MANAGEMENT OF NON-CONSUMPTIVE USE OF MARINE SPECIES & MARINE PROTECTED AREAS Oceans and Coasts

BACKGROUND Non-consumptive use of marine resources is a responsible use of natural resources for recreation; This includes activities such as boat-based whale and dolphin watching, white shark cage diving/viewing, SCUBA Diving and (filming for commercial purposes); These activities not only provide an adventurous experience for the but also an educational experience to encourage conservation of species. These activities also contribute to wildlife (eco) tourism, local economic development & job creation; Thus, existence of MPAs create an enabling environment to advance these activities.

PURPOSE OF NON-CONSUMPTIVE USE OF MARINE SPECIES To encourage sustainable utilization of natural resources that contributes to socio and economic aspects in specific areas; Promotes the biodiversity of South African marine resources for education and possibly tourism purposes To minimize biodiversity degradation to maintain the protection of species/ecosystems; To encourage expedition/ operations to be done according to the relevant best practices, legislation and policies.

Marine Protected Area Management Strategic Focus: “ To protect marine coastal and system, habitat and species.” )

LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT TO NON-CONSUMPTIVE USE OF MARINE SPECIES Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No 18 of 1998): Regulations on White Shark Cage Diving (GN R724 OF 4 July 2008). Regulations on Boat-Based Whale and Dolphin Watching and the Protection of Turtles (GN R725 in GG 31212 of 4 July 2008). Seabirds and Seal Protection Act, 1973 (Act No. 46 of 1973) National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (2004): TOPS Regulations 2007; National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (2003) applicable to specific Marine Protected Areas.

SCUBA Diving SCUBA diving has become a very popular form of marine tourism in many areas of South Africa. The geography of SCUBA diving extends further than the coastal margins to underwater canyons and cold water reefs far offshore. Recognized as a multimillion dollar sector, this is an activity that may offer an economic value to the South African local communities, as dive tourists are known for high spending. Potential to be maximized while encouraging job creation and scares skills transfer. Popular diving MPAs: Sodwana Bay, Aliwal Shoal, Pondoland, Table Mountain National Park; Hluleka, De Hoop MPAs

Boat-based whale watching

BOAT BASED WHALE WATCHING Benefits from the high diversity and accessibility of cetaceans (i.e. Southern Right, Humpback and Bryde’s whales and dolphins) and other marine attractions. Popular BBWW: Sodwana Bay, Table Mountain National Park, Walkerbay Whale Sanctuary, Tsitsikamma & De Hoop MPAs; Also occurs outside Marine Protected Areas; Managed by limiting number of boats approaching a cetacean or pod of cetaceans, limiting the duration and number of encounters per group of cetaceans per day, approach distances & speeds.

WHITE SHARK CAGE DIVING occurs in areas where the species naturally aggregates focused around seal colonies.

FILMING FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSE Provides an opportunity to showcase the successful implementation of the diverse models and legislation of environmental conservation; Contributes to the effective communication of the value and importance of our ecosystem, the threats to their sustainability, and the actions needed to protect them; Contributes to data collection for decision makings as well as for raising awareness; Mainly by international companies collaborating with local productions; Videos:

FILMING FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSE

WAY FORWARD Need to educate the public about permitted uses as MPAs are a common mechanism to accomplish conservation objectives while still allowing economic benefits; Continue to prioritize natural resource protection & support Government priority initiatives; Encourage sustainable use in areas previously identified by scientific methods; Promote inclusive participation in the activities involving non-consumptive use of marine resources to advance the B-BBEE Act.

MAIN DIVE SPECIES Tiger Shark Ragged Tooth Shark Great White Shark Reefs

MAIN VIEWING SPECIES Dolphins Whales Seals Penguins

VESSELS BASED ACTIVITIES