South Africa

Marine Protected Areas in South Africa

South Africa has over 20 official MPAs, as well as a number of wetlands, nature reserves and other managed areas that incorporate some portion of the marine realm. These areas include no-take areas, multi-use MPAs, Ramsar Sites, World Heritage Sites and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The larges of these regions is the Prince Edward Islands designated in 2009 and spanning over 180,000 sq km to protect a variety of marine species including some of the world’s largest seabird colonies.

South Africa recognizes MPAs as a foundation for marine conservation, and for fisheries management. As a result, they are working towards incorporating 20% of their waters into MPAs. The majority of MPAs in South Africa are no-take reserves or allow only limited recreational fishing in order to meet these fishery management goals. While MPA management and enforcement has been improving in South Africa, they still face challenges with regard to capacity building and adequate resources being received by individual parks.

Sources:

Tunley 2009,

Nel and Omardien 2009