African Wildlife & Environment Issue 74

CONSERVATION

What happens now? If you would like to know the exact details of each MPA, consult the South African Government Gazette No. 42478 and 424479. https://www.saambr.org.za/marine-protected-areas- mpas/ What does this mean for oil and gas extraction and mining? Mining is not permitted in any of the protected areas, neither is the exploration or exploitation of oil and gas. This is a massive achievement, as companies have been allocated prospecting rights to over 90% of South Africa’s seabed. These new MPAs will help to protect vulnerable and unique ecosystems from incompatible activities.

What does this mean for fishing? Different zonation has been applied to different MPAs. While some areas are zoned for no-take, where no fishing is allowed, other areas are open to selected fishing methods. Fish lists determine what species may be caught in some zones. These details are contained in the regulations. Take a virtual tour of both the new and existing MPAs on the beautiful website www.marineprotectedareas. org.za Celebrate this incredible achievement by sharing the short film https://youtu.be/LI7Xx21ESoY

Dr Judy Mann Dr Judy Mann jmann@saambr.org.za This article is based on two blogs written by Judy for th SAAMBR website.

12 | A stand of Populus canescens , an alien invasive tree, next to the Caledon River, South Africa