MPAs are a key part of our strategy to manage vulnerable eco-systems in a sustainable way. They are the life-support system critically needed to resuscitate ailing oceans and collapsing fish stocks. They provide a refuge for fish and indeed all marine species to increase in quantity size and reproductive output. MPAs also increase catches outside reserves as juveniles migrate. Because of our determined and forward-looking approach. South Africa today counts amongst the world leaders in implementing the goals set at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development - 18% of South Africa's coastline falls within formal protected areas.
It is inter alia against this background that I duly considered recent proposals for the opening of parts of the Tsitsikamma MPA for recreational fishing. In considering the issues at stake. I met with local leaders and personally visited the area in October. I also requested Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) to advise me on the matter. DEAT recommended that limited fishing in the MPA be allowed albeit on an experimental basis (for a period of 12 months) and exclusively to local fishers who are members of the local angling forum.
After careful consideration of this proposal. I have decided to uphold the status quo by not allowing any fishing in the MPA. The reasons for originally closing the MPA in 2000 and the prevailing underlying circumstances have not changed. It is important to note that this decision will not have an impact on food security in the area as the issue dealt with is a matter of recreational fishing.
At a fundamental level the establishment of 'no-take' MPAs are in line with our well-considered and justified World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) commitments as well as our general fisheries management approach. We have a core responsibility to manage our fish stock sustainable for the benefit of future generations. In doing that we must balance the need for equitable development today with the right of future generations to be able to do the same.
Opening this MPA to recreational fishing will set a dangerous precedent in a conservation area that is closed to all for the benefit of all. Allowing a few people access for recreational purposes would negate the benefits that accrue to all South Africans. A decision to open this MPA would effectively have signalled a broader shift in policy on the part of government and the beginning of a new approach that is neither sustainable nor in line with our stated objectives.
In addition opening the MPA would undermine its biological sustainability. Certain line fish species are already managed as an 'emergency.' The impact of catches in the MPA will lead to a decline in abundance because many of the resident fish species are slow growing. This in turn will reduce the effectiveness of the reproduction potential and distribution of eggs and larvae therefore diluting the pool of reproductive fish as well as the availability of fish outside of the MPA. Line fish catches in particular have collapsed almost everywhere along our coastline. Simply put - there is insufficient breeding fish to replenish line fish stocks. Only MPAs hold these breeding fish in sufficient quantities to provide for new fish recruitment. If the MPAs themselves are opened to fishing the entire national fishery will be further jeopardised.
Finally it was also clear to me that because of various practical constraints and peculiarities it will be extremely difficult for effective compliance measures to be put in place to ensure that fishing activities comply with permit conditions. This will further expose the MPA to unnecessary risk.
In conclusion opening the MPA will no doubt make a few people happy in the short-term. In the long-term there will be a greater loss to the eco-system as a whole. That loss will be shared by many more South Africans. MPAs are a short-term sacrifice for a worthwhile long-term gain. Opening the MPA for the exclusive use by a few will bring into question the value of MPAs by the remainder of fisherfolk. I therefore call on local communities to respect this decision. It is in the interest of the whole nation and long term sustainable and equitable growth and development. In this instance I do not want to put at further risk the interests of fisherfolk who rely on line fish for a livelihood by giving access to recreational fishers to an important breeding ground of many of our line-fish species.
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Related article:
http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/2007/07112714151001.htm
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