Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s)
of South Africa
What is an MPA?
A Marine Protected Area is an estuary, section of coastline or ocean that has special conservation efforts in place, in order to protect various marine ecosystems.
More than 600 million people live in coastal areas around the world, making marine resources very valuable for those living in coastal communities. The ocean provides people with a source of food and income, therefor making it vital to conserve fish stocks and marine resources (TheOceanConference, 2017). But as much as us humans rely on healthy and abundant ecosystems, so do a variety of marine life… Human activities have disrupted and have negatively impacted delicate marine ecosystems all around the world. From plastic pollution, species extinction to habitat loss, there are a multitude of reasons why MPA’s are put in place…
TO PROTECT, TO CONSERVE AND TO SUSTAIN
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Classifications of MPA’s
The Atlas of Marine Conservation’s website states them as follows:
‘No-Take’ zone where the extraction/ harvesting of marine plant and animal life is prohibited (De Hoop and Tsitsikama).
Harvesting of marine life is allowed as long as you carry a valid permit and adhere to limitations. Other recreational activities such as spear fishing, angling, scuba diving, boating, commercial diving or filming require you have a valid permit too.
Allows management to control the restriction of marine extraction from the ‘restricted areas’ and the extraction of marine resources under a permit from the ‘controlled areas’ (Table Mountain National Park)
Purpose of Marine Protected Areas:
MPA’s of South Africa:
There is a total of 45 Marine Protected Areas in South Africa, protecting just 5% of our oceans…
A few protected areas of the Western Cape
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West Coast National Park
MPA established – 1985
Length of coastline – approximately 65 km
Area of ocean – approximately 280 km²
“Recreational fishing and power boating are only allowed in the Controlled Zone marked as Zone A. Non-power driven vessels such as sailing and canoeing is allowed in the restricted Zone B but no fishing is allowed. No activities at all are allowed in the Sanctuary Zone C as this is a particularly protected section of the lagoon.” – South African National Park
Robben Island
MPA established – 2019
Size of MPA – 580 km²
“The Robben Island Marine Protected Area (MPA) is one of three new MPAs within South African National Parks (SANParks) which were gazetted by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) on 23 May 2019. The Robben Island MPA consists of four distinct zones – a Restricted Zone and three controlled zones. Restricted Zone – no fishing, no diving, minimum vessel speed of 5 knots. Offshore Controlled Zone – diving and line fishing for small pelagic species (yellowtail and snoek) is allowed if you have a permit. Middle Controlled Zone – diving and line fishing (yellowtail and sneak) is allowed with a permit. Inner Controlled Zone – with a permit, line fishing between sunrise and sunset is allowed for yellowtail, snoek and hottentot.” – South African National Park
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Table Mountain National Park MPA
MPA established – 2004
Size of MPA – 953,2 km²
“The MPA includes 1000km2 of the sea and coastline around the Cape Peninsula from Moullie Point in the North to Muizenberg in the south. While fishing is allowed in the majority of the MPA – subject to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ (DAFF) permits, regulations and seasons, it also includes six restricted areas, or “no take” zones, within the MPA where no fishing or extractive activities are allowed. In the sixth restricted area around the Karbonkelberg in Hout Bay, only snoek are allowed to be caught deeper than the 35m contour.” – Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain National Park has a number of restricted and protected marine areas, namely:
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Castle Rock Restricted Zone
A magnificent dive site, boasting an abundance of marine life and thriving kelp forest ecosystems.
“Catle Rock is 1 of 6 ‘no take’ zones in the Table Mountain National Park. The Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area (MPA) is possibly the most dramatic seascape in the country. The marine park curves around the long, thin Cape Peninsula. The two great oceans – Indian and Atlantic – mingle their waters all along this coast, adding to the spectacular diversity of this region. This MPA stretches all around the Cape Peninsula, from Mouille Point near Cape Town’s centre all the way around to Muizenberg in False Bay. It includes rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, a lobster sanctuary, and a number of ‘no-take’ zones that act as nurseries for over-exploited fish species.” – Atlas of Marine Protection
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Boulders Restricted Zone
Home to a colony of endangered African penguin, this area is an important nesting and breeding ground for a variety of marine animals.
The Boulders section of Table Mountain National Parks consists of 3 pristine beaches, 1 penguin viewing area and 3 boardwalks. The boardwalks were built as a measure to allow for viewing of these wonderful birds, whilst keeping them safe from poking fingers, so please be sure to stay on the boardwalks at all times within the viewing area. “ – Table Mountain National Park
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Helderberg Marine Protected Area
MPA established – 2000
Length of coastline – 1 4 km
Area of ocean – 24,60 km²
“The Helderberg MPA is situated on the north eastern side of False Bay in the Western Cape and falls within the jurisdiction of the City of Cape Town. It falls within the warm temperate Agulhas bio region and is a productive biologically-diverse area. Sandy beaches with mobile dune systems dominate the coastline in the area, while offshore habitats comprise rocky reefs, kelp beds, sandy soft sediments and pelagic environments. The health of the ecosystems in the Helderberg MPA varies greatly, with those in the poorest state being associated with estuaries where water extraction, pollution and encroachment by development are extensive.” – MPA Forum, 2020
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Betty’s Bay
MPA established – 1981
Size of MPA – 21 km²
“This 21 km2 MPA is a penguin paradise, with incredible kelp forests. Situated on the Cape South Coast between Stony Point and Jocks Bay and extending 3.6km out to sea, the 3km long Betty’s Bay MPA was first proclaimed in 1990, then re-proclaimed and renamed in 1998. The MPA forms part of the core zone of the United Nations Educational and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) designated Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Established to protect declining linefish stocks and counter the over-exploitation of South Africa’s abalone, the area is productive and biologically diverse, supporting substantial fish, invertebrate and algal species.” – Marine Protected Areas, South Africa
Walker Bay
MPA established – 2001 Size of MPA – 108 km²
“This 108 km2 MPA was proclaimed in 2001 and provides an important refuge for southern right whales and their calves to rest from July to November. The MPA protects rocky and sandy shore habitats and kelp forests immediately offshore that provide refuge for overexploited abalone and west coast rock lobster.” – Marine Protected Areas, South Africa
De Hoop Protected Area
(Entirely a ‘no take’ zone)
MPA established – 1985
Length of coastline – 51 km
Area of ocean – 288,9 km²
“This MPA provides protected habitats for close inshore fish species like galjoen, dassie (black tail), black mussel cracker (poenskop), white mussel cracker and wildeperd. It plays a vital role in ensuring marine biomass in this coastal area that would otherwise be fished to the same levels as the rest of the adjacent coastal areas. The MPA is connected to the CapeNature managed De Hoop Nature Reserve. The limestone coastline is rich in history with archaeological sites and middens that date back centuries. The large rock pools in the MPA are accessible to the public for snorkelling, where they will be able to observe many fish species, marine habitats, organisms and plant life.” – MPA Forum