knysna estuary operational plan – second draft: may...

Knysna Estuary Operational Plan – Second Draft: May 2009

CES & CAPE 1 SANParks

This report should be cited as follows: Coastal & Environmental Services, May 2009: Knysna Estuary Operational – Second Draft, CES, Grahamstown. DRAFT DOCUMENT SUBMITTED BY COASTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES THROUGH

THE CAPE ESTUARIES PROGRAMME This document serves the second draft of the required Low Level Operational Plan for the management of the Knysna Estuary. Issue for SANParks to consider: 1. This document covers the water area only. It is assumed that management of the various components of the catchment will be detailed in other Operational Plans. These should take note of the conservation and living resources goals contained in this plan. 2. The Carry Capacities for the various zones have not been altered from the previous (1992) management plan – these would need to be verified by SANParks in a separate study. 3. The tables in the document indicate the authorities responsible for the range of management actions (mandated) – it was suggested by SANParks that many of these actions would be undertaken by SANParks personnel. It is not clear therefore whether additional staff would be required – the number of staff, skill level and total cost have not been included in the tables, and will need to be added. Further, it is assumed that SANParks are best placed to indicate whether these actions are currently being undertaken by the mandated authority. 4. TPCs will need to be defined by Scientific Services (as discussed with Ian Russell), based on SANParks’ adaptive management approach 5. A generic list of long-term monitoring programmes has been provided – these need to be aligned with current and planned future programmes and research projects, such as that of the Estuary Reserve study.



Summary The National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 of 2008 (NEM:IMCA) outlines the National Estuarine Management Protoco (NEMP) and associated Estuary Management Plan (EMP) template, which is to be ultimately applied to all estuaries country wide. The Knysna Estuary, however, is part of the Knysna Protected Environment as per the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003 (NEM:PAA). The Knysna Estuary Management Plan, termed the Knysna (Low Level) Estuary Operational Plan, has been written in the NEM:PAA template in order to align with the Garden Route National Park (GRNP) Management Plan, as the Knysna Estuary may be incorporated into the GRNP at a later stage. The plan therefore fulfils the requirements of both the NEM:ICMA and the NEM:PAA. Management of the water body of the Knysna Estuary is aimed at achieving the Strategic Objective for Conservation and Living Resources. This is achievable through various Management Strategies designed to optimally utilize financial and human resources. These Management Strategies are translated into an Estuary Zonation Plan (EZP) and associated Operational Objectives which set measurable standards for the areas outlined in the EZP. These Operational Objectives are achieved through the Management Action Plans (MAPs) presented in this document. MAPs are detailed for:

• Conservation, aimed at protecting biodiversity within the Knysna Estuary by ensuring that the diversity, distribution and abundance of plant, bird, fish and benthic invertebrate communities is maintained or restored. These objectives are defined in terms of a range of indicators that firstly reflect aspects of biodiversity itself, secondly are aimed at controlling human activities that may impact on habitats and living resources and thirdly deal with enforcement issues.

• Exploitation of Living Resources, targeted at enforcing a sanctuary area which is designed to protect a variety of habitats and species, SANParks enforcement of NEM:PAA regulations to protect habitat or resources within designated conservation zones, existing legislation detailed in the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA), regulating the activities associated with competition angling and strict conditions for the running of the oyster mariculture operation.

• Links with terrestrial issues influencing the Knysna Estuary water area – all activities in the catchment of the Knysna River and Estuary have the potential to negatively affect the Conservation and Living Resources Operational Objectives set for the estuary. It is thus essential that SANParks attend all meetings and be part of the decision making process for all Operational Plans affecting the river and estuary catchment.

Monitoring plans, split into baseline and long-term monitoring, are detailed, as is the evaluation of the results. Research objectives and areas of focus are highlighted.



1. Purpose and Context The urgent need for Estuary Management Plans (EMPs) became apparent during the development of the new National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act No. 24 of 2008 (NEM:ICMA). Estuaries and their management have not been adequately addressed by past marine, freshwater and biodiversity conservation Acts and have been marginalised due to the fact that they do not fit the ambit of any one government department. Estuaries and their management now form an integral part of the new NEM;ICMA, which outlines a National Estuarine Management Protocol (NEMP). The protocol identifies the need for the development of EMPs, as these would help to align and coordinate estuary management at a local level. A requirement of the NEMP is an Estuarine Management Institution comprising an Estuarine Forum representing all government authorities and interested groups within the area, and Technical Working Groups for the sectors of the estuary identified as in need of management. The Knysna Estuary, however, forms part of the Knysna Protected Environment (Figure 1) as per the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act No. 57 of 2003 (as amended) (NEM:PAA). The estuary was originally proclaimed as part of the Knysna National Lake Area under the Lake Areas Development Act on 13 December 1985. The NEM:PAA repealed the Lake Areas Development Act with effect from 1 November 2005, after which date the Knysna National Lake Area was converted into a Protected Environment and classified as such under the NEM:PAA. South African National Parks (SANParks) are the designated management authority of the Knysna Protected Environment, as referred to in Section 57 of the NEMPAA. A set of ‘Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 31775 – Notice 27)’ have been released, outlining SANParks’ authority within the Knysna Protected Environment – these regulations have been incorporated into this document. SANParks will lead a forum which will act in the capacity of the Estuarine Forum in line with the NEMP of the NEM:ICMA. While the Knysna Protected Environment falls within the greater borders of the newly proclaimed Garden Route National Park (GRNP), it will not form part of the GRNP at this stage. The required GRNP Management Plan will therefore refer to (but not include) the Knysna Estuary Operational Plan – the content however will reflect in both Land Consolidation Programme as well as the Estuarine Management Programme of the GRNP. It is intended to incorporate the estuary into the GRNP at a later stage, at which time this document will be integrated into the GRNP Management Plan. The purpose of the Estuary Management Operational Plan is to inform the management actions pertaining to the water area (Figure 1; as defined in Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 31775 – Notice 27) Issued in Terms of Section 86(1) of the NEM:PAA, 2003) of the Knysna Estuary. These management actions are divided into those dealing with:

• Conservation (including biodiversity, human activities and law enforcement) • Exploitation of Living Resources (including fish, bait organisms, fishing competitions and

mariculture) • Links with terrestrial issues influencing the Knysna Estuary water area – all activities in the

catchment of the Knysna River and Estuary have the potential to negatively affect the Conservation and Living Resources Operational Objectives set for the estuary. It is thus essential that SANParks attend all meetings and be part of the decision making process for all Operational Plans affecting the river and estuary catchment.

While the Vision for the Knysna Estuary will eventually be dictated by the Vision of the Garden Route National Park, i.e. “an integrated Conservation Area Network (iCAN), efficiently managed by the partner agencies, that effectively conserves the Garden Route’s biodiversity and cultural heritage, and contributes to human well-being”, in order to achieve this, a “sustainable balance between conservation and the use of living resources, including implementation of effective measures to ensure the protection of habitats and the survival of all species” is required. This defines the Strategic Objective for Conservation and Living Resources for the Knysna Estuary.



2. Conservation Governance Relevant legislation and conventions include:

• Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983 (Sections 6, 8 & 12) • National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (Chapters 1 & 5; EIA Regulations) • National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 (Chapter 4, Part 1 & 2,

Chapter 5, Part 2) • National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 of 2008

(Chapter 2, Sections 23 & 24, Chapter 4, Chapter 7, Section 69) • National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003 (Chapter 3, Section

28, Chapter 4) • National Forests Act 30 of 1998 (Chapter 3, Section 1 & 2) • National Water Act 36 of 1998 (Sections 19, 21 and Chapter 7) • Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998 (Chapter 3, Section 14 & 43, Chapter 6) • Operational Policy for Recreational Water Use (DWAF; August 2004) • Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment

(Gazette No. 31775 – Notice 27) – Issued in Terms of Section 86(1) of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003

• Seashore Act 90 of 1993 (Sections 3 & 10) • Sea Birds and Seals Protection Act 46 of 1973 (Section 3b) • White Paper for Sustainable Coastal Development (1998, Section C, Chapter 10)

Local guidelines:

• Knysna Municipality Spatial Development Framework and Integrated Development Plan • All legislation referred to in any Record of Decision issued by the competent authority – this

will vary according to nature of development or activity

3. Management Strategies, Zonation and Objectives Management actions aimed at achieving the Strategic Objective for Conservation and Living Resources Strategic Objective are achievable through various Management Strategies designed to optimally utilize financial and human resources. These Management Strategies are translated into an Estuary Zonation Plan (EZP) and associated Operational Objectives which set measurable standards for the areas outlined in the EZP (Van Niekerk & Taljaard, 2007). 3.1 Management Strategies The following Management Strategies are available: (specific reference to relevant sections of legislation may be found in Tables 1 and 2): 3.1.1 Living Resources & Conservation

• Sanctuary Area proclaimed in terms of the National Environmental Management (NEM): Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003) that incorporate a variety of habitats (wetland, saltmarsh, sandbanks, mudbanks, open channel) and species and which would be closed to most forms of human disturbance.

• Conservation Areas regulating recreational activities to protect habitats or resources, e.g. rotating bait collection areas to allow for recovery and which also allows for changes in intertidal characteristics due to flooding or low water levels; and restriction of bait collection to daylight hours to avoid trampling of substrate when larval release and postlarval settlement are at a peak, and wake-free zones to reduce erosion and disturbance of bird populations.



• Enforce existing legislation in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act (Act 18 of 1998; MLRA); this includes bag limits, closed seasons, size limits, collection methods for both fish and invertebrate species, licenses and the selling of fish.

• Control the number and format of fishing competitions, e.g. no more than one competition per month; manage all competitions on a measure & release basis - no weighing of fish prior to release; and no dead fish to be considered for prizes or points.

• An Estuarine Zonation Plan (EZP) that denotes certain activities within certain zones, e.g. sanctuary area and fishing & bait collecting zones.

• Promote alternatives to consumptive exploitation, e.g. low-impact, non-consumptive activities such as hiking, bird watching and canoeing.

• Retain the recreational and subsistence fisheries as the only forms of consumptive use; no commercial fishing enterprises, with the exception of the existing mariculture operation should be considered.

• Subsistence fishers may not at present sell bait – this is to e updated in accordance with Marine and Coastal Management’s bait selling policy (still to be finalised).

• Impose and enforce strict environmental standards on the oyster mariculture operation. • Enforce existing legislation that pertains to activities that impact on estuary ecosystems and

their functioning, e.g. National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998; NEMA) and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations; Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 31775 – Notice 27), National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 of 2008; and the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act 43 of 1983; CARA).

