Richards Bay estuary systems are functioning well
The ongoing research into our local estuarine systems looks at their functionality alongside human activities and interventions
DESPITE modifications and port related activity in the vicinity of Richards Bay and uMhlathuze estuary systems, both are highly productive, well functioning systems offering the full range of estuarine habitats.
This was the sentiment expressed at last week’s estuarine management plan development meeting.
Following extensive and ongoing studies on both these systems, the general overview was positive, with the systems providing important estuarine habitats, including mud flats, reed swamps, mangroves and sea grass.
The greater system is the third most important nationally for estuarine birds and plays a vital role in cob and Zambezi shark populations.
It is also one of only a small number of estuary systems in KZN with sea grass.
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Furthermore, the systems’ habitats play an important role for all fish types, whether estuarine, estuarine-dependant or marine fish.
While there is some contamination within the Richards Bay estuarine system, the overall picture remains positive.
Similarly, while parts of the wetland system surrounding the Richards Bay estuary have been lost to agriculture, causing sediment filters also to be lost, the system remains highly productive.
Following this report-back from Research Group Leader at Coastal Systems Group, Steven Weerst, attendees and stakeholders broke into groups to note their own feedback, including their visions and goals for the system and potential issues, of which over-fishing was one.
Stakeholders’ feedback will be incorporated into a new document which will be discussed at the next meeting set for late September.
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