Protea Banks on new MPA list
MPAs help manage part of the marine environment to promote fish sustainability, keep marine ecosystems working properly, and protect the range of species living there, helping people to benefit from the ocean.
Some 20 new or extended marine protected areas (MPAs) were declared by law in South Africa in terms of the Protected Areas Act last Thursday, May 23.
These include the Offshore Protea Banks (new), extensions to Aliwal Shoal, iSimangaliso Wetland Park (MPA expanded) and the uThukela (new). The regulations will take effect on August 1 this year.
ALSO READ : Marine documentary shot at Protea Banks
MPAs help manage part of the marine environment to promote fish sustainability, keep marine ecosystems working properly, and protect the range of species living there, helping people to benefit from the ocean.
This announcement is a move that increases the oceans protected around the country’s mainland territory from 0.4 percent to five percent. Environmental awareness efforts are gaining momentum, with 10 more swimmers joining the Wild Friends campaign to promote conservation on the Wild Coast.
They took part in a 22km relay swim from False Bay to Simonstown in Cape Town last Saturday.
Led by world-renowned open water veteran, Andrew Chin, they’re raising funds for the Wild Friends campaign to protect the Pondoland Marine Protected Area and to explore sustainable alternatives to dune mining.
“I have always loved the Transkei and its people. They have a love and respect for their land. This needs to be acknowledged for sustainability and not shorter term exploitation,” said Andrew.
Last year, to raise awareness of the poor state of the country’s rivers and to highlight the urgent need to restore them, the intrepid Cape Town open water swimmer tackled the Mtamvuna River near Kokstad.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
