Transcript Aliwal Shoal Forum

2016 MPA Forum Feedback Session
Location
Aliwal Shoal
5 kilometres off- shore from the Umkomaas River Mouth, on the inner
edge of the Agulhas Current. The Shoal is 1.5 km wide & 5 km in length,
running in a North/South direction and ranges in depth from 9 – 27
meters.
Trafalgar
Trafalgar MPA stretches from Mpenjati Nature Reserve for 4.5 km to
San La Meer. Situated 20km South of Margate
Management Functions
Through a contractual agreement between Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife & Department
Environmental Affairs (Ocean & Coast) the following functions are undertaken on a
annual basis :
Marine Compliance.
Marine Awareness.
Marine Liaison.
Administration.
Monitoring.
Highlights
Operation Phakisa & The Aliwal Shoal Expansion and Rezonation
Proposal Gazetted for comment
Proposal developed from 2012 as part of
KZN MPA expansion
Formed part of Operation Phakisa 2014
Gazetted for comment in Feb 2016
Comments currently assessed and responded to
Network to be declared in early 2017
Deep Reef, 70 m,
Illovo Banks, ACEP
Highlights
Formalisation Of Recreational Shore Anglers
(Aliwal Shoal Forum)
Previously unorganised and unrepresented on Aliwal Shoal forum
Operation Phakisa & proposed restricted shoreline zone resulted in
formation of recognised user group
Formalised in 2016
Now represented on Aliwal Shoal forum
Major Challenge For Aliwal Shoal
Agency Roles & Responsibilities
Cross cutting mandates – DEA /DAFF
Confusion over roles and responsibilities
User group confusion over agency roles and responsibilities
Support Needed
Clarify defined roles and responsibilities required
Public statement required to clarifying Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Mandate
(Required from DEA)
Challenge
Shark Baiting/ Chumming
Detrimental to the overall shark behaviour and the cascading effects in the immediate
ecosystems as a result of the activity.
Alteration of behaviour which can alter the interactions with other species
particularly as it is a top predator. (J. Olbers – EKZNW Marine Ecologist)
Lack of communication between DEA Permit Office & Ezemvelo Marine Manager on
number of permits issued within the MPA ( includes research )
Solution
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Timeous communication
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Delegation of permitting to local agencies
Takes place southern end of the
shoal in the crown sanctuary area
MPA Forum Secretariat Assistance
Dissemination of relevant DEA information to all MPA’s
Follow up on actions and timelines assigned by the forum
Co-ordinate and update members on issues of common interest resulting
from these actions
Aliwal Shoal / Trafalgar MPA Success
Storage & handling of seized evidence
Secure storage facilities for seized fishing equipment
Freezer rooms for storage of perishable exhibits
Controlled access
Record keeping / Development of registers & receipts
• Transgression register
• Marine compliance receipt book
• Evidence storage registers
Honorary Officers
(Volunteers)
“Our Honorary officers supplement and support KZN Wildlife staff in carrying out their
management goals & objectives.”
Aliwal Shoal has a dedicated & trained group of 11 honorary officers
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Monthly meetings
Chairman / Vice Chairman
6 month probationary period for new officers
Raise own funds for projects
Annual KZN Wildlife Honorary Officer AGM
Annual reports
Major Priorities
Aliwal Shoal Forum
• Revitalise Aliwal Shoal Stakeholder Forum
Management Plan
• Revise & update management plan for Aliwal Shoal
Training
• VHS radio training as part of boat compliance for skippers