Specific SANParks responsibilities related to the management of the use of living resources and conservation of biodiversity are detailed in Tables 1 and 2. 3.1.2 Links to terrestrial sectors of the Knysna National Lake Area Management strategies for the terrestrial sectors of the Knysna National Lake area will be detailed in the various Operational Plans produced as part of the Knysna and Garden Route National Park Management Plan, when the Knysna Protected Environment is incorporated into the Garden Route National Park. Suggested Management Strategies for the sectors listed below can be found in “Planning Guidelines for the Management of the Knysna Estuary: Draft for SANParks Review” (CES, 2008). It is assumed that all stakeholders with a responsibility in the management of activities in the catchment of the Knysna River and Estuary will be represented on the forum lead by SANParks, which will facilitate the links between the goals of the Estuary Operational Plan and the other Operational Plans within the catchment of the estuary and therefore affecting the water area. In order to further facilitate this link:

• SANParks must be involved in all planning meetings and be part of the decision making process for all Operational Plans affecting the Conservation and Living Resources Operational Objectives set for the estuary, including, but not limited to, planning meetings involving:

o Water Quality and Quantity o Land Use and Infrastructure Planning o Institutional and Management Structures o Education and Awareness o Non-consumptive Use and Sustainable Livelihoods

Specific SANParks responsibilities are listed in Section 4.2. Water Quality and Quantity is very closed linked with the estuary, but is affected by greater catchment management. The National Resource Strategy (National Water Act Chapter 2, Part 1) provides a framework for the protection, use, development, conservation, management and control of water resources for the country as a whole and within defined water management areas such as specific catchments. This strategy is given effect by water management institutions such as Catchment Management Agencies (CMA) and Water User Associations (WUA) – the Gouritz



Catchment Management Agency was formed in January 2008, but has yet to develop a Catchment Management Strategy (CMS). Once developed, this will include the classification of the water resource and the resource quality objectives (RQOs; NWA Chapter 3, Parts 1 & 2) aligned with that particular classification. The Knysna Estuary Reserve Determination Study is on-going at present, with a Resource Directed Measures (RDM) Report due shortly. The Knysna Estuary Monitoring Programme will be an outcome of the Reserve Determination Study. In addition the Knysna Estuary Pollution Management Action Plan (KEPMAP) has been developed by the Knysna Municipality – this details management actions outside of the water area of the Knysna Estuary, but will be important if the RQOs are to be met and should be incorporated into the CMS. 3.2 Estuary Zonation Plan The EZP for the Conservation and Living Resources Exploitation of the Development Control Area of the Knysna Estuary is represented visually in Figures 1 to 5 and comprises the following: 3.2.1 Geographical boundary This plan considers the NWA definition of an estuary as the most appropriate. It reads as follows; “a partially or fully enclosed water body that is open to the sea permanently or periodically, and within which the seawater can be diluted, to an extent that is measurable, with freshwater drained from land.” For the purposes of determining the Resource Directed Measures (RDM), DWAF defines the geographical boundaries of an estuary as follows; “the seaward boundary is the estuary mouth and the upper boundary the full extent of tidal influence or saline intrusion, whichever is furthest upstream, with the five meter above mean sea level (MSL) contour defined as the lateral boundaries.” The geographical boundaries of the Knysna Estuary have also been defined within these parameters although the five meter above MSL contour is seen more as a guideline and it is more likely that local topography will determine the lateral extent of the estuarine area; the five meter contour, however, has been included for consideration. The Knysna Estuary can broadly be divided into three distinct regimes (Largier et al., 2000):

• Upper estuary regime (from White Bridge (N2 road bridge) to the Charlesford Weir), which is strongly influenced by the inflow of freshwater from the Knysna River and demonstrates strong vertical stratification in salinity and water temperature.

• Lagoon regime (from White Bridge (N2 road bridge) to the railway bridge), which is characterised by aged salty water with little direct influence from freshwater. The lagoon is considered as a transition zone between the estuary and the marine embayment.

• Large marine embayment regime (from the railway bridge to the Knysna Heads), which if flushed by tidal flows and exhibits temperatures and salinities similar to the ocean

The boundaries of these three regimes demonstrate a high degree of temporal variability reflecting amongst others, the magnitude of freshwater inflow from the Knysna River into the estuary and the inflow of marine waters through the heads (Largier et al., 2000). For the purposes of this plan, and from an ease of management perspective, the Knysna Estuary will represent all three regimes. Figure 1 shows the Knysna Protected Environment (green) as well as the water area (blue) extending from the Knysna Heads to the Charlesford Weir, and 100m buffer zone inland from the high water mark. This defines Development Control Area, as per the Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 31775 – Notice 27) excluding the freshwater Knysna River upstream of Charlesford Weir. The Operational Objectives and Management Action Plans refer to this zone, that is, the Development Control Area. The 100m inland mark has been included as a no development riparian buffer zone as many activities for which an environmental approval (either an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), or Basic Assessment (BA)) is required have been defined in relation to this set-back line (see NEMA, Government Notices R386 & R387). In addition, the coastal buffer zone defined by the NEM:ICMA (Section 16) is 1000m for certain land-uses and it is regarded as an effective buffer against human interference with the estuary and its sensitive riparian areas.



Development has occurred within this 100m buffer zone along much of the shoreline of the Knysna Estuary, including a variety of land-use patterns and zones. These are predominately residential, recreational, commercial zones and protected areas and are clearly defined in the draft Knysna Spatial Development Framework (Knysna SDF, 2007). The majority of land uses within the Knysna Municipal area have some form of impact on the estuary and as a result, together with the estuary being a protected environment, the Knysna Municipality Open Space System (KMOSS) has taken cognizance of the surrounding land use and provided a system of interconnected open spaces areas and buffer zones. More importantly, the estuary has been included into the KMOSS, with planning provisions being that the Knysna Estuary be treated as a Core Conservation Area. The Knysna River is also included in the KMOSS as a River Course & Buffer, thus receiving a lower degree of protection. Management Actions for these areas are detailed in separate (i.e. Land-use, Infrastructure and Development) Operational Plans, drawn from the KMOSS. The success of the proposed KMOSS hinges on the necessity to co-ordinate the numerous stakeholders who have jurisdiction within the area. The key stakeholders include the Municipality, Cape Nature Conservation, South African National Parks (SANParks), the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), South African Forestry Corporation Limited (SAFCOL), South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL), Provincial Roads, owners of private nature reserves and members of conservancies (SDF 2007). 3.2.2 Sanctuary & conservation zones Sanctuary Zone The existing Invertebrate Reserve must be retained. Within the designated boundaries the collection of invertebrate species is not allowed, and is thus a form of a sanctuary zone. This area provides protection for a host of habitat types including sandbank, mudbank, open channel and sandy beach zones and their associated fauna and flora. The saltmarshes are important habitat types in their own right and apart from their unique floral composition also provide a vital habitat for invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, act as natural flood control areas and provide a vital source of materials within the estuarine food web. Based on the findings of the Knysna Estuary Situation Assessment (CES, 2007), and the current demographics, use and value and range of habitats provided by the Knysna Estuary, no further sanctuary zones are proposed. This is assuming that existing legislation is enforced in the conservation zones of the remainder of the estuary i.e. fish size and bag limits are enforced. Conservation Zones Conservation zones are defined by Turpie and Clark (2007) as the remaining regions of the estuary, including terrestrial margins, not declared a sanctuary area and zoned in a particular way depending on the Vision and requirements for the estuary. The remainder of the Knysna Estuary water body, its associated habitats and the riparian buffer area to a distance of 100m back from the high water mark have been proposed as conservation. According to Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 31775 – Notice 27), SANParks must authorise all developments within the Development Control Area, and may, upon receipt of an application for authorisation to undertake a development within the Development Control Area, indicate that a Strategic or Environmental Impact Assessment must be undertaken so that the impact on the environment can be assessed. In addition, SANParks need to be aware of and comment on all developments within a 1km zone of the estuary, the development set-back line according to the NEM:ICMA. Activities within the conservation zones would be controlled through the administration of the NEM:PAA as well as by national legislation, which includes but is not limited to the Regulations for the Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 31775 – Notice 27); the Seashore Act (SA; Act 21 of 1935; amended 1993), NEMA and the associated EIA regulations, CARA and the NEM:ICMA.



A proposed zonation plan has been indicated in Figures 2 and 3, and Table 1. This is based on the national SANParks zonation system (broader scale zonation; Figure 2) and decisions taken at a national level during the zoning of the Wilderness National Park, as well as previous SANParks Knysna management plans (finer scale zonation; Figure 3), as these have proved to be successful in the past. Zones included are:

A. Low Intensity Leisure: majority of the estuary from the mouth at the Heads to the N2 (White Bridge) (excluding Leisure and Thiesen Islands), including management areas

A1: Commercial passenger boats (ferries), boating (power), houseboats (private and commercial), skiing, sailing (large yachts and dinghies), row boats, canoes and kayaks, angling, swimming and snorkelling

A2: Row boats, canoes and kayaks, limited boat use (no skiing), angling, swimming (area incorporates the Invertebrate Reserve)

A3: Boating (power), skiing, houseboats (private and commercial), row boats, canoes and kayaks, sailboards, angling

A4: Power boating and skiing

B. Quiet: Remainder of estuary from N2 (White) Bridge to Charlesford Weir – row boats, canoes and kayaks, angling, power boating should be allowed for riparian owners only in order to gain access to the Low Intensity Leisure Zone, or with special consent from SANParks (for research projects). The restriction on motor size above ‘Red bridge’, as well as a no wake zone, should be retained.

Table 1 has been adapted from the typical SANParks zonation table, in that some of the categories do not apply i.e. ‘Type of Access’ and ‘Type of Facility’. These are more related to terrestrial parks, and detail road access, and built recreational facilities, neither of which are relevant to water areas. The carrying capacities have not been altered from the previous SANParks management plan, and would need to be verified by SANParks. 3.2.3 Important bio-physical features and recreational activities The EZP demarcates important bio-physical features such as major habitat types (sanbanks, saltmarshes, open channel and fresh water wetlands) and Knysna erven (Figure 3) as well as regions of resource use and recreational activities, drainage channels and drainage points of entry into the Knysna Estuary (Figure 4). These maps should be used to interpret change when the effectiveness of the Knysna Estuary Operational Plan is evaluated (Section 5.3). Operational Objective B1 addresses the loss of habitat available to plant communities – Figure 3 should be used to assess changes in saltmarsh, sandbank and freshwater wetland coverage from those depicted on the map (used in the Situation Assessment; CES, 2007). Similarly, the resources and recreational use map (Figure 4) should be used to identify areas of new or continued fishing and bait exploitation pressure, when the Knysna Estuary Operational Plan is evaluated. 3.2.4 Rehabilitation zones No specific areas recurring rehabilitation were identified in the Situation Assessment of the Knysna Estuary (CES, 2007), as thus no areas have been shown on the EZP maps. A lack of circulation / water movement, however, has the potential to degrade the saltmarsh vegetation of certain areas of the estuary, which require regular inundation. Such areas include the saltmarsh stands along Ashmead Channel and in the Point region. Further areas possibly in need of rehabilitation include the old dump site and runway, any dis-used oyster racks and Red Bridge (defunct structures) and areas of unnatural sediment input. Areas possibly requiring rehabilitation would have to be continually assessed.



Figure 1: Geographical boundaries of the Management Plan showing the Development Control Area (Core / Domain Zone) i.e. water area from the mouth to Charlesford weir, and a 100m terrestrial buffer, and the Knysna Protected Environment (Secondary / Planning Zone)



Figure 2: Proposed zoning of the Knysna Estuary – broad scale according to SANParks zonation system



Figure 3: Proposed zoning of the Knysna Estuary – finer scale showing different management areas (see Table 1)



Figure 4: Important bio-physical features of the Knysna Estuary



Figure 5: Regions of resource use and recreational activities, drainage channels and drainage points of entry into the Knysna Estuary



Table 1: Zones and Management Areas of the Knysna Estuary

In accordance with Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 31775 – Notice 27), specifically Sections: 1 = Section 8 2 = Section 22 3 = Section 23 4 = Section 24 5 = Section 26 6 = Section 28 7 = Section 30 8 = Section 32 9 = Section 31 10 = Section 33

Zone General Characteristics

Experiential Qualities

Interaction between users Type of activity Carry capacity Limits of acceptable

change: Biophysical Limits of acceptable change: Aesthetics and recreational

LOW INTENSITY LEISURE (A)

The underlying characteristic if this zoned is motorized self-drive access with a higher number of visitors than in the Remote zone. (Camps without modern facilities such as shops and restaurants, as proposed for terrestrial zones, do not apply to water areas).

A relatively natural environment.

Moderate to high

A1

Commercial passenger boats (ferries)1, 2, 3, 5,7, 9, 10

boating (power), skiing2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 houseboats (private and commercial)1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10

sailing (large yachts and dinghies)2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 row boats2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 canoes and kayaks3, 6, 9, 10

angling swimming and snorkelling3, 4, 10

5 800 10, 10 60, 100 200 Unlimited Regulations Not in main channel Deviation from the

natural / pristine state should be minimized and limited to restricted impact footprints as far as possible. However, it is accepted that some damage to the biophysical environment associated with tourist activities and facilities will be inevitable.

Although it is inevitable that activities and facilities will impact on the wild appearance and reduce the wilderness characteristics of the area, these should be managed and limited to ensure that the area still provides and relatively natural outdoor experience.

