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

STATE OF MANAGEMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MARINE PROTECTED AREAS7.3.3 MPA designMPA DESIGN (58%)The MPA did incorporate representative habitats in the area but it was felt that it was toosmall to sustain ecological processes and buffer the interior from edge effects. The entireMPA was a no-take area and there was some resistance to this designation by localcommunities, however given the size of the MPA, this zoning was viewed as adequate.7.3.4 MPA Management PlanEXISTENCE OF PLAN, OBJECTIVES AND REGULATIONS (42%)There was no MPA management plan being implemented at Hluleka. Broad MPA objectivesand restricted and allowable activities were provided in the MPA proclamation andlegislation. No specific regulations have been provided for the MPA.7.3.5 Management systemInputSTAFF NUMBER (39%)The current number of staff members was below the optimal number for critical managementactivities. There was a total of 15 ECPB staff members dedicated to the management of theNature Reserve. The team consisted of: 5 field rangers; 1 senior supervisor; 1 administration clerk, and 9 maintenance staff.There was no permanent manager appointed at the time of the assessment.STAFF SKILLS (29%)One of the field rangers was busy completing the MPA management training course at thetime of the assessment. Many of the staff members were locals and did have sometraditional knowledge of the resources in the MPA and the value of protecting these.Legislation had been read to the staff during meetings, which increased the staff members’knowledge of legislation and the role of MPAs. Other than this there were no staff memberstrained or skilled in areas required for MPA management. Furthermore there were nodedicated FCOs, therefore limiting enforcement capacity. Critical skills development areasincluded: Compliance and enforcement; MPA theory; Swimming;Pg 109