About Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area
Africa's oldest Marine Protected Area, Tsitsikamma, became the site of contested rezoning when, in November 2015, the protected status of the reserve changed as the Minister of Environmental Affairs announced that the government would allow recreational fishing.
Did you know? Environmentalists are deeply disturbed that up to 1 000 registered fishermen can now fish 20 percent of the Marine Protected Area's shoreline.
This beautiful stretch of coast is one of the major tourism areas of the country. Up until the announcement there was a complete ban of fishing of the 200 species of fish, sharks and rays from 84 families, many of them endemic to South Africa, that the reserve protects.
Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area is considered one of the most important conservation areas in the country. Not only does it conserve 11 percent of the country's Temperate South Coast shoreline, but it also protects 11 of the 17 threatened fish species in South Africa. Some of these fish are considered more critically endangered than the rhino.
The Marine Protected Area, a neighbour to Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route, is a breeding ground for linefish and squid. Research shows that fish living in the Tsitsikamma survive up to thirty to forty years when they are not threatened by fishing. During this lifetime they produce millions of fish.
Fish that, apparently, spend their whole lives in one area, contrary to the commonly held belief that fish move around. The argument, before research proved otherwise, was that the prevention of fishing in one area would not necessarily help stabilise fish populations.
Instead research within local Marine Protected Areas has shown just how effective fish conservation can be. Not only are there more of them, but the average fish size is bigger, and the abundance of fish can be up to six times that of the area outside the Marine Protected Area.
In 2000 the government declared that the country's fish stocks were in a state of emergency. Today, just 15 years later, over 90 percent of fish have been removed from our coastline.
Studies sited by the Orca Foundation (who have mounted a petition to protect the Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area) show how catch rates affect the productivity of fish. Those fish over 30 years of age, once caught, cannot be replaced.
What most of us do not understand about the sea is that despite the fact that it covers 70 percent of the earth's surface, the richest concentration of marine life is found on the shallow margins of countries and islands where they are easily exploited.
The role of marine protected areas, such as Tsitsikamma, is thus of vital importance.
The aim of a marine protected area is to conserve marine life. They take the form of a collaboration between civil society, communities and government that promote conservation and safeguard threatened marine species and important habitats.
Need to Know
WhereTsitsikamma Marine Protected Area, Tsitsikamma, Eastern Cape / Garden Route, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Tsitsikamma Accommodation, Eastern Cape
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Hotels & other accommodation options in Tsitsikamma
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The Mountain View Cottage
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The Hive Cloud
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At The Woods Guest House
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Vista Suites @ Tsitsikamma Cottages
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Chokka at Oyster Kaya
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Storms River Guest Lodge
Storms River Guest Lodge is located in the peaceful village of Storms River, in the heart of the Tsitsikamma. The Lodge is a Bed and Breakfast, c...
Grootnek Guest Farm
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The Hive Storm
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Guest Lodge on the Edge
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Tsitsikamma Village Inn
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Albatross at Fynbos Ridge
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Assegaaibosch Country Lodge
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Fynbos Ridge
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The Village Lodge
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Arch Cabins
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Jolly Roger Self Catering
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Scalarhoney Lodge
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Oysterbay Beach Lodge
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Tsitsikamma Lodge & Spa
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Morning Dew Cottage
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Forests Nest
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Tsitsikamma Wolf Sanctuary
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Natures Valley Rest Camp
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Panorama Suite @ Tsitsikamma Cottages
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Oyster Kaya
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Swallows Nest Country Cottages
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On the Rocks @ Eersterivier
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Witels Two @ Tsitsikamma Cottages
Witels Two offers affordable, quality accommodation near Storms River on a peaceful resort. Wake up to the sound of bird song, walk in the forest...
Dolly @ Skuitbaai
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Mountain Breeze Log Cabins
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Lemontenara
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Rainforest Ridge Eco-Lodge
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Cornelia's Field
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The Pyramid
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The Fernery Lodge & Chalets
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Witels One @ Tsitsikamma Cottages
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Tsitsikhaya Lodge
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The Stargazing Cube
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Storms River Mouth Rest Camp
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Tube n Axe Backpackers Lodge
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Forest Dome
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Boomskraap
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Lily Pond Country Lodge
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Treehouse Cottage
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Baviaans Lodge
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The Hive Jungle
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Tranquility B&B
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Things to do in the area
Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours
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Bloukrans Bridge Bungee Jump
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Hike the Dolphin Trail
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Hike the Otter Trail
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Woodcutters Journey
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Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure
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Blackwater Tubing
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Dine at Tsitsikhaya Restaurant
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Marilyn's 60's Diner
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Accommodation convenient to Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area
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