A2

Row boats2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 canoes and kayaks3, 6, 9, 10 sailboards3, 9, 10 limited boat use (no skiing) 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 angling swimming3, 4, 10

40 Unlimited Unlimited 20 Regulations Permitted

A3

Boating (power), skiing2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 houseboats (private and commercial) 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 row boats2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 canoes and kayaks3, 6, 9, 10 sailboards3, 9, 10 angling

50 10, 10 70 Unlimited Unlimited Regulations

A4 Power boating, skiing2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 50

IR No bait collecting, activities as per A1 and A2

QUIET (B)

This zone allows non-motorised access to areas which retain a natural appearance and character. Access is not specifically controlled (motorized access permissible for riparian owners).

Wide range of activities; relaxation in a natural environment.

Moderate to high

Row boats, canoes and kayaks, angling, power boating

70 Unlimited Regulations Riparian owners

Some deviation from natural / pristine state is allowed, but care should be taken to restrict the development footprint. Infrastructure, especially paths and viewpoints should be designed to limit the impact of large numbers of visitors on the biophysical environment.

Activities that impact on the relative natural appearance and character of the area should be restricted, though the presence of large numbers of visitors and the facilities they require, may impact on the feeling of wilderness found in this zone.



3.3 Operational Objectives The Operational Objectives specify quantitative, measurable standards, and target values for indicators relevant to the different zones and activities as per the EZP. These need to take into account any existing standards, regulations, operational policies or guidelines that have relevance to estuaries, as well as available resources. Thresholds of Potential Concern (TPC) are defined as measurable end-points related to specific indicators that, if reached, prompt management intervention. In essence, TPC end-points should be defined in such a way that they provide early warning signals of potential non-compliance with Operational Objectives (Taljaard & Van Niekerk 2007a). Generic indicators and recommended TPCs for many of the Operational Objectives are available in McGwynne & Adams (2004). For the purposes of this document, however, TPCs have not be suggested for the conservation and living resources Operational Objectives, but will be derived at a later stage in consultation with SANParks: Scientific Services. These TPCs will be developed based on factors such as available data, ease of sampling, feasibility of corrective actions etc, in keeping with SANParks adopted adaptive management approach. 3.3.1 Conservation Operational Objectives for conservation purposes should be targeted at protecting biodiversity within the Knysna Estuary by ensuring that the diversity, distribution and abundance of plant, bird, fish and benthic invertebrate communities is maintained or restored. These objectives should be defined in terms of TPCs for a range of indicators that firstly reflect aspects of biodiversity itself, secondly are aimed at controlling human activities that may impact on habitats and living resources and thirdly deal with enforcement issues. As stated, these TPCs will be defined at a later stage before the management plan is implemented, for the suitable and effective indicators. Numbers refer to the Management Action Plans in Tables 1 and 2. Biodiversity

• B1: Maintenance of plant communities – the presence and extent of plant communities, including submerged macrophytes, benthic microalgae, saltmarshes and emergent reeds. Conservation of a range of habitat types is required, in particular submerged beds of Zostera capensis and the sandy substrate, as these provide habitat for the critically endangered species of special concern (SSC) including the Knysna seahorse (Hippocampus capensis), the pulmonate limpet (Siphonaria compressa), and the pansy shell (Echinodiscus bisperforatus).

• B2: Control of alien vegetation – infestation of riparian areas by alien vegetation. Baseline and reference data can be obtained from aerial photographs and on-site line transects.

• B3: Maintenance of invertebrate populations – densities of intertidal invertebrate species such as mudprawn, sandprawn and bloodworm need to be maintained. Baseline data can be obtained from regular seasonal counts of burrows using random quadrats over an initial two-year period.

• B4: Maintenance of waterbird populations – waterbird counts that include red-data species, those that are highly or partially dependent on estuaries, breeding aggregations or activity and the presence of nests are required. Baseline data should be collected from twice yearly bird counts over a spring low tide and outside of peak disturbance periods, and from locally available sources such as the Lake Bird Club and the Knysna Basin Project.

• B5: Maintenance of fish populations – fish abundance as measured by catch-per-unit-effort (cpue); this indicator is also relevant to the Operational Objectives for exploitation of living resources. Levels for the decrease in numbers of all species need to be derived, with dusky kob and white steenbras may required a more stringent levels in terms of decrease in numbers then the remaining species. It is important to note, however, that a decline in cpue for any species may not be the result of exploitation on the Knysna Estuary alone, i.e. it may be a National trend as the resource is widely distributed, and it may also be due to other factors such as water quality or a decrease in food availability. Baseline data can be obtained from a fishery survey conducted for an initial period of two years.



• B6: Maintenance of estuarine habitats – extent of natural area remaining per habitat type and the degree of habitat fragmentation. Baseline data on habitat type coverage can be obtained from aerial photographs and existing GIS data.

• B7: Protect estuarine habitats in formally protected areas – location and proportion of estuary habitat type under formal protection (sanctuary area). The recommendation from Turpie & Clark (2007) is that half the system be formally protected. This is unrealistic given the user dynamics and land-use of the Knysna Estuary, but the current Invertebrate Reserve covers a total area of 323.16Ha or approximately 16% of the total water area (1976.09Ha).

Human activities

• HA1: Ensure carrying capacity of estuary is not exceeded – number of persons visiting the estuary and their activity, i.e. carrying capacity should not be exceeded. The physical, social (includes cultural and psychological aspects) and ecological carrying capacities (together grouped as recreational carrying capacity) have not been calculated for the Knysna Estuary and a comprehensive study is required to determine these values. Baseline data can be collected during a survey that records the different types of activities and the respective number of participants on the water and on the bank and the number of registered and unregistered boats on the water. Carrying capacity can be calculated according to a DWAF model but may also be regulated by estuary stakeholders in line with the park Vision. Permitting of vessels, as per Section 26 of the Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 31775 – Notice 27) is a form of ensuring the carrying capacity is not exceeded, and should be controlled by SANParks.

• HA2: Control human activities that impact on invertebrate populations – bait collecting, including number of collectors, collecting methods, rate of removal, number of licensed operators and adherence to bag limits needs to be controlled. Legal methods (pumps are not recommended for mudprawn as they cause too much damage to the consolidated sediment), digging and trampling of habitats will need to be included. A single person operating outside the law should be cause for concern. Baseline data can be collected as part of a more detailed fishery survey and should include numbers of collectors, collecting sites methods used, number of bait organisms taken and bait collecting licenses. This aspect is also dealt with under Operational Objectives for living resource exploitation.

• HA3: Protect linefish and bait organism populations by restricting fishing competitions – number of fishing competitions. There is no generic indicator for this as a reduction in fish and bait organism populations may not be as a result of fishing competitions alone. However, given the national status of many target fish species, an indicator should be any increase above the baseline in the number of competitions or else the number of participants. Baseline data can be collected over a period of a year where the number of competitions and participants are recorded.

• HA4: Reduce the amount of litter (solid waste) within the estuarine area – litter (solid waste) accumulation, as per Section 14 of the Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 31775 – Notice 27). Sources on the Knysna Estuary are both residents (riparian landowners and resorts), visitors including competition anglers and other recreational users and the commercial areas including the Central Business District and Thesen’s Island. There should be a zero tolerance for litter. Baseline data can be collected for the first year and should be measured as volume collected in standard garbage bags after certain activities or times, e.g. fishing competitions and peak holidays.

Law enforcement

• LE1: Improve law enforcement capacity – including number of law enforcement officers assigned to the estuary, the frequency of patrols and number of offences, arrests and convictions in terms of the MLRA. Effective patrolling and adequate numbers of enforcement officers should act as a deterrent to illegal activities and promote compliance. Competent enforcement should also ensure a high conviction rate for offenders. The aim would be to reduce the number of offenders to zero such that the indicator would be a



single offender at any given time and to achieve a higher conviction rate than that which exists at present. Baseline data would be in the form of existing arrest and conviction rates housed at the SANParks office, frequency of patrols, aspects which are enforced and the number of offenders. This aspect is also dealt with under Operational Objectives for living resource exploitation.

• LE2: Compliance with RODs issued as part of EIA process – enforcement and monitoring of conditions in terms of records of decision (ROD) for developments as the result of the EIA process. Due to the sensitive nature of estuarine systems, all developments will have a negative impact on their functioning, irrespective of intentions. Baseline data is set out in the form of recommendations as a part of the conditions of the ROD; these recommendations must be complied with in order to reduce impacts.

3.3.2 Exploitation of living resources Operational Objectives for the exploitation of living resources should be targeted at enforcing a sanctuary area which is designed to protect a variety of habitats and species, SANParks enforcement of NEMPAA regulations to protect habitat or resources within designated conservation zones, existing legislation detailed in the MLRA, regulating the activities associated with competition angling and strict conditions for the running of the oyster mariculture operation. E1: Ensure sanctity of sanctuary area through compliance monitoring

• All forms of exploitation are prohibited in the designated sanctuary area (Invertebrate Reserve). Baseline information regarding the existing levels of exploitation in the reserve can be obtained from SANParks and Thesen’s Island Homeowners Association. The measure of compliance to this regulation should be very high, i.e. a single person operating outside the law should be cause for concern.

E2: Maintenance of viable bait organism populations

• Maintenance of bait organism populations through compliance with regulations stipulated in the MLRA (bag limits, collection methods and licenses), the sanctuary area management plan and that pertaining to the conservation areas. The measure of compliance should be very high, i.e. a single person operating outside the law should be cause for concern. Baseline population density data can be obtained from regular seasonal counts of burrows using random quadrats over an initial two-year period or can be sourced from tertiary & research institutions or published works.

E3: Maintenance of fish populations

• All fishermen (artisanal and recreational) must be in possession of valid licenses and adhere to all regulations specified in the MLRA. The measure of compliance to these regulations should be very high, i.e. a single person operating outside the law should be cause for concern.

• Maintenance of linefish populations or fish abundance, measured as cpue, through compliance with MLRA regulations (bag limits, size limits, closed seasons and licenses). The measure of compliance should be very high, i.e. a single person operating outside the law should be cause for concern. There are currently no recommended TPCs for cpue probably because catch data is not widely available for individual estuaries. TPCs for the decrease in numbers of all species need to be derived, with dusky kob and white steenbras requiring more stringent TPCs then the remaining species. It is important to note, however, that a decline in cpue for any species may not be the result of exploitation on the Knysna Estuary alone, i.e. it may be a National trend as the resource is widely distributed, and it may also be due to other factors such as water quality or a decrease in food availability. Baseline data can be obtained from a fishery survey conducted for an initial period of two years.

E4: Restrict number of fishing competitions and participants and maintain high level of compliance with MLRA regulations and competition-specific rules

• Angling competitions contribute greatly toward the decline of fish and bait organism



populations due to the concentration of effort over a short period of time and the above-average skill of the participants. In order to reduce this impact on fish and bait populations the objective would be to regulate the number of competitions and participants and to adopt a no-kill policy for threatened linefish species. There is no defined TPC for this indicator as fishing competitions alone are unlikely to be the direct cause of the reduction in fish and bait organism populations on a National scale. However, the measure of compliance with the MLRA and estuary specific regulations during competitions should be very high, i.e. a single person operating outside the law or competition format should be cause for concern.

