Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan

Draft

2017

Knysna Estuarine Management Plan i

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION Document title and version: Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan; Knysna Protected Environment

Project Name: Western Cape Estuary Management Framework and Implementation Plan

Client: Western Cape Government, Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning

Royal HaskoningDHV reference number: MD1819

Authority reference: EADP 1/2015

Compiled by: Version 1: Coastal & Environmental Services (2010) Version 2: Royal HaskoningDHV (2017)

Acknowledgements: Western Cape Government Environmental Affairs & Development Planning Chief Directorate: Environmental Sustainability Directorate: Biodiversity and Coastal Management

Email: [email protected]

Date: July 2017

Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan

DOCUMENT USE

The South African National Estuarine Management Protocol (‘the Protocol’), promulgated in May 2013 under the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (Act No. 24 of 2008, as amended 20141) (ICM Act), sets out the minimum requirements for individual Estuarine Management Plans (EMPs).

In 2013/2014, a review was conducted by the Department of Environmental Affairs: Oceans and Coasts (DEA: O&C)(DEA, 2014) on the existing management plans to ensure, inter alia, the alignment of these plans with the Protocol. This revision of the Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan (previously termed the Low Level Operational Plan), including the Situation Assessment Report and the Management Plan itself, is in response to the comments received during the review process only, to ensure compliance with the minimum requirements for EMPs as per the Protocol. In summary, this entailed:

• Including the results of the Ecological Water Requirement study; • Providing further detail in respect to opportunities and constraints; • Providing further detail on human impacts on the systems; in the Situation Assessment Report; • Updating the terminology as per the Protocol; • Including a summary of the Situation Assessment Report; • Confirm the delineation of the estuary based on the Estuarine Functional Zone; and • Updating the description of institutional capacity and arrangements to manage elements of EMP provided as per the Protocol.

The work of the original authors and input received from stakeholders remains largely unchanged. Historical information and data remains relevant and critically important for estuarine management in the long term and must be updated when new information becomes available. This revision does not represent, or replace, the full 5-year review process required to re-evaluate the applicability of the plan and to provide new information. This process is therefore still required. Nonetheless, this EMP must be considered a living document that should be regularly updated and amended as deemed necessary. Previous issues identified in the 2010 Low Level Operational Plan for SANParks consideration include:

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 Carrying 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;

1 National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Amendment Act (No. 36 of 2014) Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan iii

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, based on SANParks’ adaptive management approach; and 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.

Earlier editions of the Situation Assessment Report and EMP were drafted referring to the government departments in existence at the time. Where feasible, the necessary updates have been made or indicated otherwise.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 of 2008 (ICM Act) outlines the National Estuarine Management Protocol (the Protocol) and associated Estuarine Management Plan (EMP) template, which is to be ultimately applied to all estuaries country wide. The Knysna River 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 Estuarine Management Plan, also termed the Knysna (Lower 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 River estuary has been incorporated into the GRNP. The plan therefore fulfils the requirements of both the ICM Act and the NEM:PAA.

Management of the water body of the Knysna River estuary is aimed at achieving the objectives of Biodiversity Conservation and Resource Utilisation. This is achievable through various detailed Management Objectives designed to optimally utilize financial and human resources. These Management Objectives apply to the Spatial Zonation of the estuary and set measurable standards for the areas outlined in the zonation plan. These Management Objectives are achieved through the action plans presented in this document. Action plans are detailed for:

