State of Management of South Africa’s ... - WWF South Africa

STATE OF MANAGEMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MARINE PROTECTED AREASPLAN CONTEXT (75%)A threat analysis was conducted and the threats were prioritized and addressed in themanagement plan. Available biophysical information was referred to and considered in theplan. Biological information available for planning purposes was adequate, while informationregarding social conditions was partially adequate.6.3.5 Management systemInputSTAFF NUMBER (50%)There was no reserve manager at De Hoop. Two new staff members (one natureconservator and one field ranger) had been recently appointed specifically for the MPA. Theacting manger indicated that the current number of staff was inadequate and that anotherfield ranger and a manager needed to be appointed. There were two other natureconservators and six field rangers whose core function was terrestrial but they acceptedmarine tasks.STAFF SKILLS (39%)It was indicated that few of the staff members had sufficient training to carry out present andlikely future duties in the MPA. The majority of the staff had a basic understanding of the roleand function of the MPA and the resources in the MPA and their value. Less than half thestaff had an understanding of the legislation applicable to the MPA. Two skippers hadrecently been trained, however it was indicated that they were seldom available to take theboat out and still required further experience. The MPA was lacking staff with swimmingskills, radio operator’s tickets and diving licences. Furthermore it was indicated that furthertraining was required to develop maintenance, monitoring, skippering, compliance and publicliaison skills as most of the staff had little experience in the marine environment. The twonew marine staff members were in the process of completing the MPA Management Course.Management has been negatively impacted by the poor continuity of key staff members.EQUIPMENT (70%)It was reported that there was adequate equipment for management purposes at the MPA.However it was evident the maintenance of MPA equipment needed improvement (the boatcould not be used for a period due to poor upkeep) and, as implied above, this limitation maybe due to the minimal experience of staff in the marine environment. A boat was donated tothe MPA to assist with offshore compliance and monitoring however this boat was rarelyused due to staffing issues and maintenance and licensing constraints. There were fourvehicles and two motorcycles for the reserve and MPA and there was equipment for offshoreand onshore compliance, diving and communication. Additional equipment that should bePg 81