coaltech upper olifants river catchment wetland inventory ...

The most important fishing activity in the UORC is recreational fishing, attracting tourists
from many regions, especially fly fishermen. A large number of fishing clubs occur within the
UORC and every town in the catchment contains a shop selling fishing gear. Angling,
therefore contributes towards the economy of the area. A value can be attached to the
fishing activities associated with wetlands by estimating the total expenditure of anglers on
fishing gear, licences and other costs related to fishing, such as travel costs and
accommodation (Palmer et al 2002). An estimate of this total is given in Palmer et al (2002)
as R16,5 million per year in the smaller UORC. It was determined that 70% of fishing takes
place in dams, 20% in rivers and 10% in pans (Palmer et al 2002).
3.5.5.2 Birding
The importance of wetlands for waterfowl habitat was identified and the conservation of
wetlands forms part of the Ramsar Convention (Convention on Wetlands of International
Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat). Various Red Data bird species and bird species
of concern, including the Blue Crane, Wattled Crane, Flamingoes (Greater and Lesser) and
Grass Owl, are also dependant on wetlands for breeding and/or feeding activities (Cowan
1995, South Africa Tourism 2006).
Birding in the UORC takes place at various locations where different habitat types occur.
According to Palmer et al (2002) 40% of birding takes place at dry land sites, 20% at rivers,
20% at dams, 15% at pans and 5% at other wetlands. Birders spend approximately R1 855
440 per year on birding in the area, including birding equipment and the expenditure of a
birding trip (Palmer et al 2002). This total has probably increased significantly since the study
was conducted.
The south-western portion of the UORC, between Bethal, Hendrina, Ermelo and Caroline is
located within an Important Bird Area (IBA) (Barnes 1998). Threatened bird species
occurring in this IBA includes the Bald Ibis, Lesser Kestrel, Wattled Crane, Blue Crane,
Botha’s Lark, Martial Eagle, Crowned Crane, Stanley’s Bustard, Whitebellied Korhaan and
Grass Owl (Barnes 1998). The primary grasslands and the wetland areas are important bird
habitat areas in the IBA (Barnes 1998). No other IBAs are located on the site.
Wetland Database for UORC - 41 -