M1: Ensure compliance by the KOC with all aspects relating to ROD and operational requirements • The Knysna Oyster Company (KOC) operation should comply with all legislation and

conditions (monitoring requirements) relevant to its mariculture activities, i.e. Section 8 of the Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 31775 – Notice 27). Baseline data can be obtained from the company itself, the municipality, the authority responsible for issuing the authorization (DEAT:MCM) and institutions involved with research & monitoring in the system. TPCs for several indicators associated with mariculture operations will need to be established (these may vary depending on dilution rates, tidal flushing and currents): o Chlorophyll-a levels due to potential micro-algal blooms as a result of elevated nutrient

levels o Excessive macrophyte growth due to elevated nutrient levels. o Dissolved oxygen o The presence of dead or live culture organisms outside of the concession area. o Activities related to the culture operation outside of the concession area. o The visual impact of the operation and the presence of dis-used oyster racks o Compliance with aspects of the Record of Decision issued by DEA-DP not covered

above. 3.3.3 Links to terrestrial sectors of the Knysna National Lake Area Operational Objectives for the relevant sections will be detailed in the respective Operational Plans. This sections, however, deals with the flow of information and representation of the estuary’s Conservation and Living Resources objectives in management plans and actions in the catchment of the Knysna River and Estuary. The Operational Objective would therefore be an avoidance of any detrimental affect on the estuary meaning the Conservation and Living Resources Operational Object are not met, as a result of terrestrial activities. Further detail is provided in Section 4.2 for the following sectors:

• Water Quality and Quantity (L1) • Land Use and Infrastructure Planning (L2) • Institutional and Management Structures (L3) • Education and Awareness (L4) • Non-consumptive Use and Sustainable Livelihoods (L5)



4. Management Action Plans A full range of management actions have been identified in order to facilitate the achievement of the Operational Objectives outlined above. Management actions plans (MAPs) include:

• A prioritized list of management actions required; • All related legal, policy and/or best practice requirements of relevance to specific

management actions; • Monitoring plans to measure effectiveness of actions and degree of compliance with the

Operational Objective. If there is continued compliance, then management actions can be considered effective, however if not then changes need to be made to management actions, the EZP or Operational Objectives;

• A work plan identifying when each action should be initiated and by whom (mandated); • Whether of not the management action is being addressed at present, and if so by whom; • A resource plan detailing the human resources (staff and skill level) and the sources of

funding or finances required to carry out the above (total cost). 4.1 Conservation and Living Resources The MAPs for Conservation and Living Resources are shown in Tables 2 and 3.



Table 2: Management Action Plans for Conservation (Biodiversity, Human Activities & Law Enforcement) Strategic Objectives

Management actions Legal requirements Work plan and mandate Currently addressed, if so by whom? Resource plan

Human (staff, skill level); Finance (total cost)

Monitoring plans

CONSERVATION (Biodiversity)

Operational Objective B1: Maintenance of plant communities

Water quality - determine type and source of problem and initiate steps to alleviate.

NWA (Sections 19, 21 and Chapter 7)

DWAF to delegate responsibility to Gouritz CMA

Gouritz CMA not yet operational. Eden District Municipality (EDM), Knysna Local Municipality (KM) (Environmental Management Department), SANParks, Knysna Basin Project and Knysna Catchment Management Forum undertake regular water quality sampling

Human – CMA required, comprising DWAF, DEAT, Eden and Knysna Municipality, SANParks and local environmental groups – personnel available Financial – DWAF, DEAT, DA. At present EDM and KM responsible for cost of water quality analysis

Water quality of river inflow & estuary – water quality is presently monitored at public recreational areas (bathing), aquaculture areas (oyster racks), and stormwater input points; toxic substances (from agriculture) in sediment; recovery period (aerial & reference photographs).

ICMA (Chapter 7, Section 69) DEAT responsible for ICMA No

CARA (Sections 6, 8 & 12) DA responsible for agricultural pollution No

Episodic events - none required as nature must be allowed to take its course.

None As soon as episodic event has passed; SANParks or tertiary & research institutions monitor change over time.

Partly, research projects

Human - SANParks; research students (as required) Financial - SANParks; independent research funds.

Recovery period and shifts in location of plant communities and habitat (aerial & reference photographs).

Human disturbance - enforce EZP to reduce trampling; enforce national legislation to prevent clearing of forests and riparian vegetation.

NEMA (Chapters 1 & 5; EIA) DEAT-National; DEAD-P Yes, site visits by DEAT-National as required, DEAD-P must be a commenting authority on all developments with Knysna Protected Environment Human – DEAT National &

provincial government personnel, as well as SANParks staff, all appointed; Financial – national & provincial government; municipal; independent research funds (no additional financial support required).

Compliance w.r.t. national legislation; recovery period (aerial & reference photographs).

Seashore Act (Sections 3 & 10) DEAT Yes

NEM: Biodiversity Act (Chapter 4, Part 1)

DEAT-National (Biodiversity Control Sector) Yes, as required

Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Sections 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 18, 20, 26, 29 & 31)

SANParks or tertiary institutions. To be implemented

Operational Objective B2: Control of alien vegetation

Initiate clearing of vegetation in affected areas.

NWA (Section 21) DWAF No

Human - DWAF, DEAT, DA & SANParks rangers appointed (and private land owners) Financial - national government (no additional financial support required).

Ensure eradication of alien vegetation to levels below the TPC (aerial photographs and transects).

NEM: Biodiversity Act Chapter 5, Part 2)


NEMA DEAT-National; DEAD-P Yes, as required

CARA (Sections 6 & 8) DA Yes

Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Section 11)

SANParks Regional / Knysna Office To be implemented

Operational Objective B3: Maintenance of invertebrate populations (mudprawn, sandprawn and bloodworm)

Water quality - determine type and source of problem and initiate steps to

NWA (Sections 19 & 21) DWAF to delegate responsibility to Gouritz CMA

Gouritz CMA not yet operational. Eden District Municipality (EDM), Knysna Local

Human – CMA required, comprising DWAF, DEAT, Eden and Knysna Municipality, SANParks

Water quality of river inflow & estuary – water quality is presently monitored at public recreational





Monitoring plans

alleviate. Municipality (KM) (Environmental Management Department), SANParks, Knysna Basin Project and Knysna Catchment Management Forum undertake regular water quality sampling

and local environmental groups – personnel available Financial – DWAF, DEAT, DA. At present EDM and KM responsible for cost of water quality analysis

areas (bathing), aquaculture areas (oyster racks), and stormwater input points; toxic substances (from agriculture) in sediment; recovery period (quadrat counts). ICMA (Chapter 7 Section 69) DEAT responsible for ICMA No

CARA (Sections 6, 8 & 12) DA responsible for agricultural pollution No





Recovery period and shifts in location of invertebrate communities and habitat (reference photographs and quadrat counts).

Human disturbance - enforce EZP to reduce trampling; enforce national legislation to limit bait collection according to quotas.

MLRA (Chapter 3, Section 14) Responsible agents are DEAT:MCM and local authority

Yes – allowed catch levels set Human – SANParks rangers appointed to check exceedence of quotas; research students. Financial - national government; municipal (no additional funds required)

Compliance w.r.t. national legislation; recovery period (quadrat counts).



Operational Objective B4: Maintenance of waterbird populations

Loss of habitat and food source due to human interference - enforce legislation and EZP.

MLRA (Sections 14 & 43) DEAT:MCM Yes – legislation set

Human - Government personnel; SANParks rangers appointed to check exceedence of quotas (bait organisms are food supply for birds); research students; bird club members (staff, skill level?). Financial - national government; municipal; C.A.P.E.; independent research funds; bird club subsidized by Coordinated Waterbird Counts (CWAC) at UCT

Compliance with national legislation, SDF/IDP; recovery of populations (bi-annual bird counts)

NEM: Protected Areas Act (Chapter 4)

SANParks Yes



Sea Birds and Seals Protection Act (Act 46 of 1973; Section 3b) DEAT Yes, as required

NEMA (Chapters 1 & 5; EIA Regulations)

DEAT-National; DEAD-P

Yes, site visits by DEAT-National as required to affected areas, DEAD-P must be a commenting authority on all developments with Knysna Protected Environment

SDF/IDP KM (Environmental Management Sector) / EDM Yes


SANParks Regional / Knysna Office; Lakes Bird Club

To be implemented

Water quality - determine type and source of problem and initiate steps to alleviate.

NWA (Sections 19 & 21) DWAF to delegate responsibility to Gouritz CMA

Gouritz CMA not yet operational. Eden District Municipality (EDM), Knysna Local Municipality (KM) (Environmental Management Department), SANParks, Knysna Basin Project and Knysna Catchment Management Forum undertake regular water quality sampling

Human – CMA required, comprising DWAF, DEAT, Eden and Knysna Municipality, SANParks and local environmental groups – personnel available Financial – DWAF, DEAT, DA. At present EDM and KM responsible for cost of water quality analysis

Water quality of river inflow & estuary – water quality is presently monitored at public recreational areas (bathing), aquaculture areas (oyster racks), and stormwater input points; toxic substances (from agriculture) in sediment; recovery period (bi-annual bird counts). ICMA (Chapter 7, Section 69) DEAT responsible for ICMA No

Operational Objective B5: Maintenance of fish populations Address levels of fishing effort, bag limits and extent

MLRA (Sections 14 & 43 and Chapter 6)

DEAT:MCM is responsible national authority; tertiary institutions to conduct

No, at present SANParks ranger act as Fishery Control Officers, MCM catch monitors required

Human - MLRA appointed catch monitors required (2x dedicated

Compliance with legislation; levels of effort and cpue to be measured





Monitoring plans

& location of sanctuary area. fishery survey. monitors for Garden Route National Park coastal region); researchers; SANParks rangers; angling clubs; Estuarine Management Forum required from existing governmental personnel and stakeholders Financial - National government and SANParks; levies from boat registration or angling competitions (approximate initial capital cost for vehicle of R300 000, R100 000 p.a. per monitor thereafter)

(catch monitors and fishery survey).



NEM: Protected Areas Act (Chapter 3, Section 28) SANParks Yes

Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Sections 9 & 10)


Operational Objective B6: Maintenance of estuarine habitats





Recovery period and shifts in location and extent of habitat types (aerial & reference photographs).

Human interference - ensure compliance with EZP and national legislation; consider additional sanctuary area to protect habitats.

EZP SANParks Carry capacities to be calculated and enforced

Human - National & provincial government and municipal personnel, as well as SANParks rangers all appointed; farmland owners; research students). Financial - National & provincial government funding in place

Compliance w.r.t. IDP and national legislation; recovery period and efficacy of sanctuary area (aerial & reference photographs).

SDF / IDP KM (Environmental Management Department) / EDM Yes

NEMA (Chapters 1 & 5; EIA Regulations) DEAT-National; DEAD-P

Yes, site visits by DEAT-National as required, DEAD-P must be a commenting authority on all developments with Knysna Protected Environment

NEM: Biodiversity Act (Chapter 4, Part 1) DEAT-National (Biodiversity Control Sector) Yes, as required

NEM: Protected Areas Act (Chapter 3, Section 28; Chapter 4)

SANParks Yes

MLRA (Section 43) DEAT:MCM Legislation in place Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Sections 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 18, 20, 26, 29 & 31)


Operational Objective B7: Protect estuarine habitats in formally protected areas

Enforce legislation pertaining to protected areas; ensure compliance with EZP and other legislation pertaining to human activities.

NEM: Protected Areas Act (Chapter 3, Section 28; Chapter 4);

SANParks Yes, rangers conduct regular patrols

Human - DEAT & DEA-DP personnel; SANParks rangers appointed Financial - National & provincial government; SANParks levies from boat registration or angling competitions (no additional funding required)

Compliance with relevant legislation to ensure sanctity of protected areas (aerial photographs and active patrols / visual surveys)



MLRA (Section 43); DEAT:MCM Legislation in place

ICMA (Chapter 2, Sections 23 & 24); DEAT Yes, special management areas designated (Invertebrate Reserve in place)

NEMA (Chapters 1 & 5; EIA Regulations);

DEAT-National; DEAD-P Yes, site visits by DEAT-National as required, DEAD-P must be a commenting authority on all developments with Knysna Protected Environment

Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Sections 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 18, 20, 26, 29 & 31).




Management

actions Legal requirements Work plan and mandate Currently addressed, if so by whom? Resource plan Human (staff, skill level); Finance (total cost)

Monitoring plans

CONSERVATION (Human Activities)

Operational Objective HA1: Ensure carrying capacity of estuary is not exceeded

Regulate number of boats launching or taking part in a specific activity (e.g. angling competitions).

Operational Policy for Recreational Water Use (DWAF; August 2004)

DWAF No Human – SANParks Executive staff, rangers appointed assisted by KM Financial – SANParks (national government), augmented by boat registration/launch levies (no additional funding required).

Visual counts of boats on the water or at each launch site; counts of numbers of users engaged in recreational activities.

Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Sections 26 & 31)

SANParks Regional / Knysna Office – members at launch sites and municipal estuarine managers are responsible

To be implemented – Number of users should be monitored all the time; restrictions come into play when carrying capacity is exceeded

Operational Objective HA2: Control human activities that impact on invertebrate (bait organism) populations Enforce MLRA regulations to ensure compliance.

