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The marine and coastal environment is a
valuable asset. The offshore environment includes reefs and deep
waters which are home to a wide variety of marine species that are
exploited by commercial fishers and the ski boat sector. The
terrestrial component of the coast extends 2.5km from the high water
mark and includes sand dunes and coastal forests. This area is
highly appealing for its beauty and scenery. Between the land and
sea, the inshore environment falls below the high water mark and
includes sandy beaches, rocky shores and estuaries. These
environments are scenic, easily accessed and therefore prone to
being exploited. Poaching of high value resources is commonplace.
Estuaries are popular recreational areas, but also act as nursery
areas for marine species. Pollution, ribbon development and
inappropriate management are threats to these resources.
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| Resource use and
exploitation |
Our coast is used in a number of ways, of
which extractive or consumptive use is currently causing most
concern. The marine resources within the Eastern Cape Province are
heavily exploited through subsistence, commercial and recreational
activities. Monitoring of fisheries catches and the distribution of
species can show where certain resources are being overexploited and
where opportunities for increased harvesting exists. The following
indicators reflect resource
use and exploitation:
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| Development pressure |
Development pressure is one of the greates
threats facing the marine and coastal environment. It is apparent in
changes in land use in the terrestrial environment, lack of
planning, the proliferation of ribbon development along the coast
and pollution from land-based sources. The coast is desirable for
its aesthetic attributes and access to resources, so strategic
planning is needed to balance conflicting needs and priorities.
Selected indicators include:
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| Management of coastal
resources |
New policies advocate a change towards
co-operative and co-management agreements that encourage local
stakeholders to participate in managing coastal resources. Coastal
stakeholders should participate in management decisions to ensure
that utilisation and development of the coastline is controlled and
sustainable. An integrated and coordinated approach to coastal
management is needed to ensure holistic management.
The indicator is:
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