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

STATE OF MANAGEMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MARINE PROTECTED AREASIt was advised that the MPA management plan will be included as a section in the TMNPManagement Plan when it is reviewed. This review process as indicated in WCNP MPAsincorporates a substantial amount of stakeholder and community involvement.5.3.5 Management systemInputSTAFF NUMBER (79%)A team of 23 SANParks staff had been dedicated to the management of the MPA. Therewere personnel from the People and Parks division that were involved in educationalprogrammes and community outreach and engagement. There was a lack of staff membersinvolved in monitoring and planning duties. Management indicated that there were staffshortages during crayfish season and that an additional five rangers were needed for thisseason. The major deficiencies were occurring over weekends when MCM staff were offduty.STAFF SKILLS (98%)The staff members were all well trained and aware of the roles and functions of MPAs, theresources in the MPAs and the relevant legislation. There were experienced skippers andcommercial divers on the team, and all team members were FCOs and could swim. Themajority of the team could carry out administrative duties. Furthermore it was conveyed thatthe MPA management course needed to be repeated. Four of the staff members thatattended the first course in 2006 had since left and four remained. It was felt that a repeatand refresher of the course would be beneficial for management. If permission is granted touse weapons in enforcement operations staff members would require weapons training.EQUIPMENT (89%)There was sufficient equipment for offshore, onshore and night enforcement; diving;administrative duties; and communication. Maintenance of equipment was taking place to asatisfactory standard however it was indicated that there was a need for improvement insome areas. If permission is granted to use weapons in enforcement operations a safe willbe needed to store the weapons.INFRASTRUCTURE (78%)Facilities did not constrain the achievement of major management objectives, however it wasindicated that an additional office and boat house in the northern section of the park wouldfacilitate better management practices. There are many public access points to the MPA dueto the adjacent city of Cape Town, therefore controlling access is not a feasible managementstrategy for this MPA. There are six public launch sites in the MPA. The City of Cape TownMetropolitan Municipality is responsible for maintaining these, charging fees and keepingPg 56