish
- which lowers the price compared to food items from other animal sources.
- As salmon is farmed under controlled conditions, there will be a more consistent
source of food.
Improve nutrition *
- Production of food from aquatic farming can elevate human health especially in
rural areas where poverty and malnutrition are relatively common.
- In under-resourced regions such as Africa, aquaculture produces the main source of
protein to address malnutrition /boost the demand for nutritious proteins.
- Seafood has a high nutritional value
- One example: rich in Vitamins (A, B and D)/Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Fish are rich in minerals which are important for a balanced diet
- One example: calcium/phosphorus/iron/zinc
Increase employment *
- This salmon project has the potential to provide employment and income for the
local communities as food for the growing human population is always in demand.
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Marine Sciences/P1 18 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
- It can increase income levels in adjacent communities as more locals will receive
an income from the project.
Economic benefits *
- This is particularly applicable in rural areas where it is less expensive than in urban
areas to rent land to house facilities.
- Profits can be spent on upgrading the infrastructure of Lüderitz, which can lead to
more tourism, therefore improving the economic status of the town.
- The sustainability status of the community will increase.
(Mark benefit and descriptors)
(Mark as pairs)
(Mark minimum 2 pairs)
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion for
insightful thinking)
minimum 4
OPINION (J)
1 mark if Opinion and motivation correlates
1 mark for motivation
If learner says 'Yes'
- Jobs will be created for Southern African citizens which can improve their socio-
economic development
- Salmon will be available at cheaper cost, allowing more Southern African citizens,
including the less fortunate individuals to have access to a protein-rich diet
If learner says 'No'
- Lots of waste products from the increase in numbers of fish, for example excrement
and uneaten fish feed, can potentially lead to increased eutrophication, which could
kill off the surrounding biodiversity
- The setup and implementation of such a farming project is extremely expensive, and
will take years to actually help the communities of Southern Africa. That money could
rather be used to help Southern Africans immediately with alternative support like
food banks
- Inbreeding or interbreeding could negatively impact the genetic integrity of the fish
species
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion for insightful
thinking)
Max (2)
CONCLUSION GUIDELINE
- Includes aquaculture/Namibia's community
- Does not repeat/reproduce wording of the question
Content: (25)
Synthesis: (10)
[35]
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Marine Sciences/P1 19 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
QUESTION 5
INTRODUCTION GUIDELINE
- Includes coastal and land-based wind energy generation along the coast and
communities/environmental impact of energy generation
- Does not repeat/reproduce wording of the question
WIND TURBINES (T)
- Wind turbines have enormous propeller blades
- at the top of the wind turbine.
- These blades are connected to (a turning hub in the middle and) a turbine
- Coastal winds tend to be stronger.
- Coastal areas have a higher frequency of wind.
- The blades are driven by the wind.
- The blades turn a mechanism with a gearing system
- and the gearing system efficiently spins an electric generator.
- The gears slow down the speed of the blades
- to minimise the damage when they are spinning.
- Mechanical energy can be transformed into electrical energy.
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion for insightful
thinking)
minimum 4
BENEFITS FOR THIS COMMUNITY (B)
- The community will have more access to electricity
- More locals will be employed at the fish factories and get an income.
- More locals will be employed at the wind farms and get an income to support their
families.
- Plant management skills on the wind turbines can be learnt.
- More money for families means more children can get an education , improving the
literacy levels of the community.
- Electricity bills will be cheaper,
- as households and businesses in the community move away from expensive fossil
fuel generated electricity /and towards cheaper renewable energy sources.
- It will result in a smaller carbon footprint, as less fossil fuel energy generation would
be used /and more renewable energy sources used.
- Environmental awareness could result in other sustainability initiatives.
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion for insightful
thinking)
minimum 4
FACTORS (F)
- Wind turbines are large,
- therefore, large transport vehicles/vessels are required.
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Marine Sciences/P1 20 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
- The ocean environment is dynamic,
- therefore, construction equipment and materials need to be strong enough to
withstand this environment /strong winds/forceful storms/large waves/strong
currents
- The ocean and its coastal areas are subjected to harsh, salt-corrosive and sand-
abrasive environments,
- therefore, the construction equipment used to implement the wind turbine needs to
be made of non-corrosive material.
- Implementing offshore wind turbines could potentially take a long time,
- therefore, construction equipment needs to withstand the harsh conditions/ biofouling
over long periods of time.
- Implementation and planned maintenance costs will be high on the offshore wind
turbines,
- as marine organisms, such as barnacles, settle on any exposed surfaces and can
prevent mechanisms from working efficiently.
- Sea vessels and crew fares/salaries will be high,
- as they will be needed to implement the offshore turbines over a long period of
time.
(mark minimum 2 pairs)
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion for insightful
thinking)
minimum 4
SIMILARITIES (M) and DIFFERENCES (D)
Similarities (M)
- If flightpaths of migrating bird/bat species cross those of the turbine blades, it can
lead to possible injury or death of birds/bats.
- Wind turbines are an eye sore as they alter the natural beauty of the site on land and
offshore.
- Both cause habitat destruction of land-based and marine organisms in the area
where the wind turbines are constructed.
- Both need mechanisms, such as anti-fouling paint to withstand the erosive forces
such as strong wave action/strong winds. These can be harmful/toxic to the
environment.
Differences (D)
Offshore
- Noise pollution can disturb marine organisms, especially those who uses echo-
location for survival.
- Wind turbines can disturb the habitat of fish, causing fishers to catch less fish.
- Location of the turbines can disturb sea vessel routes, potentially leading to a
disruption of income due to longer travelling times of alternative routes.
- Implementation costs are higher than land-based due to extra fares, such as sea-
going vessels.
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Marine Sciences/P1 21 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
Land-based
- Noise pollution of the wind turbines can cause humans/animals to relocate to areas
without turbines.
- Farmers can potentially lose farming space, which can lead to less income due to
less produce being sold.
- Wind turbines could potentially disrupt paths of terrestrial animals migrating through
the area.
- Reflection of the light off the blades as they turn, could impact human health
(Similarities minimum 2 mark )
(Differences: offshore minimum 1 mark land based minimum 1 mark )
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion for insightful
thinking)
minimum 4
maximum (23)
OPINION (J)
1 mark if Opinion and motivation correlates
1 mark for motivation
If learner says 'Land-based'
- Cheaper construction, maintenance and operating costs due to easier access to
wind farms when on land.
- Farmers whose land is used to build these wind turbines on, could get an income
from renting out their land.
- It will be more difficult and more expensive to reach offshore sites, as you will need
land vehicles as well as boats and drones to reach offshore locations.
- Implementation and maintenance on offshore turbines will only be possible when
there is fair weather, as it will be too dangerous for crew to reach the turbines. This
can lead to short and long durations of no electricity generation or availability.
If learner says 'Offshore'
- Offshore-located wind farms leave more space on land for farming or development
to take place.
- Most direct onshore winds will blow against the turbines, as there will be no reduction
in wind energy as on land due to other land forms (e.g. hills or mountains) blocking
the wind. This will generate the most electricity for the community.
- Community members can learn ocean specific skills and can be employed to
maintain and fix any issues on the turbines, even in undesirable weather
conditions.
(Any logical relevant substantiating answer, marker discretion for insightful
thinking)
Max 2
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Marine Sciences/P1 22 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
CONCLUSION GUIDELINE
- Includes coastal and land-based wind energy generation along the coast and
communities/environmental impact of energy generation
- Does not repeat/reproduce wording of the question
Content: (25)
Synthesis: (10)
[35]
TOTAL SECTION C: 35
GRAND TOTAL: 150
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