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Verlorenvlei Estuary Management Plan
Part 3: Detailed Implementation Plans
3.2 Living Resources Management
3.2.1 Targets & Critical Limits
Operational specifications refer to the measureable targets or critical limits applicable to
activities/developments or activity/development zones in and around the estuary.
To be included in later version of EMP by the Estuary Forum Executive team
3.2.2 Management Strategies and Actions
The following actions or issues, specifically related to living resources have been identified in the
Situation Assessment and at the Stakeholder Workshop held in Eland Bay (September 2009):
Need to eradicate/control alien fish (possibly through an experimental fishery using large
mesh nets that target introduced species while collapsed stock are protected);
Removal of alien vegetation (from water and land);
General concern for fish health as some fish have large legions on them at the end of
summer (could be parasites or blue green algae);
Need to understand the extent and severity of the occurrence avian botulism in wading bird
population of Verlorenvlei. A better understanding is required of the vectors that are causing
it - enriched sediment, low water levels, poor water quality;
Need to know if it is viable to have fishing competitions (for alien fish) in Verlorenvlei; and
Alternative livelihood strategies such as aquaculture (yellow tail market in Japan) and
subsistence fishing farms could investigated, but should be approached with care as it holds
a high risk for the ecology in nearly permanently closed systems such as Verlorenvlei, e.g.
pathogens, diseases, algal blooms.
ACTION 2.1: Eradicate alien fish in Verlorenvlei
Related Strategic
Objective/s
Ecological health of ecosystem is improved
Further degradation (negative trajectory) of Verlorenvlei ecosystem is halted
Relevant legislation Marine Living Resource Act (No 18 of 1998)
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (formerly MCM)
Responsible agent
CapeNature
WWF
Private parties
Estimated Budget R10 million
Timeframe Within 3 Years (2010 – 2012)
Priority
High
ACTION 2.2: Eradicate alien vegetation in Verlorenvlei through Working for Wetlands programme
Related Strategic
Objective/s
Ecological health of ecosystem is improved
Further degradation (negative trajectory) of Verlorenvlei ecosystem is halted
Relevant legislation Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (No 43 of 1983)
Department of Environmental Affairs
Responsible agent Department of Water Affairs
CapeNature
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