MLRA (Chapter 6) DEAT:MCM No, at present SANParks ranger act as Fishery Control Officers, MCM catch monitors required

Human - MLRA appointed catch monitors required (2x dedicated monitors for Garden Route National Park coastal region); researchers; SANParks rangers; angling clubs; Estuarine Management Forum required from existing governmental personnel and stakeholders Financial - National government and SANParks; levies from boat registration or angling competitions (approximate initial capital cost for vehicle of R300 000, R100 000 p.a. per monitor thereafter)

Fishery survey to include collectors; random quadrats for population density; inspections of bait collectors catch.

Police sanctuary area and no-take zones in the conservation area in accordance with the EZP.

NEM: Protected Areas Act (Chapter 4)

SANParks Yes


Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Sections 9, 10, 11)


Consider larger no-take areas or control collection times (e.g. daytime only).

NEM: Protected Areas Act (Chapter 3, Section 28)

SANParks Yes



MLRA (Section 43) DEAT:MCM; tertiary institutions for fishery survey

Needs to be considered

Operational Objective HA3: Protect linefish and bait organism populations by restricting fishing competitions

Regulate number of fishing competitions and participants.

EZP regulating recreational activities on estuary; policies of SANParks and angling clubs.

SANParks

No – SANParks is the responsible authority with help from angling club structures and appointed specialists to recommend competition formats and assist in measure & release efforts.

Human - SANParks Executive staff and angling club members; specialist fisheries personnel from tertiary institute (existing positions) Financial – SANParks (government funding) and levies from boat registration or angling competitions; research funds from tertiary institutes or voluntary participation by specialists

Monitor number of competitions and count number of participants.

Operational Objective HA4: Reduce the amount of litter (solid waste) within the estuarine area Initiate clean-up operations on a regular basis; all boats to return to launch site with litter in plastic bags; and consider implementing punitive measures for responsible individuals or

NEMA (Chapter 1) DEAT-National (MCM)

No, inspections can be done by DEAT:MCM catch monitors during patrols, Human – Municipal nature conservation staff (river

patrol); all estuary users and SANParks rangers (appointed) Financial - National government; municipal; boat registration & launch levies

Monitor volume of litter collected by the number of standard garbage bags filled.

NWA (Section 19) DWAF to delegate responsibility to Gouritz CMA

No



Management actions Legal requirements Work plan and mandate Currently addressed, if so by whom? Resource plan Human (staff, skill level); Finance

(total cost) Monitoring plans

organizations. Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Section 15)

SANParks Regional / Knysna Office

To be implemented, in general inspections can be done by the municipality, general public and SANParks members; clean-up operations by angling club members after competitions and combination of informal work force and resort residents at other times.

CONSERVATION (Law Enforcement) Operational Objective LE1: Improve law enforcement capacity

Increase presence of law enforcement personnel on estuary; education & awareness programmes for enforcement officers and users.


Human - MLRA appointed catch monitors required (2x dedicated monitors for Garden Route National Park coastal region); researchers; SANParks rangers; angling clubs; Estuarine Management Forum required from existing governmental personnel and stakeholders Financial - National government and SANParks; levies from boat registration or angling competitions (approximate initial capital cost for vehicle of R300 000, R100 000 p.a. per monitor thereafter)

Monitor number of patrols and non-compliant users; survey to assess effectiveness of education & awareness programme.

White Paper for Sustainable Coastal Development (Section C, Chapter 10)

DEAT No

ICMA (Chapter 4) DEAT (to delegate responsibility of running a Forum to SANParks) No, no Estuarine Forum at present

Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Sections 26, 27, 29 & 35)


Operational Objective LE2: Compliance with RODs issued as part of EIA process

Enforce compliance with ROD conditions and report any infringements.

All legislation referred to in ROD - this will vary according to nature of development or activity

DEAT-National; appointed Environmental Control Officer

Yes, although increased presence (delegated to DEAD-P) would be beneficial – regular (weekly) from the time an activity or development is approved; independent environmental control officer; general public.

Human – DEAT and DEA-DP personnel; public & SANParks rangers appointed members; environmental control officer (existing position, public ‘watchdogs’). Financial - National & provincial government; developer responsible for activity

Inspections of all sites where activities or developments are taking place; ensure independent environmental control officer is appointed. Draft Regulations for the

Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Section 6)




Table 3: Management Action Plans for Exploitation of Living Resources and Mariculture Strategic Objectives


Human (staff, skill level); Finance (total cost) Monitoring plans

EXPLOITATION OF LIVING RESOURCES

Operational Objective E1: Ensure sanctity of sanctuary area through compliance monitoring

Enforce legislation pertaining to the sanctuary area.

NEM: Protected Areas Act

SANParks Yes

Human - MLRA appointed catch monitors required (2x dedicated monitors for Garden Route National Park coastal region); researchers; SANParks rangers; angling clubs Financial - National government and SANParks; levies from boat registration or angling competitions (approximate initial capital cost for vehicle of R300 000, R100 000 p.a. per monitor thereafter)

Compliance with relevant legislation and management frameworks to ensure sanctity of protected areas; record instances of non-compliance.

MLRA DEAT:MCM No, at present SANParks ranger act as Fishery Control Officers, MCM catch monitors required



Operational Objective E2: Maintenance of viable bait organism populations

Enforce legislation pertaining to bait collection (closed or rotational areas, bag limits, collection methods, collection times and licenses).

MLRA DEAT:MCM

No, at present SANParks ranger act as Fishery Control Officers, MCM catch monitors required. All MLRA appointed enforcement personnel to operate on a daily basis to monitor non-compliance by active patrols and point access checks; research institute personnel can include compliance monitoring and cpue in fishery surveys; SANParks members and general public can assist by reporting incidents of non-compliance.


Inspection of activities and collectors to ensure compliance with MLRA regulations, sanctuary area; record instances of non-compliance.

NEM: Protected Areas Act SANParks Yes



Operational Objective E3: Maintenance of fish populations

Enforce MLRA regulations (bag limits, size limits, closed season, licenses and collection methods).

MLRA DEAT: MCM

No, at present SANParks ranger act as Fishery Control Officers, MCM catch monitors required. All MLRA appointed enforcement personnel to operate on a daily basis to monitor non-compliance by active patrols and point access checks; research institute personnel can include compliance monitoring and cpue in fishery surveys; SANParks members and general public can assist by reporting incidents of non-compliance.


Inspection of activities and fishermen to ensure compliance with MLRA regulations; record number of incidents of non-compliance; measure cpue.

Operational Objective E4: Restrict number of competitions and participants and maintain high level of compliance with MLRA regulations and competition-specific rules





Maintain a limited and predetermined number of well structured, regulated fishing competitions.

None except EMP guidelines and angling club policies

SANParks

No – SANParks is the responsible authority with help from angling club structures and appointed specialists to recommend competition formats and assist in measure & release efforts.

Human - SANParks Executive staff and angling club members; specialist fisheries personnel from tertiary institute (existing positions) Financial – SANParks (government funding) and levies from boat registration or angling competitions; research funds from tertiary institutes or voluntary participation by specialists

Number of competitions to be determined and monitored; participants to be assessed for compliance with competition rules; record incidents of non-compliance. Use records from last year to set standard

Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Sections 8)


MARICULTURE

Operational Objective M1: Ensure compliance by the KOC with all aspects relating to ROD and operational requirements

Ensure compliance with regards to water quality (nutrients & dissolved oxygen) and initiate remedial measures if required.

Seashore Act Repealed by ICMA therefore DEAT No

Human - KOC staff; SANParks rangers (appointed) environmental site officer responsible for monitoring ROD compliance (existing positions), research institutions; Financial - KOC; otherwise part of normal responsibilities for other personnel, any research funds from tertiary institutes

Weekly water samples taken by KOC staff during slack tide period; include additional samples as part of water quality & quantity sampling regime by DWAF (CMA) or municipality; assess macrophyte growth (area of coverage) as part of conservation (plant community) assessment by SANParks or consultants.

NEMA DEAT-National – Environmental site officer / KOC responsible as part of condition of licence

Yes, although needs monitoring of compliance by SANParks

ICMA DEAT No

Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Section 15)


Presence of dead or alive culture organisms outside of concession area; will require removal.

NEMA DEAT-National – Environmental site officer / KOC responsible as part of condition of licence

Yes, although needs monitoring of compliance by SANParks

Human - KOC staff; SANParks rangers (appointed) environmental site officer (existing positions). Financial - KOC; otherwise part of normal responsibilities for other personnel

Visual assessment of substrate up and downstream of concession area and intertidal areas where debris collects; record frequency of occurrence and numbers, ad hoc visual surveys during routine patrols or activities by SANParks and municipal environmental personnel.

NEM: Biodiversity Act DEAT-National (Biodiversity Control Sector)

Yes, as required

Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Sections 8)


Prevent culture-related activities from taking place outside of concession area.

MLRA DEAT:MCM No

Human - SANParks rangers (appointed), municipal environmental division personnel; environmental site officer (existing positions). Financial - KOC; otherwise part of normal responsibilities for other personnel

Visual assessment of KOC activities to ensure they only take place inside demarcated concession area; record any incidents of non-compliance.

NEMA DEAT-National; Environmental site officer

Partly – Environmental site officer, SANParks and municipal environmental personnel can monitor activities as part of usual daily responsibilities; general public can also report any incidents of non-compliance.


NEM: Biodiversity Act DEAT-National (Biodiversity Control Sector) Yes, as required

Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Section 8






Reduce visual impact of culture operation to acceptable levels.

NEMA DEAT-National; Environmental site officer

No – Visual impacts are subjective but public must be allowed to report incidents that affect them beyond the minimum 35m range; SANParks or environmental site officer are to respond to any complaints and relay to KOC for action.

Human - SANParks and environmental site officer; KOC for response to complaints (existing positions) Financial – KOC

Record number of complaints from other estuarine users; monitor response from KOC.


Ensure compliance with all other aspect of the Record of Decision.

NEMA DEAT-National;

No – Environmental site officer appointed in terms of the ROD to assess all ROD conditions on a monthly basis; all incidents of non-compliance to be reported to DEAT and KOC to initiate mitigation actions.

Human - Environmental site officer and KOC Financial – KOC

Regular review of activities to check for compliance with ROD conditions; monitor rehabilitation actions as required.




4.2 Links to Terrestrial Sectors of the Knysna Protected Environment Management actions, legal requirements, monitoring, work and resource plans for the sectors listed below will be detailed in the respective Operational Plans. In terms of the operational mandate of SANParks i.e. the required management actions, the Conservation and Living Resources goals are to be represented at all meetings and forums pertaining to the activities within the Knysna River and Estuary catchment with the potential to negatively affect the Knysna Estuary water area. In addition, SANParks will be responsible for ensuring that the relevant sections of this Estuary Operational Plan are included in the Knysna SDF and the IDP. If all stakeholders with a role to play in the management of the river and estuary catchment (see Section 4.3 below) are represented on the forum lead by SANParks (see Section 1), this will facilitate the achievement of this management action. 4.2.1 Water Quality and Quantity (L1) The Knysna Estuary Reserve Determination Study is on-going at present. A result of this study will be the classification of the water resource (estuary) and the Resource Quality Objectives (RQOs; NWA Chapter 3, Parts 1 & 2) aligned with that particular classification. These RQOs will in effect for the basis of the Water Quality and Quantity Operational Objectives, which will need to take the Conservation and Living Resources objectives of the estuary into account – it will be the responsibility of SANParks to ensure that this happens. Similarly, the conservation and living resources goals for the estuary need to be adequately represented in all plans and forums pertaining to water quality and quantity in the Knysna Protected Environment. The following management actions are required by SANParks, with regard to the Estuary Operational Plan:

• SANParks will need to be represented at all meetings and workshops related to the following programmes:

o Knysna River and Estuary Reserve Determination Study; o Gouritz Catchment Management Agency and the development of the Catchment

Management Strategy, as per the National Water Act (Chapter 2, Part 2); o Catchment and Water Quality Forum meetings; o Local Authority Water Planning Forum – a Knysna Estuary Pollution Management

Action Plan (KEPMAP) has been developed by the Knysna Municipality. Responsibility for implementing and running this plan has previously fallen to the Estuary Pollution Prevention Committee, comprising representatives of the Knysna Municipality, the Eden District Municipality, SANParks and several specialists. However, due to lack of capacity the plan has not been initiated to date. SANParks should facilitate its implementation.