• Conservation, aimed at protecting biodiversity within the Knysna River estuary by ensuring that the diversity, distribution and abundance of plant, bird, fish and benthic invertebrate communities is maintained or restored through ensuring ecosystem functioning. 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. • Links with terrestrial issues influencing the Knysna River 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 Management Objectives set for the estuary. It is thus essential that collaborative and inclusive governance direct the decision making processes 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.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 PURPOSE AND CONTEXT 1 1.2 SUMMARY OF LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR EMPS 3 1.3 MANDATE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE RMA 4 2 CONSERVATION GOVERNANCE 5 3 SUMMARY OF SITUATION ASSESSMENT 6 4 VISION & OBJECTIVES 11 4.1 VISION 11 4.1 KEY MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES 13 5 SPATIAL ZONATION 13 5.1 GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES 13 5.2 SANCTUARY & CONSERVATION ZONES 16 5.2.1 Conservation Zones 16 5.2.2 Sanctuary Zone 18 5.2.3 Important bio-physical features and recreational activities 19 5.2.4 Rehabilitation zones 24 5.2.5 Land-use, planning provisions and infrastructure 25 5.3 MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES 26 5.3.1 Conservation 26 5.3.2 Exploitation of Living Resources 29 5.3.3 Water quality and quantity 30 5.3.4 Land use and infrastructure planning 32 5.3.5 Institutional and management structures 32 5.3.6 Education and awareness 32 5.3.7 Non-consumptive use of sustainable livelihoods 33 6 MANAGEMENT ACTION PLANS 33 6.1 CONSERVATION 35 6.2 EXPLOITATION OF LIVING RESOURCES 43 6.3 WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY 46 6.4 LAND USE AND INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING 47 6.5 INSTITUTIONAL AND MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES 47 6.6 EDUCATION AND AWARENESS 47 6.7 SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS 48 7 IMPLEMENTATION 49 7.1 KEY ROLE PLAYERS 49 7.1.1 Responsible Management Authority 49 7.1.2 Government Departments and Organs of State 50 7.1.3 Knysna Estuary Advisory Forum (Knysna Estuary Management Forum) 51 7.2 REVIEW AND EVALUATION 52 8 MONITORING & RESEARCH 53 8.1 RESOURCE MONITORING 53 8.1.1 Baseline Programmes 53 8.1.2 Long-term Monitoring 53 Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan vi

8.1.3 Ecological Specifications 54 8.2 RESEARCH 55 9 RECOMMENDATIONS 56 10 REFERENCES 57 APPENDIX 1: RECOMMENDED RESOURCE MONITORING PROGRAMMES 59 APPENDIX 2: ECOLOGICAL SPECIFICATIONS 68

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Location and geographical boundaries of the Knysna River estuary including the 5m topographical contour 2 Figure 2: Key Management Objectives for the Knysna River EMP 13 Figure 3: Map of the Knysna River estuary 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) 15 Figure 4: Broad scale zonation of the Knysna River estuary according to the SANParks zonation system 17 Figure 5: Finer scale zonation of the Knysna River estuary showing different management areas (see Table 1) 18 Figure 6: Overview of important bio-physical features of the Knysna River estuary (Source: Botany Department, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) 22 Figure 7: Important bio-physical features of the Marine Bay of the Knysna River estuary showing decline in important estuarine plants over time (Source: Botany Department, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) 23 Figure 8: Important bio-physical features of the lower and middle basins of the Knysna River estuary showing decline in important estuarine plants over time (Source: Botany Department, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University 24 Figure 9: Spatial implication of the 2m and 4m contour level for Knysna (light blue = current level, dark blue = +4m amsl)(from: Draft Knysna SDF, January 2016) 26 Figure 10: Key role players for the management of the Knysna River estuary 50

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Zones and Management Areas of the Knysna River estuary 20 Table 2: Management Actions for Biodiversity (Conservation) - as detailed in the 2010 version of the Knysna EMP 35 Table 3: Management Actions for Human Activities (Conservation) - as detailed in the 2010 version of the Knysna EMP 40 Table 4: Management Actions for Law Enforcement (Conservation) - as detailed in the 2010 version of the Knysna EMP 42

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Table 5: Management Actions for Exploitation of Living Resources - as detailed in the 2010 version of the Knysna EMP 43 Table 6: Baseline monitoring programmes for Conservation (biodiversity, human activities and law enforcement) 59 Table 7: Additional baseline monitoring programmes for Water Quantity, Quality and Sediment (DWA, 2010) 61 Table 8: Baseline programmes for Exploitation of Living Resources (including Mariculture) 63 Table 9: Long-term monitoring programmes for hydrology, sediment dynamics, hydrodynamics and water & sediment quality 65 Table 10: Long-term monitoring programmes for microalgae, macrophytes and invertebrates 66 Table 11: Long-term monitoring programmes for fish and birds 67 Table 12: Ecological Specifications and Thresholds of Potential Concern (TPC) for a Category B Knysna Estuary (DWA, 2010) 68

