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2. Establish a Marine Protected Area on the estuary incorporating the most significant
bird habitats and fish nursery areas as well as a representative section of all habitat
types present in the estuary (mudflat, salt marsh, submerged and emergent
vegetation)
3. Develop a zonation plan in which 50% of the MPA (not necessarily contiguous) is
declared a no-take zone;
4. The whole protected area to be managed by the provincial (CapeNature), district
(Overberg District Municipality) or local (Overstrand Municipality) authority.
The details of the above will have to be finalised in consultation with stakeholders. Anchor
Environmental Consultants will draw up a detailed management plan including plans for the
proposed protected area based on outcomes of the consultative process.
5.8 Potential and need for restoration on the Uilkraals Estuary
There is no specific legislation pertaining to the restoration of ecosystems. The estuary has
been highly modified and is classified as being largely modified, and has been identified as one
in which there is a need for rehabilitation. In the case of the Uilkraals Estuary restoration of the
estuary to a better state of health would be straightforward, and would mainly entail (in order
of priority):
1. Restoration of the quantity of freshwater inflows;
2. Restoration of water quality;
3. Removing significant obstructions to flow; and
4. Removal of alien vegetation.
In general, the degree to which these factors should be managed to restore the health of the
system depends largely on the vision that is developed for the estuary, and on its future
protection status. Protection status will provide a strong case for the provision of restoring
flow quality and quantity.
Uilkraals Estuary Situation Assessment
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