4.2.2 Land Use and Infrastructure Planning (L2) A draft Knysna Spatial Development Framework (SDF) has been developed for incorporation into the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), which establishes the development capability for the area based on financially sound and sustainable plans such as an SDF. Land use and subsequent development such as the installation of services is governed largely by economic drivers – in the case of the Knysna Municipality these drivers include residential and commercial development based largely on the tourism and recreational potential of the region. A set of Lagoon Edge Management Guidelines have been included in the SDF. It will be vital that the Conservation and Living Resources Objectives be included in the SDF, so that development along the lagoon edge and in the catchment is guided by these objectives. With regard to development along the lagoon edge, according to the Draft Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 31775 – Notice 27) SANParks, as the designated management authority of the Knysna Protected Environment, must approve all developments within 100m of the waters edge, that is, within the Development Control Area. Further, SANParks may, upon receipt of an application for authorization to undertake a development, indicate that a Strategic or Environmental Impact Assessment must be undertaken so that the impact on the environment can be assessed. In this way SANParks should be aware of all developments within the Development



Control Area. The following management actions are required by SANParks, with regard to the Estuary Operational Plan:

• It must be ensured that the Conservation and Living Resources Operational Objectives are represented in the SDF and therefore the IDP;

• SANParks must approve all developments within the Development Control Area, or request that a Strategic or Environmental Assessment be undertaken in order to understand the impacts of the development in question (as per Sections 6, 8, 17 and 18 of the regulations). The Conservation and Living Resources Objectives will therefore be a significant factor in these assessments. In the review SANParks must ensure that all available planning and management tools such as Environmental Management Plans, Strategic Environmental Assessments and Integrated Environmental Management plans are considered in the assessment;

• SANParks must be aware of and comment on all developments within a 1000m from the estuary, that is, the NEM:ICMA set-back line / buffer zone. This will require effective communication with the environmental representatives of the Local and Regional (Knysna and Eden) Municipalities and the regional (George) Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning office.

4.2.3 Institutional and Management Structures (L3) The NEMP of the NEM:ICMA calls for an Estuarine Management Institution, consisting of an Estuarine Management Forum comprising representatives of all stakeholder groups within the estuary catchment, a chairperson elected by the forum who will take the lead in the development and implementation of the Estuary Management Plan, and technical working groups (with a group leader to coordinate activities) for each of the sectors covered in the plan. SANParks will oversee the implementation of the Knysna Estuary Operational Plan, and will lead a forum representative of all stakeholder groups with an interest in the management of the estuary catchment – these groups must interact to ensure the management of the catchment and estuarine area as a single ecological entity. This forum will act in the capacity of the Estuarine Management Institution, and will facilitate this interaction. Once this institution has been formed, a record needs to be kept of the number and type of projects or initiatives that require cooperation; the more cooperative ventures there are, the more successful this objective will be. The SANParks Park Forum is operational and acts as an advisory body to SANParks, who will raise relevant issue with the Park Forum for their input. The following management actions are required by SANParks, with regard to the Estuary Operational Plan:

• SANParks must lead a forum that is representative of all stakeholders within the catchment. The implementation of the Estuary Operational Plan, as well as the other Operational Plans within the Knysna Protected Environment (still to be devised) will be the responsibility of the forum, which should include the following groups:

o The national DEAT (MCM); o The provincial Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA-DP); o The Catchment Management Agency (CMA); o The regional DWAF; o The Department of Agriculture; o The local municipal authority (Knysna Municipality); o The district municipal authority (Eden Municipality); o Municipal Nature Conservation Services (CapeNature); o The local Tourism Body; o The local Heritage Association; o The Knysna Catchment Management Forum; o The local estuarine concern groups (Wildlife Environmental Society of

Southern Africa, Knysna Environmental Forum); o The Ratepayers’ Association; o Local developers and industries; o Local landowners or resort managers; o Local angling and diving groups (Knysna Angling and Diving Association);



o Non-governmental organisations (NGOs); o Community-based organisations (CBOs); and o Ecological, social and resource-economic specialists (e.g. Knysna Basin

Project). 4.2.4 Education and Awareness (L4) Education of decision makers, managers and the general public as to the ecological, social and economic value of estuaries, the Estuary Operational Plan and its context within the SDF and IDP, the ICMA, and the consequences of irresponsible development within the estuarine area will be key to the successful implementation of the plan. As the designated management authority of the Knysna Protected Environment, it is expected that SANParks will present such educational workshops and training courses, potentially through the expansion of the People and Conservation Programme currently in place (aimed predominantly at school learners at present). With regard to the Estuary Operational Plan and links to education and awareness programmes, SANParks must ensure that the Conservation and Living Resources Operational Objectives are adequately addressed in:

• Educational workshops and training courses for local authorities, in particular town planners and municipal managers, estuarine managers, municipal authorities, estuarine management forum members, catchment management agencies and water user association members about the ecological, social and economic value of estuaries and the need for effective management;

• Public awareness campaign (estuary value / natural heritage, biodiversity, threats and conservation efforts) via pamphlets, refurbishment of notice boards, particularly those demarcating the Invertebrate Reserves (and erection of notice boards at each Invertebrate Reserve marker points), school tour groups, illustrated talks given by research scientists and members of the forum technical working groups and transfer of research findings / monitoring plan results on a regular basis into publicly available, easily understandable documents (in, for instance, local newspapers and popular science articles).

• The People and Conservation initiatives run by SANParks should continue, and be expanded to public awareness campaigns aimed at all user groups and age groups.

• The empowerment of local catch monitors and local conservation officers who must be aware of the conservation and living resources goals of the estuary operational plan

• Research projects aimed at enhancing our knowledge of the Knysna system and thus the efficacy of the EMP through amended Management Action Plans (MAPs) and monitoring programmes.

4.2.5 Non-consumptive Use and Sustainable Livelihoods (L5) The role of the estuary in creating jobs (Sustainable Livelihoods) will become more important as the population of Knysna grows, and the tourism market moves towards a non-consumptive based approach. SANParks must:

• Ensure compliance of all existing and planned non-consumptive uses with the Conservation and Living Resources regulations in this plan, and with the proposed social density and zonation restrictions;

• Have input into decisions about what level of consumptive and non-consumptive use of the estuary and it living resources will be supported and permitted and incorporate these into the Estuary Operational Plan, as well as of the sustainability of these uses (livelihoods);

• In consultation with the local communities, the municipality, socio-economic based organisations and the tourism industry, explore and promote the development of new non-consumptive initiatives (including canoe trails, bird watching, hiking trails, tours of historical and cultural interest etc.) that will benefit previously disadvantaged communities (PDCs) and that will comply with the Conservation and Living Resources legislation (for the purpose of this plan) that regulate against potential impacts on the estuarine area, its inhabitants and users.



4.3 Responsibilities and Resources At present the responsibility for managing estuaries lies with SANParks, as referred to in section 57 of the NEMPAA and the Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna National Lake Area Issued in Terms of Section 86(1) of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003. However, the estuary represents the lowest point in Knysna and runoff and wastewater in its immediate surrounds gravitate toward the estuary. SANParks ability to monitor, manage and control the sources of water / wastewater that enter the estuary is limited due to the scope of its mandate and shear number and diversity of such sources. The Knysna Municipality thus has a role to play in regulating wastewater release into the estuary, as does the Eden District Municipality: Environmental Health Department who are charged with ensuring the health of Knysna’s citizens and tourists in the area. Further, the Knysna and Eden Municipalities environmental conservation and town planning divisions will have key roles as they can provide guidance and ensure compliance with regards the local SDF and IDP frameworks. SANParks, through the implementation of Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna National Lake Area Issued in terms of Section 86(1) of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Sections 6(1) – (7), 16(1) – (5), 17(1) – (5)), will have developmental authorization capacity in the biological control area (area comprising the water area, a water resource and State land within the Knysna National Lake Area. If the plan is not used to guide the SDF and ultimately incorporated into the IDP then its objectives and vision will never be realized. Although the ICMA provides the legal context for need for an Estuary Management Plan, it is the responsibility of individual municipalities to ensure they embrace the ideals of the plan and fulfil their obligation to ensure its successful implementation via the SDF and IDP. Once the Operational Plan is incorporated into the Garden Route National Park Management Plan, it will have further legal context through the NEM:PAA. DWAF are responsible for catchment related issues and water quantity & quality requirements, while a combination of other government agencies are indirectly involved via responsibilities associated with legislation that regulates activities that may impact on the estuarine area and its resources (living and non-living). These include national DEA&T: MCM, DEA-DP (NEMA & EIA regulations), Department of Agriculture (CARA), SAHRA (NHRA) and local & district municipalities (SDFs & IDPs). All management actions detailed in the MAPs need to be executed within the legal or policy frameworks that are described by these Acts. Some may only be enforced by representatives from the relevant government agency, but others may be enforced by staff appointed in terms of regulations in the Act to act on behalf of a specific agency. 5. Monitoring and evaluation There are two components to monitoring, namely baseline measurement programmes and long-term monitoring programmes, and it is important to note the difference between them in the context of the Estuary Management Plan framework (Taljaard & van Niekerk 2007b). Baseline measurement programmes usually refer to short-term or once-off, intensive investigations of a wide range of parameters to obtain a better understanding of ecosystem functioning. Long-term monitoring programmes refer to ongoing data-collection programmes that are done to evaluate continuously the effectiveness of Management Strategies and management actions within MAPs that are designed to maintain a desired environmental state. Data from these programmes is used to determine or anticipate when particular TPCs have been or will be exceeded so that responses to potentially negative impacts, including cumulative effects, can be implemented in good time. Long-term programmes usually involve biotic and abiotic components concerned with the bio-physical aspects such as water quantity & quality, conservation and living resources. Long-term programmes often form part of detailed scientific surveys or research projects conducted by tertiary and research institutions, but they may also take the form of less complex initiatives such as fisheries regulations compliance and activities in the context of the EZP.



5.1 Baseline Programmes A list of baseline monitoring programmes for each of the management actions of the Operational Objectives is provided in Tables 4 and 5 (McGwynne & Adams, 2004). Included is a description of the baseline requirements, spatial & temporal scales, required resources (human and financial) and sampling & analysis. Some aspects of these baseline programmes, e.g. cpue and population (invertebrates and birds) monitoring will also form part of long-term programmes. TPCs will need to be determined once the monitoring programme has been finalised. 5.2 Long-term Monitoring The long-term monitoring programmes described in this section (Table 6, 7 and 8) were initially developed to determine the requirements for the Ecological Reserve and then to assess the effectiveness of the prescribed reserve (see Taljaard & Van Niekerk, 2007b). However, in most instances data from these programmes can also be used as indicators of other management concerns where the Ecological Reserve specifically is not responsible for the observed pattern or scenario. For example, the long-term monitoring of fish could reveal a decline in biodiversity or species richness that could be due to Resource Quality Objective parameters but could equally be due to human activities such as fishing, episodic events causing habitat change, seasonal migrations, national trends in fish populations or large-scale fluctuations in climate. Unlike many of the baseline programmes where data can be gathered and in many instances analyzed by SANParks members, long-term monitoring programmes tend to be the responsibility of government departments such as DWAF and DEAT who usually contract the services of tertiary & research institutes such as CSIR, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), Knysna Basin Project and Universities. However, at all times SANParks should be involved so as to ensure that programmes will be beneficial to the effective implementation of the Estuary Management Operational Plan. Long-term monitoring programmes will need to be aligned with current and planned future research projects, such as those that form part of the Estuary Ecological Reserve Study. The generic list of long-term monitoring projects include the following components: hydrology, sediment dynamics, hydrodynamics, water & sediment quality, microalgae, macrophytes, invertebrates, fish and birds. The protocols for carrying out these programmes has been taken from Taljaard & Van Niekerk (2007b) and adapted to suit the Knysna scenario where applicable.



