Robben Island MPA

The Robben Island Marine Protected Area (MPA) is one of three new MPAs within South African National Parks (SANParks) which were gazetted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) on 23 May 2019. This declaration was the culmination of many years of work by South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), SANParks, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the DFFE. These MPAs came into effect on 1 August 2019.

The Robben Island MPA is managed by Table Mountain National Park.

Photos by Peter Chadwick

Purpose of the Robben Island MPA

1. To contribute to a national, regional and global representative system of marine protected areas by conserving and protecting coastal, island and offshore benthic and pelagic ecosystems in this region, including threatened ecosystem types.
2. To conserve and protect the biodiversity and the ecological processes associated with these ecosystems.
3. To contribute to the conservation and protection of threatened seabird and shorebird species including African penguin, Bank and Cape cormorants.
4. To facilitate species management by supporting fisheries recovery and enhanced species abundance in adjacent areas for west coast rock lobster, abalone and other over-exploited species.
5. To protect an area of significant cultural heritage, contributing to the tourism value of a South African National Heritage Site and World Heritage Site.
6. To protect and provide an appropriate environment for research and monitoring and to promote and contribute to environmental eduction.

Map

View/Download the Map GPS Waypoints

Summary of Regulated Activities

The Robben Island MPA consists of four distinct zones: a Restricted Zone, and three controlled zones: Offshore Controlled Zone, a Middle Controlled Zone and an Inner Controlled Zone (refer to the map above).

1. Robben Island Restricted Zone (RIRZ)
   • No fishing from vessel or shore
   • No diving, snorkelling or prohibited gear
   • All fishing gear stowed
   • Minimum vessel speed 5 knots
   • Events and Filming with a permit (SANParks)
2. Robben Island Offshore Controlled Zone (RIOCZ)
   • Fishing with permit for small pelagic, by line fishing for yellowtail and snoek only (MLRA)
   • All other fishing gear to be stowed
   • Diving with permit (SANParks)
   • Events and Filming with a permit (SANParks)
3. Robben Island Middle Controlled Zone (RIMCZ)
   • Fishing with permit by line fishing for yellowtail and snoek only (MLRA)
   • All other fishing gear to be stowed
   • Diving with permit (SANParks)
   • Events and Filming with a permit (SANParks)
4. Robben Island Inner Controlled Zone (RIICZ)
   • Fishing with permit, between sunrise and sunset for abalone and by line fishing for yellowtail, snoek and hottentot only (MLRA)
   • All other fishing gear to be stowed
   • Diving with permit (SANParks)
   • Events and Filming with a permit (SANParks)

For a full set of the regulations view the Government Gazette 42479 (No. R. 794) 2019.

Additional Information

Please ensure that you are aware of all the regulations pertaining to the Robben Island MPA and that you are in possession of the relevant permits. Permit enquires can be made on +27 (0)21 783 0234 or at our offices in Tokai or Kommetjie.

SANParks does not issue permits under the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA).