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

STATE OF MANAGEMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MARINE PROTECTED AREASMajor threats to the MPA include the overexploitation of marine fish and invertebrates andpollution from the harbours and from land based sources. Abalone poaching and crayfishpoaching are the main enforcement challenges for management.5.3.2 Legal frameworkThe MPA was declared under the MLRA in 2004 (GN 26431). Much of the adjacent land wasdeclared as a National Park under NEM:PAA, but the MPA does not have a dual designation.The schedule provided with the MPA proclamation lists objectives for the MPA and providesspecific regulations.Management indicated that there had been difficulties in interpreting the legislation andassisting the public in understanding the legislation. It was indicated that dual designationunder the NEM:PAA would be beneficial for management, most particularly where it comesto zoning non-consumptive activities and controlling access.5.3.3 MPA designMPA DESIGN (67%)TMNP MPA is 956km 2 and contains six restricted areas which collectively make up 5.9% ofthe total area of the MPA. It was indicated that some critical areas were not afforded specialprotection within these restricted areas due to conflicts over traditional fishing grounds. Thesize and shape of the MPA was viewed as suitable, however, it was suggested that therestricted areas be expanded. The zoning of activities had been managed through the zoningof terrestrial areas for specific purposes and slipways. This activity zonation is not legallyenforceable except where bans have been included in the regulations, such as those fordiving and personal watercraft. Managers indicated that there needs to be a legal tool toallow for zonation and that scientific data is needed to advise and support zonation.5.3.4 MPA Management PlanManagement indicated that there was currently no MPA management plan beingimplemented at TMNP MPA. The allowable and restricted activities, zonation and the MPAobjectives are provided in the GN 26431. The objectives of the MPA are: to protect and conserve marine ecosystems and populations of marine species;Existence of plan, objectives and regulations (58%)to protect the reproductive capacity of commercially important species of fish,including abalone, rock lobster and traditional linefish and to allow their populations torecover;to promote eco-tourism within the MPAPg 55