Uilkraals Situation Assessment - Anchor Environmental

4.8 Genetic resourcesGenetic resources are valuable in many systems, but probably least valuable in freshwater andestuarine systems, where most species are extremely widespread. There are also few speciesthat have widespread commercial potential (e.g. for agriculture or horticulture). Nevertheless,there are endemic species, and there is a possibility that these may become useful. TheUilkraals, because of its high macrophyte abundance, is one of the more interesting systemswithin the area in terms of diversity. However, it is not possible to determine this value.4.9 Tourism and recreational valueThe Overstrand coastline, between Rooiels and Pearly Beach which includes the Uilkraalscatchment has become an increasingly popular tourist destination for South Africans andoverseas tourists. Much of the appeal lies in the natural features of the area, particularly thecoastline which provides opportunities for peaceful getaways or adventure holidays involving avariety of aquatic and non‐aquatic outdoor activities. The area is surrounded by hills in theform of the western Franskraalberge, the central Koudeberge and range of limestone hillswhich merge into the coastal plains. In the scale of the Western Cape mountain ranges theseare a minor attraction (van der Merwe 2008), but do contribute positively to the aestheticattraction of the region. In addition the shifting sand dunes and limestone hills have highspecies endemism. There are a number of protected areas in the vicinity of the Uilkraalscatchment including the Uilkraalsmond Nature Reserve, Pearly Beach, Groot Hagelkraal NatureReserve and Quoin Point Nature Reserve.Tourism is a major economic driver in the Overstrand and its popularity as a holiday andrecreational destination is on the increase. During the peak holiday seasons, the populationcan increase four fold. As with many estuaries in South Africa, there is an urban settlementaround the mouth of the Uilkraals Estuary. The Uilenkraalsmond Holiday Resort is locateddirectly at the mouth of the estuary and is a very popular holiday resort, generally being fullduring all major holiday periods (Figure 14). The holiday resort covers a large area having bothcottages and a caravan park with camping facilities. At R550 per night in self cateringaccommodation during the peak season and R400 a night out of season, it is expected that theresort generates a relatively substantial amount, which can be ultimately attributed to theestuary. There are a couple of upmarket bed and breakfast facilities located in the Franskraalvillage. The main attractions of the estuary are for fishing, birdwatching, and relaxation. TheUilkraalsmond area is considered to be under increasing development pressure, with theproposed rural development in the area (van de Merwe 2008). Tourism is also an importantindustry in the areas in the vicinity of the Uilkraals Estuary, with a range of adventure, ecotourismand consumptive (fishing) activities available to visitors.The Uilkraals River is considered an asset amongst the five rivers listed within the Strandveldarea, with the coastal features at the mouth of the Uilkraals Estuary listed as importantbecause of the tourism value that they hold. T he area adjacent to the mouth is varied with thewestern section forming the rocky outstretches linking to Gansbaai and the eastern sectioncomprised of smooth fine grained sandy beaches which continue on to Pearly Beach. TheUilkraals catchment is also important as a Fynbos biodiversity hotspot, containing importantUilkraals Estuary Situation Assessment38Anchor Environmental