Table 4: Baseline programmes for Conservation (biodiversity, human activities and law enforcement)

CONSERVATION (BIODIVERSITY) Objective Indicator Resources Spatial Scale Temporal Scale Sampling & Analysis

B1: Maintenance of plant communities Area of cover

Human - members of SANParks or municipal environmental officer Budget- cost of aerial and/or reference photographs

The designated estuarine area; should include sand and mudbanks for sediment distribution patterns.

Aerial photographs every 5 years for Situation Assessment; reference photographs bi-annually for seasonal variation at selected sites.

Aerial photos from Dept. of Surveys & Mapping; reference photos from fixed elevated positions at low tide. Surface area of each community type plotted on a map; habitat type and plant cover at reference sites plotted; XY graphs of plant community area for each season over 5-year period.

B2: Control of alien vegetation Area of cover

Human – DWAF Budget - cost of aerial photographs and reference transects

Riparian region within the designated estuarine area and the greater catchment.

Aerial photographs every 5 years for Situation Assessment; reference transects at disturbed sites annually.

Aerial photos from Dept. of Surveys & Mapping; reference transects at disturbed or cleared sites. Surface area of indigenous & alien vegetation plotted on a map every 5 years; XY graphs of vegetation type against year in disturbed areas to track recovery.

B3: Maintenance of invertebrate populations (mudprawn, sandprawn and bloodworm)

Population densities

Human - members of SANParks; more likely students or staff from tertiary or research institute Budget - research funding from tertiary or research institutions

Several representative habitats for major invertebrate species; including control sites where human activities are excluded.

Seasonal; recommendation for mudprawn is January, June & September.

Random quadrats above low spring tide level wherenumber of burrows are counted; seasonal sampling to include breeding and recruitment seasons. Baseline data set may be set up after 2 years; plot XY graphs of number of burrows against time of year. Reasons for decrease may not be human induced and could be due to natural variation.

B4: Maintenance of waterbird populations

Species richness Human - members of SANParks and Lakes Bird Club; students or staff from tertiary or research institute Budget -research funding from tertiary or research institutions; subsidy from CWAC at UCT

Reference sites in the prominent bird saltmarshes.

Twice yearly in winter (June-July) and summer (January-February).

Counts to be done over spring low tide period and outside peak disturbance periods and record prevailing conditions; counting areas mapped and representative of a range of estuary habitat types. Plot species richness, diversity and numbers against time of year and habitat type; long-term period (5 to 10 years) is required to allow for detection of natural fluctuations; detailed analysis to be done by CWAC.

Species diversity

Bird numbers

B5: Maintenance of fish populations

CPUE

Human - DEAT:MCM catch monitors; students or staff from tertiary or research institute Budget - research funding from tertiary or research institutions; funding from DEAT for increased catch monitor capacity

Water body within the designated estuarine area.

Ongoing for catch monitors; research project comprising fishery survey to be conducted every 5 years.

Boat inspections and shore patrols in the form of roving creel surveys; access point inspections; weekdays, weekends and holidays to be included; catch (number & weight) and time fished is relevant data. CPUE to be plotted against time for each species; analysis of research data and catch monitors data can be combined.

B6: Maintenance of estuarine habitats

Area of cover and degree of fragmentation

Human - members of SANParks or municipal environmental officer Budget- cost of aerial and/or reference photographs (already accounted for in B1)

Designated estuarine area.

Aerial photographs every 5 years for Situation Assessment; reference photographs bi-annually for seasonal variation at selected sites.

Use same photos as described for B1. Data is analyzed and presented as for B1, i.e. habitat types plotted on map and XY graphs for each habitat type for each season over 5-year period. Loss of habitat may be due to human activities or natural cycles.

B7: Protect estuarine habitats in formally protected areas

Proportion of various habitat types under protection

Human - DEAT:MCM or municipal environmental officer; specialist consultant for analysis Budget - DEAT or C.A.P.E. funding for cost of survey, annotated maps or photos and specialist analysis

Designated estuarine area and sanctuary areas in other CFR estuaries.

Annotated maps or aerial photographs every 5 years.

Aerial photos from B1 and B6 can be used and annotated with habitat type and extent within formally protected areas. Analysis needs to be done in the context of habitat types protected in other CFR estuaries and should be done by DEAT or C.A.P.E.



Table 4 continued

CONSERVATION (Human Activities) Objective Indicator Resources Spatial Scale Temporal Scale Sampling & Analysis

HA1: Ensure carrying capacity of estuary is not exceeded

Number of recreational users in each zone

Human - members of SANParks or municipal environmental officer Budget- counts can be done as part of normal daily activities or responsibilities, i.e. no additional cost

Designated estuarine area; may be limited to specific zones based on type of activity in accordance with the EZP.

Twice a month outside of peak periods (weekday and weekend day) and once a week during peak holiday periods.

Count number of people engaged in each activity; record number of activities and associated users. Plot number of users in each activity against time of year and compare to carrying capacity values.

HA2: Control human activities that impact on invertebrate (bait organism) populations

Population densities Human - MLRA appointed personnel; members of SANParks; students or staff from tertiary or research instituteBudget - research funding from tertiary or research institutions

Designated estuarine area. Once a week during the neap and spring-tide cycles for population density; and daily for compliance.

Weekly surveys over low tide to record number of collectors, collection methods, adherence to bag limits and licenses; random quadrats to determine densities (use data from B3 research surveys). Plot XY graph of densities to time of year and relate to number of users and level of compliance; plot XY graph of instances of non-compliance with time of year and bait organism.

Compliance with regulations (bag limits, collecting methods, licenses, closed areas)

HA3: Protect linefish and bait organism populations by restricting fishing competitions

Number of competitions and participants

Human - members of SANParks; DEAT catch monitors; municipal environmental officer; launch site managers; and angling club committees Budget -counts can be done as part of normal daily activities or responsibilities, i.e. no additional cost

Designated estuarine area, in particular launch sites.

Once a year when applications to hold competitions are submitted to municipality.

Record number of competitions and number of participants (boats and anglers). Plot XY graph of each against time of year over a 5-year period.

HA4: Reduce the amount of litter (solid waste) within the estuarine area

Volume of litter measured in standard garbage bags.

Human – members of SANParks; municipal environmental officer Budget- can be done as part of normal daily activities or responsibilities, i.e. no additional cost.

Designated estuarine area, in particular the water body and immediate riparian area.

During or after each organized event; at least once a month during peak periods; and twice during the year outside of peak periods.

Record number of standard garbage bags filled with litter after organized events, during peak periods and during the year. Plot XY graph of volume against time of year and related activity.

CONSERVATION (Law Enforcement) Objective Indicator Resources Spatial Scale Temporal Scale Sampling & Analysis

LE1: Improve law enforcement capacity.

Incidence of non-compliance and high conviction rate

Human - MLRA appointed officialsBudget - can be done as part of normal daily activities or responsibilities, i.e. no additional cost.

Designated estuarine area. Once a year. Record type of offence, number of offences, number of arrests and successful convictions. Plot these incidences against each year over a 5-year period.

LE2: Compliance with RODs issued as part of EIA process.

Incidence of non-compliance

Human - DWAF & DEA-DP officials; independent environmental control officer appointed in terms of the ROD;SANParks members as registered IAPsBudget - part of normal responsibilities for government departments; developer pays for environmental control officer

Designated estuarine area. Depends on number of developments and RODs issued.

Record number and type of developments approved; note activities of environmental site officer and incidents of non-compliance with the ROD conditions. Data should be tabulated and presented to authorities for analysis and further action against non-compliant developers.



Table 5: Baseline programmes for Exploitation of Living Resources (including Mariculture)

EXPLOITATION OF LIVING RESOURCES Objective Indicator and TPC Resources Required Spatial Scale Temporal Scale Sampling and Analysis

E1: Ensure sanctity of sanctuary area through compliance monitoring. Incidence of non-compliance

Human - DEAT:MCM or SANParks and MLRA appointed personnel; SANParks members and general public to report incidents of non-compliance Budget - part of daily responsibilities for SANParks and MLRA appointed personnel

Designated sanctuary area (invertebrate reserve).

Daily by SANParks and MLRA appointed personnel; incident reporting by EMF members and general public is on ad hoc basis.

All SANParks and MLRA appointed personnel and EMF members can monitor compliance during normal daily patrols or activities. Incidents of non-compliance can be recorded for each month and user group and plotted against years for a 5-year period. Analysis can be done by SANParks, EMF executive or fishery researcher as part of fishery survey.

E2: Maintenance of viable bait organism populations. Population densities

Human - DEAT:MCM or SANParks and research institute personnel Budget - part of daily responsibilities for DEAT:MCM or SANParks; research funds


Population densities three times a year (January, June & September) during spring-tide cycles.

Random quadrats above spring low tide level - count number of burrows; seasonal sampling includes breeding and recruitment (larval settling) periods. Baseline data may require a 2-year survey. Plot XY graph of densities/number of burrows against time of year and relate to number of users and level of compliance (note that declines in density may not be due to collection activities).

E3: Maintenance of fish populations. CPUE

Human - DEAT:MCM or SANParks and other MLRA appointed catch monitors; students or staff from tertiary or research institute Budget - part of daily responsibility for DEAT:MCM or SANParks; research funding from tertiary or research institutions

Water body within the designated estuarine area.

Ongoing for SANParks and MLRA appointed staff; research project comprising fishery survey to be conducted every 5 years.

Boat inspections and shore patrols in the form of roving creel surveys and access point inspections; weekdays, weekends and holidays to be included; catch (number & weight) and time fished is relevant data. CPUE to be plotted against time for each species; analysis of research data and MLRA appointed personnel survey data can be combined.

E4: Restrict number of competitions and participants and maintain high level of compliance with MLRA regulations and competition-specific rules.

Number of competitions & participants

Human - SANParks; MLRA appointed personnel; angling club committee members Budget - part of current responsibilities for MLRA appointed staff; any expenses by SANParks executive to be covered by competition levies


Compliance during each competition; number of competitions to be decided at the start of each year.

Compliance with regulations to be recorded for each competition and plotted against years over a 5-year period. Record number of competitions and number of participants (boats and anglers). Plot XY graph of each against time of year over a 5-year period. Data can be analysed by a researcher as part of the five-yearly fishery survey.



Table 5 continued

MARICULTURE Objective Indicator and TPC Resources Required Spatial Scale Temporal Scale Sampling and Analysis

M1: Ensure compliance by the KOC with all aspects relating to ROD and operational requirements

Indicator for nutrient levels are chlorophyll-a and macrophyte growth

Human - Environmental site officer and KOC staff; SANParks; tertiary & research institutions Budget - KOC; C.A.P.E.; research funding from tertiary or research institutions

Weekly samples for chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen plus additional seasonal samples as part of water quality monitoring; macrophyte growth assessed once a year as part of plant community monitoring.

Water samples to be taken at prescribed times and sent for analysis at independent certified laboratory. Macrophyte growth to be assessed yearly from aerial photographs or reference photos taken from vantage points; results to be plotted against month or year over a five-year period; data can be combined or coordinated with research efforts that are part of long-term monitoring programmes.

Dissolved oxygen

Weekly samples for dissolved oxygen plus additional seasonal samples as part of water quality monitoring.

Presence of dead or alive culture organisms outside concession area

Monthly

Visual surveys conducted using snorkeling gear monthly to detect stray organisms; record and plot frequency of occurrence and numbers against month for each year over a 5-year period.

Culture-related activities outside of concession area

Ad hoc

Sampling is conducted on an ad hoc basis during the course of performing other duties or responsibilities; frequency of incidents to be plotted against time over a 5-year period.

Number of reports from other estuarine users with regards visual impacts

Ongoing

Complaints must be recorded and independently assessed by the EMF executive or SAN Parks; frequency of occurrence of complaints for the same issue to be recorded against time over a 5-year period.

Compliance record with ROD conditions Ongoing

Incidents of non-compliance with ROD conditions to be recorded for each year and plotted against time over a 5-year period.



Table 6: Long-term monitoring programmes for hydrology, sediment dynamics, hydrodynamics and water & sediment quality

HYDROLOGY SAMPLING PROCEDURE SPATIAL SCALE TEMPORAL SCALE COMMENTS

Simulated data for runoff and flood hydrographs. Head of the estuary.

Runoff - average monthly flows over a 50 to 80 year period. Flood hydrographs - hourly flows for duration of flood.

