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

STATE OF MANAGEMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MARINE PROTECTED AREASPLAN CONTEXT (83%)Both social and biophysical information was consulted in the planning process. Managementadvised that the available information on resource use, social conditions and biophysicalconditions was adequate for planning purposes; however, a full inventory of resources in theMPA has not yet been completed. Threats were identified in the planning process andactions were provided to address most of these threats, however this was not a formal threatanalysis.6.4.5 Management systemInputSTAFF NUMBER (61%)The current number of staff members was below the optimal number for critical managementactivities. There was one Nature Conservator and two field rangers who also worked in theterrestrial reserves in the area. It was indicated that an additional three field rangers wererequired. Despite the low number of staff, there were personnel conducting monitoring,planning, maintenance, education and law enforcement roles in the MPA.STAFF SKILLS (75%)The Nature Conservator and one of the field rangers had been working in the area forseveral years and were qualified skippers, divers, peace officers and radio operators. Theyhad a sufficient understanding of the role and function of the MPA, the applicable legislationand the resources in the MPA. The Conservator had completed the MPA ManagementCourse and the field ranger was in the process of completing it. The other field ranger hadbeen recently appointed and required training in MPA theory and as a skipper, diver, FCO,Peace Officer and radio operator. A local SCUBA diving group and the MCM FCOs offeredadditional skills and assistance to management.EQUIPMENT (98%)It was indicated that the equipment was sufficient for management purposes and that themaintenance of the equipment was of a high standard. There was sufficient equipment foroffshore compliance and monitoring, onshore compliance, diving, administrative duties andcommunication. Additional equipment that may be considered includes night sights and aspot light for night compliance operations and pepper spray apparatus for enforcementoperations.INFRASTRUCTURE (56%)The infrastructure for MPA management included an office and store room based at theStilbaai municipality building. It was indicated that this was not adequate for managementPg 88