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

STATE OF MANAGEMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MARINE PROTECTED AREASFigure 6.1: Vywers in Stilbaai MPAA unique feature of the MPA is the culturally and historically significant stone-age fish traps(vywers) (refer to figure 6.1). These are one of two remaining functional vywers in SouthAfrica. The use of the vywers to catch fish is currently illegal and the modern practicesemployed are unsustainable; however the maintenance of the vywers is dependant on thesefishers (Kemp et al 2009). Management authorities are mandated to conserve both biologicaland cultural heritage and are thus faced with a challenge to ensure catches are legal andsustainable while the historical site and the associated cultural activities are maintained.There are four small nature reserves in the vicinity. These are Skulpiesbaai, which ismanaged by the municipality, Geelkrans, which is a provincial reserve managed byCapeNature, Bosbokduin, which is a private nature reserve (has self catering and bed andbreakfast facilities) and the Pauline Bohnen Nature Reserve. Skulpiesbaai, Geelkrans andBosbokduin are all situated on the coast on the landward border of the MPA.The coastal town of Stilbaai is set around the banks of the Goukou estuary and borders on alarge part of the MPA. The small town has several bed and breakfast facilities and selfcateringcottages and residents generate much of their revenue from tourists duringDecember. There are a range of tourist activities within the MPA which include recreationalfishing (rock, surf and charters), surfing and water-skiing, boating (non and motorised). TheMPA also attracts hikers, birders and whale watchers.Pg 85