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ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS

BA Basic Assessment BAS Best Attainable State C.A.P.E. Cape Action for the People and the Environment CapeNature Western Cape Nature Conservation Board CARA Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act 43 of 1983) CBD Central Business District CBO Community Based Organization CES Coastal & Environmental Services CFR Cape Floristic Region CMA Catchment Management Agency CMP Coastal Management Programme CMS Catchment Management Strategy CSIR Council for Scientific & Industrial Research cpue Catch-per-unit-effort CPZ Coastal Protection Zone CWAC Co-ordinated Waterbird Counts DAFF Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries DEA&DP Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning Department of Environmental Affairs (formerly Department of Environmental Affairs DEA / DEAT & Tourism, DEAT) Department of Environmental Affairs: Oceans & Coasts Branch (formerly Marine & DEA:O&C Coastal Management, MCM) DWS / DWAF Department of Water & Sanitation (formerly Department of Water Affairs, DWA / & / DWA Forestry, DWAF) EA Environmental Authorisation (previously Record of Decision, ROD) EAF Estuary Advisory Forum EcoSpecs Ecological Specifications EDM Eden District Municipality EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Estuarine Management Plan EPA Estuarine Protected Area EZP Estuarine Zonation Plan GIS Geographic Information System GRNP Garden Route National Park IBA Important Birding Area iCAN integrated Conservation Area Network ICM Act Integrated Coastal Management Act (Act No. 24 of 2008) IDP Integrated Development Plan ISP Internal Strategic Perspectives KEPMAP Knysna Estuary Pollution Management Action Plan KLM Knysna Local Municipality KMOSS Knysna Municipality Open Space System KOC Knysna Oyster Company

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MAR Mean Annual Runoff MEC Minister of Executive Council MLRA Marine Living Resources Act (Act No.18 of 1998) MSL Mean Sea Level NEMA National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) NEM:BA National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004) NEM: PAA National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act No. 57 of 2003) The Protocol National Estuarine Management Protocol NGO Non-governmental Organization NHRA National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999) NWA National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) NWRS National Water Resource Strategy PDC Previously Disadvantaged Community PES Present Ecological State RDM Resource Directed Measures REC Recommended Ecological Categories RMA Responsible Management Authority SABAP South African Bird Atlas Project SAEON South African Environmental Observation Network SAHRA South African Heritage Resources Agency SAIAB South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity SANParks South African National Parks SDF Spatial Development Framework SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SSC Species of Special Concern TL Total Length TPC Threshold of Potential Concern WfC Working for the Coast Programme WSDP Water Service Development Plan WUA Water User Association

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose and Context The urgent need for Estuarine Management Plans (EMPs) became apparent during the development of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act No. 24 of 2008 (as amended) (ICM Act). 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 ICM Act, which outlines a National Estuarine Management Protocol (Protocol). The Protocol identifies the need for the development of EMPs, as these would help to align and coordinate estuary management at a local level.

The Knysna River estuary was originally proclaimed as part of the Knysna National Lake Area under the Lake Areas Development Act on 13 December 1985. The National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act No. 57 of 2003 (as amended) (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 (Figure 1) as per NEM:PAA. South African National Parks (SANParks) is the designated management authority of the Knysna Protected Environment, as referred to in Section 57 of the NEM:PAA. A set of Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 32797, December 2009) have been published, outlining SANParks’ authority within the Knysna Protected Environment – these regulations have been incorporated into this document. SANParks also leads a forum which acts in the capacity of the Estuarine Advisory Forum (EAF) in line with the Protocol of the ICM Act.

The Knysna Protected Environment also falls within the greater borders of the proclaimed Garden Route National Park (GRNP). The required GRNP Management Plan will therefore need to align with (but not include) the Knysna River EMP, and vice versa.

