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Table Mountain National Park

Marine Protected Area

The seas around the Cape Peninsula are rich in marine biodiversity because it is where the cold Benguela and warm Atlantic currents mix. In 2004 the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area (MPA) to help ensure that commercial and recreational use of the ocean is sustainable.

The MPA includes 956km2 of the sea and coastline around the Cape Peninsula from Moullie Point in the North to Muizenberg in the south. While fishing is allowed in the majority of the MPA - subject to Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) permits, regulations and seasons - it also includes six restricted areas with xfive "no take" zones within the MPA where no fishing or extractive activities are allowed, and in the sixth restricted area the Karbonkelberg , only snoek are allowed to be caught deeper than the 35m contour.

These restricted or no-take zones are important breeding and nursery areas for marine life and through leaving these unmolested there will ultimately be an increase in marine stock and threatened species are given a chance to regenerate.

The MPA is run by TMNP in conjunction with Marine and Coastal Management (MCM). TMNP undertakes the administrative and inshore law enforcement and educational activities while MCM is responsible for issuing permits, quotas and law enforcement.

For more information on fishing regulations please visit www.environment.gov.za and visit their marine section or do a search for "Fishing Regulations".

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The 22-strong Marine Team, based at the Signal School above Simon's Town, is faced with the challenge of combating poaching and educating the fishing communities around sustainable use. Poaching is the single biggest threat to our marine environment and has resulted in strict regulations and even out right bans on some recreational activities.

Members of the public are asked to report poaching on 021 786 5656 or 021 957 4700.

For more information on our rich marine biodiversity please contact the Two Oceans Aquarium: www.aquarium.co.za; Aquarium@aquarium.co.za

For information on sustainable use of the oceans please visit: http://www.wwf.org.za/mpa/.



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