News

The project commenced on the 15th of December 2015. The agreement was reached pursuant to an application launched by the Friends of the Tsitsikamma Association which sought to interdict the operation of the pilot project as well as to review and set aside the decision to implement the pilot project. The settlement agreement was made an order of court in the High Court of South Africa Gauteng Provincial Division, Pretoria yesterday, the 08th of January 2016.

SANParks and the Tsitsikamma Anglers Forum undertake to commence the process of informing the registered fishermen of the settlement.

The settlement does not affect the published draft regulations for the re-zonation of the Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area, for public comments.

The Department of Environmental Affairs, SANParks, the Koukamma Municipality & other stakeholders have held various meetings with the Tsitsikamma angling forum to discuss the zonation of possible controlled areas within the MPA. This engagement is to reassess the basis of marine resource use in the Tsitsikamma MPA.

This is done in order to provide benefits for society and the communities that are currently denied the minimal use of natural resources while ensuring that such benefits are protected for future generations. The trade-offs between the flow of benefits and the protection of the resources that provide benefits are complex and subject to continuous change as human needs evolve and as new knowledge accumulates. Government therefore has to be prepared to continuously reassess these trade-offs in consultation with its various partners.

For further information on the draft regulations for re-zonation click on the link below:
Minister Edna Molewa publishes regulations on the rezoning of Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area

To access the settlement click on the link below:
Settlement agreement

Media queries:

Roopa Singh
Cell: 082 225 3076