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Figure 1: Location and geographical boundaries of the Knysna River estuary including the 5m topographical contour

The purpose of the Knysna River EMP is to inform the management actions pertaining to the water area and development control area; as defined in Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 32797, December 2009, issued in terms of Section 86(1) of the NEM:PAA, 2003) of the Knysna River 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); and • Links with terrestrial issues influencing the Knysna River 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 Management 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.

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1.2 Summary of Legal Framework for EMPs Chapter 4 of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (No. 24 of 2008, as amended by Act 36 of 2014) (ICM Act), aims to facilitate the efficient and coordinated management of all estuaries, in accordance with: a) The Protocol (Section 33) approved by the Ministers responsible for the environment and water affairs; and b) Estuarine management plans (EMPs) for individual estuaries (Section 34). The Protocol, promulgated in 2013, provides a national policy for estuarine management and guides the development of individual EMPs. It must be ensured that the EMPs are aligned with the Protocol and the National Coastal Management Programme (CMP) (DEA, 2014). The Protocol lays out the following: a) The strategic vision and objectives for achieving effective integrated management of estuaries in South Africa; b) The standards for the management of estuaries; c) The procedures regarding how estuaries must be managed and how the management responsibilities are to be exercised by different organs of state and other parties; d) The minimum requirements for EMPs; e) Who must prepare EMPs and the process to be followed in doing so2; and f) The process for reviewing EMPs to ensure that they comply with the requirements of the ICM Act. One of the pillars of successful integrated coastal (including estuarine) management is the establishment of effective institutional arrangements to underpin both cooperative government and cooperative governance. Cooperative governance is a system that allows government and civil society to communicate and contribute to shared responsibility in respect of coastal management objectives and must be well-organized and widely representative of all coastal stakeholders. The ICM Act details the institutional arrangements that will contribute to cooperative coastal management in South Africa. These arrangements are made at national, provincial and municipal government levels, and the embodiment of cooperative coastal governance is vested in what will be known as coastal committees. The ICM Act provides for the permissive, i.e. if so required, establishment of municipal coastal committees, but at a national and provincial level however, the Minister and MECs of coastal provinces are directed to establish national and provincial coastal committees, respectively. Provincial coastal committees were required to be established within one year of the commencement of the ICM Act. The National Coastal Committee (the MINTEC Working Group 8) was established by the Minister, and its powers determined by notice in the Government Gazette. It is supported administratively by the National Department of Environmental Affairs. The Premier of each coastal province is required to identify a lead agency (organ of state) that is responsible for

2 The National Estuarine Management Protocol identifies SANParks as the management authority responsible for developing and co-ordinating implementation of the Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 3

the coordination, monitoring and implementation of the provincial coastal management programme, monitoring the state of the environment in the coastal zone, and identifying relevant trends and priority issues. The lead agency for coastal management is directly responsible to the MEC. IN the Western Cape, the lead agency is the Western Cape Department of Environment and Development Planning (DEA&DP). Each metropolitan, district or local municipality which has jurisdiction over the coastal zone may establish a municipal coastal committee. The establishment of Municipal Coastal Committees is discretionary. The lowest tier of institutional arrangements for estuarine management comprises the Responsible Management Authority (RMA) and the estuary advisory forums. The role of the estuary advisory forum is to act as the hub which links all stakeholders, including both organs of state and civil society, so as to facilitate cooperative management and effective governance in terms of the EMPs, as well as facilitate and monitor implementation of an EMP.

1.3 Mandate and responsibilities of the RMA

The Protocol identifies SANParks as the management authority responsible for developing and co-ordinating the implementation of the Knysna River EMP, as the entire estuary is contained within the Knysna Protected Environment, within the Knysna Local Municipality (Figure 1).

The RMA is responsible for overall co-ordination of the actions of other implementing agencies, and not the implementation actions themselves. Section 7.3 of the Protocol indicates that:

“…management actions…shall be translated into project plans by the responsible government department that is responsible for certain aspects of estuary management (as per legislative mandates) …”

Specifically, the RMA responsibilities are described by the Protocol as:

Section 5: “…authorities are responsible for the development of EMPs and coordination of the implementation process…”

Section 5(7)(e): “The identified responsible management authority to development the EMP needs to budget accordingly for the development of these plans.”

