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THE SEA WITH ITS ATTRACTION, SHORELINE ABUNDANCE AND SAFETY CONCERNS.

THE SEA WITH ITS ATTRACTION, SHORELINE ABUNDANCE AND SAFETY CONCERNS.

Author: Jill Theunissen
Date: 2023-02-23

Throughout history the Sea and its beckoning shoreline has been a magnetic attraction to mankind. For many a view of the Ocean is an essential need to ensure daily equilibrium..For the inland dweller that holiday to the Seaside with family and friends is an annual celebration. That sweeping vista to the horizon presents the might Ocean, the daily rising and ebbing of the

tides, with the seasonal variances linked to the luna cycles and pendulum of El Nino in thePacific.

Our Coastal Zone present a unique, but fragile, Primary Dune system bordering the Shoreline, composed of Aeolian wind-blown sands which are stabilised by a vital sequence of indigenous plants, often in succession. The Scaevola send down their root anchors, followed by latticing ofNatal Dune Vygie (Carpobrotusdimidiatus), which joins with the swathes of Trailing Gazania (Gazania rigens).Over the hummock discoverTrailing Foxglove (Asystasia gangetica) with blue Bush Violet (Barleria obtusa) and the pioneer Bush Tick-berry,with black berries for birds. The heavily salt laden air currents from the Indian Ocean, sweeping over the Dunes dictates the need for hardy small tree species such as Veld Fig, Amatungulu, BlackBird-berry, and Dune Brides-bush. This protective collar further invites from south to north a range of larger species reaching into the Rear Dune Forest, including Coast Silver-oak another essentialPioneer, but note with care Coast Red-milkwood (Mimusops caffra), which is"Protected". Conservation and reduction of man-made "disturbance"to our Primary Dune Habitat is now critical due to "Climate Change", the rising of the oceans,and with scientific observation that 15% of the World's Coastal Land Resource is now under threat of collapse.

The undisturbed Shorelines display the busy crab populations, rock pools with abundant mussels and oysters. The sharp cry of the Terns in Summer and the Gulls scavenging discarded fish.

The delineation between the Dunes andShoreline is the highest mark of the Tide. The sandy shores or rocky formations fall within the MaritimeZone. The sandy beaches invite many activities for young and old from paddling to surfing, Shore fishing to Free Diving, "Nippers" training to Life Saving.

In each instance the need for SAFETY is a key element. Beaches where there are Shark Nets and Life Guards afford protection.First check the seasonal Tidal activity, the flow of local currents, wind changes and weather warnings. For the Shoreline fisherman

application for permits and/or licenses for harvesting Mussels and/or 'Crayfish are

necessary for compliance. Permits for Local Regulations require respect.

Along the length of our Coastline Marine Protection Areas fall under the Oceanographic Research Institute(ORi) who are protecting our Natural Heritage of over 3800 marine species living in South African Waters and are found no where else in the World. The Coastline embraces three Oceans, and has 10%of the World's Coral species. Coral reefs are recognised to attract fish breeding. TheMPA's offer a breeding sanctuary for many fish species, which in turn boosts our economy and provides a much needed source of protein for all communities. The Coastline presents 290 estuaries which flow into the Oceans. Due to recent high rainfall and flooding in the inland catchments the effluent from the rivers poses one of our greatest threats in terms of waste, pollution and E.Coli contamination.

The evidence of "Trash Islands"have been recorded with an area roughly the size of Bolivia now floating in the Pacific. Where afresh water stream irises from an inland

catchment and thereafter becomes polluted and/or contaminated by any man-made activity, including agriculture, informal settlements, residential and industrial waste, our Sea Shores and Oceans face catastrophe. Less than 8% of our Estuaries are protected by MPA's. Increase in ALL PROTECTED AREAS, together with Legal Action andPenalties should apply with URGENCY. Time and Tide wait for no man!