2016 MPA Forum Feedback Session

Location Aliwal Shoal Trafalgar 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 Marine Compliance. 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 Deep Reef, 70 m, Illovo Banks, ACEP 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

Formalisation Of Recreational Shore Anglers 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 Timeous communication 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

Aliwal Shoal has a dedicated & trained group of 11 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 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