Section 8(1): “The responsible management authority developing an EMP must actively engage all the relevant stakeholders including government departments, non-government organisations and civil society in the development and implementation of the EMP.”

Section 9.1(1) and 9.2: “…it must obtain formal approval for the EMP…” and “Once approved…the EMP shall be formally adopted by the responsible management authority and signed by the head of the responsible management authority.”

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The responsible body contemplated in Section 33(3)(e) of the ICM Act who develops an EMP must:

a) follow a public participation process in accordance with Part 5 of Chapter 6 of the ICM Act; b) ensure that the EMP and the process by which it is developed are consistent with: i) the Protocol; and ii) the National CMP and with the applicable provincial CMP and CMP referred to in Parts 1, 2 and 3 of Chapter 6 of the ICM Act; c) If applicable, ensure that relevant legislation is enacted to implement the EMP; and d) Submit an annual report to the Minister on the implementation of the EMP, the legislation and any other matter.

Coordination of the implementation actions by the RMA and its strategic partners (DEA, Eden District Municipality (EDM), Knysna Local Municipality, Western Cape Provincial Government, Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF)), will be supported by the Knysna Estuary Management (Advisory) Forum (KEMF) representing all key stakeholder groups on the 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); • Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 32797, December 2009) – 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); and • White Paper for Sustainable Coastal Development (1998, Section C, Chapter 10).

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Local guidelines:

• Knysna Municipality Spatial Development Framework and Integrated Development Plan; and • All legislation referred to in any Environmental Authorisation issued by the competent authority – this will vary according to the nature of development or activity.

3 SUMMARY OF SITUATION ASSESSMENT

INTRODUCTION Estuarine ecosystems are not isolated systems. They form an interface between marine and freshwater systems and are part of regional, national and global ecosystems either directly via water flows or indirectly through the movement of fauna. In addition to the biota that these estuaries support, they provide a range of goods and services (uses) to the inhabitants of the various regions. Disturbances in one estuary can influence a wide variety of habitats and organisms in the broader freshwater or marine ecosystem. Thus, the interaction between the systems and users creates a delicate balance, the sustainability of which needs to be addressed by some form of management plan.

LEGAL REVIEW Information has been provided at a range of levels of detail, on a variety of regulatory instruments - legislation, regulations, strategies, plans and guidelines. This includes the National Environmental Management Act, its environmental impact assessment regulations, and most importantly its Integrated Coastal Management Act (No. 24 of 2008, as amended by Act 36 of 2014)(ICM Act) which aims to facilitate the efficient and coordinated management of all estuaries, in accordance with the National Estuarine Management Protocol and the development of estuarine management plans for individual estuaries. The Protocol, promulgated in 2013, provides a national policy for estuarine management and guides the development of individual estuarine management plans. It must be ensured that the estuarine management plans are aligned with the Protocol and the National Coastal Management Programme. Additional detail is provided on the Western Cape Coastal Management Programme as well as the Eden District Coastal Management Programme.

The National Water Act, Act No 36 of 1998, is unpacked in detail in respect to its application to the Knysna River estuary3. Other legislative instruments discussed include the Marine Living Resources Act (18 of 1998), the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (43 of 1983), the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (10 of 2004), the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (57 of 2003) and finally municipal by- laws. The suite of laws relating to estuaries provides a number of provisions that can be invoked to contribute to the sustainable management of the estuary. However, the extent to which the laws will prove to be useful will depend intimately on the extent to which their

3 Historically, the estuary was known as the ‘Knysna Lagoon’, but for the purposes of this study the legally correct technical term ‘estuary’, as defined in the ICM Act, is used throughout. Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 6

provisions can be effectively implemented and enforced. This, in turn, will depend on the effectiveness of the institutions through which the provisions, and financial resources, are channelled.

