3 Research Studies That Show The Positive Impact OF Marine Protected Areas In SA
Written by: BizCommunity Editor Save to Instapaper
“MPAs provide many benefits for both ocean health and human activities,” he explained. “One benefit is that they enable fish stocks to increase in abundance and biomass and, over time, these spill over into adjacent fished areas, improving catches and ensuring fisheries sustainability.”
He adds that the quality of these conservation areas also gives a clearer idea of what nature looks like when it is not impacted by humans: “This forms a useful ‘control’ which provides a solid foundation for our research into the natural world and the conservation techniques needed.”
Here are three examples of the beneficial impacts of MPAs on the East Coast of SA
Release of a tagged Scotsman in the Pondoland MPA (Photo credit: Paul Cowley)
- The Scotsman
For 16 years, Dr Mann and his team have studied the Pondoland MPA in the Eastern Cape with impressive results. They tagged and released 1,042 Scotsman seabream, recapturing 255 (24%) -- some multiple times. Most (85%) stayed within small home ranges on MPA reefs, proving the no-take zone’s effectiveness in protecting resident fish. The rest (15%) travelled northeast along the KZN coast, likely to spawn, and were later caught by recreational and commercial ski-boat fishers, highlighting how MPAs can support both conservation and local fisheries.
Spawning aggregation of giant kingfish in the Maputo National Park in Mozambique (Photo credit: Ryan Daly)
- Giant Kingfish
To track giant kingfish (GTs), Dr Mann was part of a team that tagged 36 adult fish with acoustic tags along the coast from southern Mozambique to the Eastern Cape over five years. The findings were remarkable: every kingfish visited a spawning site in the Maputo National Park (an MPA) during full moons between November and January each year -- some travelling distances of 632km at speeds of up to 130km a day. After spawning, they returned to individual home ranges, many within MPAs along the KZN and Eastern Cape coast. GTs thus rely on MPAs for their survival, and if we want to continue catching this iconic species in future, we need to look after our MPAs.
Release of a tagged speckled snapper in the iSimangaliso MPA (Photo credit: Bruce Mann).
- iSimangaliso MPA
Can catch-and-release (C&R) help conserve shore angling species? A 20-year study in the iSimangaliso MPA tested this by tagging fish caught by volunteer anglers in zoned areas within the MPA. The findings showed that when best-practice handling was used, C&R angling had minimal impact on most species, but more sensitive species still showed higher post-release mortality, especially with increased angling pressure. The study concluded that while C&R isn’t suitable in strict no-take zones, it offers real conservation value as a buffer around MPAs or in specially zoned areas.
We submit and automate press releases distribution for a range of clients. Our platform brings in automation to 5 social media platforms with engaging hashtags. Our new platform The Pulse, allows premium PR Agencies to have access to our newsletter subscribers.
Latest from
- Get Published Founder Unpacks Brand Perception Vs Reputation To Help Businesses Sharpen Strategy
- Infrastructure Collapse Threatens Future Of Historic Makhanda Amid Ongoing Municipal Challenges
- SIU Wins Pivotal R67m Case Highlighting Systemic Procurement Failures And Legal Precedent
- PRISA’s Paul Reynell Celebrates Authenticity And Humanity In PR On World PR Day 2025
- AI Touted As Key To Solving South Africa’s Water Woes Amid Infrastructure Failures And Resource Loss
- Nashua Redefines Its Brand With OOH And Radio Campaign Spotlighting Total Workspace Solutions
- Groundbreaking Training Initiative Aims To Build Business Acumen Among Next-Gen Crop Advisors
- AfDB’s African Development Fund Targets Capital Market Access To Strengthen Financial Resilience
- Castle Lager Showcases Springbok Friendships In New Series Celebrating Brotherhood And Bond
- Wine Estates Embrace Wellness Trend As Travellers Seek Fitness, Relaxation And Fine Wine In One
- Northern Europe Emerges As A Rising Travel Favourite For South Africans This Summer
- Culture Summit Africa 2025 TO Spotlight The People Behind Africa's Culture-led Companies
- Memorial Events And Corporate Culture- Honouring Employees And Founders
- Babanango Partners With SAM Hospitality To Deliver World-Class Training Across Pan-African Luxury Lodges
- How Corporate Travel Agents Help Businesses Streamline Travel, Ensure Safety And Save On Costs
The Pulse Latest Articles
- There Is A Small Business Funding Readiness Crisis In South Africa (July 30, 2025)
- Young Achievers Shine At The Top Of The Growthpoint Gems Class (July 30, 2025)
- Soaring Demand And Land Scarcity Make Cape Town And Durban Investor Hotspots (July 30, 2025)
- Liezel Van Der Westhuizen On Why Winter Workouts Feel Harder And How To Stay Consistent (July 28, 2025)
- From Eastern Cape To England: Zintle Mpupha’s Road To The Rugby World Cup (July 27, 2025)