Used for initial reserve determination and not long-term monitoring

SEDIMENT DYNAMICS

Sediment grabs for particle analysis. Entire estuary at 1000m intervals.

Every 5 years and after flood events.

Difference between long-term equilibrium patterns and short term variations need to be determined. Sediment processes are better monitored over the long-term and floods may be infrequent and their effects only recorded in the long-term.

Sediment cores for historical characterization.

Entire estuary at 1000m intervals elsewhere.

Bathymetric surveys for mouth dynamics and cross-sectional profiles.

Entire estuary at 1000m intervals elsewhere.

Sediment loads. Head of the estuary. Ideally daily records; once per week may suffice.

HYDRODYNAMICS Record river inflow at flow-gauging station. Head of the estuary.

Continuous. Construction of flow-gauging weirs must not impede migratory movements of aquatic organisms. Baseline data for inflow and water level are required for initial reserve determination and a minimum 5-year data set is recommended.

Record water level. Mouth area and four stations along estuary length.

Aerial photographs. Entire estuary if possible otherwise mouth area.

Annually.

WATER & SEDIMENT QUALITY River inflow - measure system variables, nutrients & toxic substances. Head of the estuary. Monthly.

Water quality parameters depend on riverine and marine waters and biochemical processes. Baseline data for water quality should be obtained from a minimum 5-year data set. Toxic substances accumulate and integrate over time, therefore sediments would provide the best evidence of elevated levels or build-up. Data collection can coincide with biological monitoring programmes to help with interpretation of biotic data.

Nearshore marine environment water quality at the mouth; from literature.

Immediate vicinity of mouth or general nearshore/surf zone conditions.

N/A

Estuary water quality - measure salinity, temperature, system variables & inorganic nutrients.

Ten stations equally spaced along estuary and one each in river and surf zone.

Seasonal and/or at times during biological surveys.

Measure parameters at effluent discharge sites.

At discharge site prior to entering estuary. Weekly.

Sediment samples for toxic substances (trace metals, hydrocarbons, pesticides & herbicides).

Estuarine area where fine sediments have recently been deposited.

Once every 5 years or after flood events.



Table 7: Long-term monitoring programmes for microalgae, macrophytes and invertebrates

MICROALGAE SAMPLING PROCEDURE SPATIAL SCALE TEMPORAL SCALE COMMENTS

Phytoplankton biomass - duplicate samples at surface and 0.5m depths for chlorophyll-a; cell counts for species composition and distribution.

Ten stations equally spaced from mouth to head of the estuary.

Initially a summer and winter sample two years after EMP implementation; summer and winter samples every three years thereafter.

Combine sampling times when water & sediment quality studies are done; also coincide with invertebrate sampling to help with interpretation of zooplankton data.

Benthic microalgae - intertidal and subtidal samples for chlorophyll-a; determine relative abundance of dominant species.

Measure salinity, inorganic nutrients, sediment particle size distribution & organic content and light penetration at each site.

MACROPHYTES Aerial photographs - record number of plant community types, area covered by each, historical changes in community distribution & size and extent of anthropogenic impacts.

Entire estuary

Initially a summer survey two years after EMP implementation; summer surveys every three years thereafter. If aerial photographs are available for intermediate period these should be analyzed too.

The following plant habitat types are relevant to the Knysna Estuary: open surface water, intertidal sand & mudbanks, submerged macrophyte beds, macroalgae, intertidal & supratidal salt marsh and reed & sedges.

Field data for ground truthing of aerial photographs - record number of plant community types, area covered by each, species list within each community and extent of anthropogenic impacts.

Permanent transects at reference sites to record changes in plant habitats and quadrats to determine percentage change in species composition within communities. Specific data along transects to include elevation and water level, water salinity & turbidity, sediment salinity, composition and moisture content.

At least two transects each in lower and middle reaches covering dominant habitats, e.g. salt marshes, zostera beds and reeds/sedges. Additional transects as needed where communities sensitive to freshwater flow are located.

INVERTEBRATES Zooplankton - quantitative duplicate samples at night during neap tides using net trawls pulled diagonally across the estuary; record species composition and abundance. Collect phytoplankton & benthic microalgae at each site for chlorophyll-a analysis.

One station in the river; other stations within defined salinity zones (0-10ppt, 10-20ppt and 20-35ppt); minimum of ten stations along estuary length. Stations in each zone should include dominant habitats, bird feeding areas and areas vulnerable to changes in river inflow.

Initially a summer and winter sample two years after EMP implementation; summer and winter samples every three years thereafter.

High variability in invertebrate response to flow and rapid changes in community composition and species abundance requires a long-term data set for baseline data. Sampling stations should try overlap macrophyte sites to link invertebrate patterns to habitat types. Coordinate sampling with water & sediment quality surveys for cost-effectiveness and interpretation of patterns.

Benthic invertebrates - subtidal samples collected by grab; intertidal samples using core-sampler or quadrat counts for burrow densities; minimum of five replicates per site. Identify all to species level, record densities and abundance and if Zostera is present. Sediment samples at each site to be analyzed for particle size and organic content.

Macrocrustaceans - replicate quantitative benthic sled samples at same stations used for zooplankton at neap tide; can also set prawn/crab traps overnight (difficult to quantify). Identify to species level and record species composition and abundance.



Table 8: Long-term monitoring programmes for fish and birds

FISH SAMPLING PROCEDURE SPATIAL SCALE TEMPORAL SCALE COMMENTS

Fish community - sampling gear needs to suit habitat types. Seine and gill nets will be primary gear, but also otter trawls (deep channels), cast nets and Fyke nets (strong flow and dense vegetation). Record species composition, abundance, distribution and length frequencies. Sub-samples may be required for feeding, reproduction and genetic studies.

Stations in the river and at least ten spread over representative salinity zones (0-10ppt, 10-20ppt;20-30ppt and 30-35ppt); stations in each zone must include all major habitats.

Initially a summer and winter sample two years after EMP implementation; summer and winter samples every three years thereafter. Additional sampling after any fish kill and two months later.

Non-destructive sampling to be carried out where possible, i.e. measure and release. Multiple gears are required to ensure entire community is sampled. Sampling should coincide with water quality surveys. Fish are good indicator species and respond rapidly to changes in flow regime but may be more tolerant to substances that are harmful to other organisms (plants and invertebrates) and may also not be as susceptible to pollutants or other toxins as they are mobile and can swim away.

Fish behavior - acoustic tagging studies on the dusky kob may be implemented to determine the movement behavior and residency time of large individuals in the Knysna Estuary.

Estuarine area. Intensive surveys during period when acoustic tag is active.

Labour intensive but with clear implications for the resource on a National level. Can form part of a network of estuaries where similar tagging studies are being conducted.

BIRDS

Divide estuary into sections based on habitat type and within each section at low tide record species and abundance (special note of rare or endangered species), state of habitat, level of human activity/disturbance, breeding activity and nesting sites.

Estuarine area and floodplain including surf zone at mouth to beyond backline breakers and 500 m either side of mouth.

Summer and winter count every year.

Sections where counts take place must be labeled as "distance from mouth"; summer counts to be done outside of holiday period, preferably February/March; annual counts are required to detect cycles of variability which may have a three-year periodicity; seasonal counts required for migratory species; collaborate with Lakes Bird Club and club counts; birds are good indicator species for large permanently open estuaries.

5.3 Evaluation Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Estuary Management Operational Plan will become the responsibility of SANParks. Ideally a technical working group responsible for the conservation & living resources components contained in this plan should evaluate the efficiency of the plan in the context of their area of responsibility – this may be achievable through the annual State of Biodiversity and State of Area Integrity Management Assessments. Every five years a specific State-of-the-Estuary Report (Situation Assessment), utilizing the data from monitoring programmes, should be written to determine whether the Vision and Strategic Objectives have been achieved. In a situation where this has not been achieved, SANParks will need to determine which aspects of the Operational Plan need to be altered in order to rectify these shortfalls. Usually this will involve the adaptation of Management Strategies or aspects of the MAPs themselves, although the problem may be with implementation (capacity and finance). Monitoring programmes may also be altered to supply specific data to fill existing knowledge gaps. 6. Research The following research needs that should fill the knowledge gaps and provide supplementary data for monitoring programmes involved with the exploitation of living resources have been identified and should be initiated at the soonest possible moment. SANParks through the Scientific Services division may approach tertiary and research institutions such as Universities, CSIR, SAIAB, SAEON and the Knysna Basin Project to create an awareness of what is required. There may be a degree of overlap with the long-term monitoring programmes defined above.

• Assess the influence of hydrodynamics on the recruitment of both invertebrates and vertebrates into the Knysna Estuary (study should focus on both the influence of marine and freshwater on the recruitment dynamics of estuarine fauna).



• Assess the influence of human disturbances on the population structure of invertebrates associated with submerged beds of macrophytes within the different reaches of the estuary.

• Examine the nutrient dymanics within the estuary, wit particular reference to the role of nutrient cycling within the submerged beds of macrophytes. Clearly the reduction in fresh water inflow into the estuary has been associated with decline in the overall availability of macronutrients within the systems.

• Examine the potential influence of global climate change on the ecosystem dynamics within the estuary. Recent studies suggest that global climate change in likely to be associated with changes in the coastal rainfall and in disturbances in the oceanographic regime, including increases ins ea water temperature. Such changes are likely to be associated with an extension in the home range of several species, including invasive species.

• Fishery survey comprising both bait and fish. Key elements include fishing/collecting effort, cpue, user dynamics, target fish species, catch composition, bait utilization in relation to existing regulations (waste), motivation for using resource, economic value of the fishery, degree of compliance and conflict between different fishing fraternities.

• Invertebrate organisms primarily used for bait. Key elements should include densities (in and outside sanctuary area and in control areas), recovery periods after disturbance (collecting and trampling that alter habitat), community structures before and after disturbance, effect of pollutants in the sediment, mortality due to birds foraging after collection activities, effect on birds by bait collectors (both use same area at low tide) and larval settlement times & location along the tidal cross-section (avoid these areas at specific times).

• The carrying capacity of the estuary needs to be determined so that SANParks can make an informed decision about the numbers of users from each stakeholder group utilizing the system at any given time. Some data can be collected as part of the fishery survey, but some aspects such as sense of place, pollution due to engine emissions and incidents of confrontation between all user groups will need to be addressed by a dedicated project.

• A comparison between biodiversity and habitat health within the sanctuary area compared to the conservation areas in the rest of the system. An aspect that should be included is the response of communities (plant and animal) to freshwater pulses, instream flows and contaminants in order to monitor the efficacy of the recommended RQOs.

7. References Coastal & Environmental Services, 2007: Knysna Estuary Management Plan – Volume I: Situation Assessment, CES, Grahamstown. Knysna Municipality, 2007. Spatial Development Framework: “A Path to a Sustainable Future” FINAL DRAFT REPORT(Version 2.6) Largier, J.L., Attwood, C., Harcourt-Baldwin, J.L. 2000. The hydrographic character of the Knysna Estuary. In: The Knysna Basin Project 1995- 1998 (eds) Hodgson AN, Allanson BR. Transaction of the Royal Society of South Africa 55: 1-237. McGwynne, L. & Adams, J. 2004. Protocols contributing to the management of estuaries in South Africa, with a particular emphasis on the Eastern Cape province. Volume II, Report E, A monitoring protocol for South African estuaries, Water Research Commission Report no. TT 237/04. Taljaard, S. & Van Niekerk, L. 2007a. C.A.P.E. Estuaries Guideline 5: Promoting appropriate water quantity & quality management in estuaries. Taljaard, S. & Van Niekerk, L. 2007b. C.A.P.E. Estuaries Guideline 6: Monitoring programmes for implementation in South African estuaries.



Turpie, J and Clark, B. 2007. Development of a conservation plan for temperate South African estuaries on the basis of biodiversity importance, ecosystem health and economic costs and benefits. C.A.P.E. Regional Estuarine Management Programme. Final Report; August 2007. 125pp. Van Niekerk, L. & Taljaard, S. 2007. Proposed generic framework for Estuarine Management Plans. C.A.P.E. Estuaries Programme.

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