The national and provincial strategy documents are discussed and framed in relatively high level, strategic terms, and language. These documents include the National Water Resource Strategy as well as Catchment Management Strategy, the Western Cape Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, the Climate change strategy and action plan for the Western Cape, the Knysna Integrated Development Plan 2012-2017, spatial development framework and water services development plan.

Institutional structures governing estuarine issues are thereafter discussed, specifically those proposed in the ICM Act. In terms of management of the estuary, SANParks manages the system as a Protected Environment in terms of Section 55 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act No 57 of 2003. There are various forums that exist in and around Knysna with an active interest in the management of the estuary, as well as the catchment. These include the Knysna Catchment Management Forum and the Knysna Environmental Management Forum.

BIO-PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Introduction The Knysna River estuary is classified as an estuarine bay, one of the rarest estuarine types in South Africa, with Durban Bay and Richards Bay being the only other estuaries with this classification. The total surface area of the bay is estimated at 1827 hectares. The channel of the estuary is ~ 19 km long and 2 km wide. The estuary is navigable by small craft over almost its entire length. The main source of freshwater in the estuary is derived from the Knysna River catchment which has an annual rainfall of ~ 928 x 106 m3/a. Maximum rainfall typically occurs during summer. The Knysna River estuary is home to a number of critically endangered and endangered fish and invertebrate species including the Knysna seahorse (Hippocampus capensis), the pulmonate limpet, Siphonaria compressa, and the Pansy shell (Echinodiscus bisperforatus). As a consequence, the Knysna River estuary ranks the highest in South Africa in terms of conservation importance and the preservation of its ecosystem function and processes would ensure that nearly 43% of South Africa estuarine biodiversity is conserved.

Hydrological characteristics Water contained within the estuary basin is primarily renewed by the action of tides, and to a lesser extent river inflow. The lower and middle reaches of the estuary are marine dominated and their ecology and structure are determined by the ebb and flow of the large tidal prism that enters through the Knysna heads twice daily.

Physico-chemical variables Water temperatures with the estuary demonstrate a strong seasonal pattern with maximum temperatures recorded during summer and minimum values during winter. The temperature regime within the estuary is, however, modified by the intrusion of colder marine water derived from coastal upwelling into the system during summer. Salinities within the estuary Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 7

range from freshwater to hypersaline within the upper reaches of the estuary during periods of drought. A distinct salinity differentiation in is evident with marine waters dominating in the lower and middle reaches of the estuary and freshwater in the upper reaches.

Sediments The substratum of the Knysna River estuary comprises mainly unconsolidated sandy sediments, which are largely distributed on extensive inter- and subtidal sandbanks along the edge of the channels. The sediments are marine, fluvial and aeolian in origin.

Nutrient dynamics Overall, the Knysna River estuary can be considered as a nutrient poor (oligotrophic) system largely due to the large volumes of nutrient poor marine waters that pass through the heads twice daily. Associated with the oligotrophic status of the system is high water clarity.

Plankton Results of numerous studies indicate that total phytoplankton biomass within the estuary is low, which can be linked to the low macronutrient availability within the system. The zooplankton community structure within the Knysna River estuary demonstrates strong spatial patterns reflecting the hydrodynamics and salinity profile of the system.

Intertidal wetlands The total surface area of the intertidal wetlands in the Knysna River estuary has been estimated at 1000 hectares and is second only to Langebaan Lagoon on the west coast of southern Africa. The intertidal wetlands are an important component of the estuarine ecosystem as they act as a nutrient sink, provide an important habitat for numerous invertebrates and vertebrates and are an important source of detritus. Intertidal vegetation, specifically the Zostera capensis (eelgrass) beds have been significantly impacted by the proliferation of the floating macroalgae, Ulva lactuca in response to high levels of nutrients in the water column and sediments.

Benthic macrofauna Although there have been little changes in the species richness in the estuary over the past 50 years; the benthic macrofauna diversity has increased. The benthic macrofauna within the estuary comprises crabs, prawns, bivalves, isopods and gastropods with 310 species recorded in the estuary. Macrobenthic communities were distinguished according to their salinity preferences with five communities identified, namely: freshwater, stenohaline, euryhaline, estuarine and migratory communities.

Ichthyofauna The Knysna River estuary is characterized as an estuarine bay and historically more than 200 species of fish have been recorded in the Knysna River estuary. The Knysna River estuary accommodates a plethora of fish species, both marine and freshwater. Latest surveys indicate that there are 25 families of osteichthyes, of which 23 are marine and two freshwater groups. These total over 50 species of fish, rays and skates within the Knysna River estuary. Endangered species found within the estuary include the Knysna seahorse and the white Steenbras. Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 8

Avifauna The Knysna area is host to 267 bird species (SABAP), of which 125 species are breeding. Four of the seven forest species that occur in South Africa have been recorded here. Additionally, five of the nine fynbos species that occur in South Africa have also been recorded in and around Knysna. A total of 67 waterbird species inhabit the areas surrounding the Knysna River estuary. Of the total 267 species, 11 are vulnerable and 18 are near threatened (SABAP).

SOCIO-ECONOMIC DESCRIPTION

Description of the Socio-Economic Environment The Greater Knysna Municipal Area is made up of socially and racially diverse communities, and due to in-migration to the area, has experienced a rapid growth of a predominantly poor population. Knysna and Sedgefield are the two primary urban settlements where the main retail and commercial activities are concentrated. On the plateau above the town lie the agricultural nodes of Karatara and Rheenendal. The population of Knysna was estimated at 63 306 during 2010 which made up approximately 17 416 households. Around 190 cultural and historical assets are recognised around Knysna.

Knysna Economy A variety of economic activities are prevalent which the biggest specified employment contributors in 2007 were wholesale and retail trade (20.4%), construction (15.4%), community, social and personal services (12.3%) and manufacturing (12.3%). Most of these are supportive of a vibrant tourism economy.

The Importance of the Knysna River estuary to Residents and Visitors Knysna is located at the heart of the Garden Route, forming its main attraction. The topographical features of the area, the estuary and surrounding forests together make Knysna a highly attractive location. Knysna’s wealthier inhabitants are largely attracted to the town by the lifestyle. South African visitors tend to be visiting Knysna specifically, while foreigners tend to have Knysna as one stop on a multiple destination trip. Thus Knysna contributes significantly to the national tourism economy.

Value of Environmental Goods and Services A comparison of various elements of the economic value of temperate estuaries in South Africa undertaken by Turpie & Clark (2007) as part of a process of developing a Conservation Plan for these estuaries, found that the Knysna River estuary had the highest property, tourism and nursery values of all the estuaries studied, and the second highest subsistence value (behind the Swartkops Estuary). The Knysna River estuary was ranked fourth (and ‘High’) in terms of existence value (non-consumptive presence).

Existing Zonal Restrictions The salt marshes between Thesen Island and Leisure Island have been proclaimed as a marine (bait) reserve (Government Gazette No. 12667 of 27 July 1990). The collection of all invertebrate organisms within this area is prohibited.

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Socio-Economic Development Opportunities The Knysna River estuary, clean beaches, forests, fynbos, bird habitat for birders as well as rugged landscape all form part of a very diverse environmental product that attracts visitors and tourists and provides the opportunity for adventure activities. The tourism industry is one of the key drivers of the Knysna economy and the majority of the tourist activities are linked to the natural environment which includes the estuary.

HUMAN ACTIVITIES AND THEIR IMPACTS There are a number of impacts that affect many of South Africa’s estuaries and these are often linked with the types of activities that take place directly in or around the estuary or higher up in the river catchment (WWF, 2011). Major human impacts on the Knysna River estuary include pollution and siltation; reduction of freshwater flow, urban encroachment, and the over exploitation of living resources. Detail is provided on the enforcement capacity of SANParks as well as existing and proposed restrictions. Recommendations made in respect to the management of human activities and their impacts on living resources include increased co-operative governance, the determination of the recreational carrying capacity of the estuary, increased capacity to enforce regulations, in part to protect the dusky kob, white Steenbras and white musselcracker populations, various investigations to improve understanding of the system, support to, and coordination of subsistence fishers, proclamation of sanctuary areas and the implementation of a dedicated fisheries monitoring programme.

WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY DESCRIPTION The Knysna River catchment comprises quaternary catchments K50A and K50B, which drain into the Knysna estuary. The main tributaries of the Knysna River are the Kruis, Rooi-els and Gouna rivers. The Salt River and Bigai Stream have separate inflows into the Knysna estuary. The water resources of the Knysna catchment are largely undeveloped, but urban water requirements, irrigation needs and afforestation contributes to a reduction in streamflow in the Knysna River. Run-of-river abstraction probably has a larger influence in these catchments than instream and off-channel dams. Water from the Glebe Dam located on the Grootkops River and the off-channel Akkerkloof Dam is used for domestic purposes. Both of these dams are located near Knysna and form part of the Knysna Regional Water Supply Scheme. The remaining dams are used for irrigation, rural water supply and stock watering. The Knysna Regional Water Supply Scheme supplies water to Knysna, including Knysna proper, Brenton-on-Sea and Belvedere. Water for this scheme is sourced from the Knysna River, the Gouna River, the Glebe Dam on the Grootkops River and groundwater. Groundwater is sourced mostly from five boreholes located near Belvedere and supply only Belvedere. Return flow from Knysna was recorded in 2003 as 1.78 million m3/annum. This takes place in the form of treated effluent which is discharged into the estuary. The Knysna River estuary falls within a protected area so according to the guidelines for assigning a Recommended Ecological Category (REC), it should be classified as a Category A. However, to elevate the Present Ecological State (PES) of the estuary to an A, all

Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 10

anthropogenic impacts should be mitigated. Unfortunately, developments such as the numerous bridges crossing the estuary and residential properties cannot be removed. The Best Attainable State (BAS) for the Knysna River estuary was therefore re-assigned to a high B.

The Knysna River estuary receives varying river inflow from less than 0.5 m3/s to > 100 m3/s during periods of high rainfall. These inflows, together with the contribution of stormwater inflow and the Knysna Sewage Treatment Works outflow into the Ashmead Channel, contribute to the supply of nutrients to the estuarine ecosystem. The maintenance of clear water is critical to the functioning of the Knysna River estuary. However, the high sediment loads entering the system after heavy rains are contributing to high levels of suspensoids in the Knysna River estuary. Poor land management will result in a continuation of this trend, with a direct impact being a reduction in the Zostera capensis beds, which will directly impact on the biological state of the Knysna River estuary.

In respect to the Knysna River Estuary, the ecological health was assessed as part of the National Biodiversity Assessment 2011. The results indicate that the provisional PES of the Knysna River Estuary is currently Category B i.e. a largely natural state. The Knysna River Estuary Pollution Management Action Plan was initiated in response to the growing concern over the health of the estuary and its fitness for use by the residents, business and visitors to Knysna and is described in detail. A series of objectives have been drafted resulting in Action Plans for inclusion in the estuarine management plan.

PROTECTED AREA POTENTIAL Various agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations, conservation/research organisations, as well as local stakeholders have been fundamental in developing conservation or management plans for the Knysna system. The objectives of the numerous plans have mostly been based on a single premise, that the Knysna system (estuary and surrounding shoreline) is considered a valuable resource, to be utilised in a manner to receive maximum benefit, without impacting on the functioning of the system. SANParks has been instrumental in driving conservation initiatives within the region, and with the proclamation of the Knysna National Lake Area in 1985 sought to further manage and protect the natural resources within the region.

4 VISION & OBJECTIVES

4.1 Vision The Vision should be inspirational, representing a higher level statement of strategic intent, and should take into account the strategic Vision set for South Africa’s estuaries, as well as estuaries within the greater Cape Floristic Region (CFR).

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The national vision of estuarine management is:

“The estuaries of South Africa are managed in a sustainable way that benefits the current and future generations.”

The Vision for estuaries in the CFR is:

“The estuaries of the CFR will continue to function as viable systems which are beautiful, rich in plants and animals, attract visitors, sustain our livelihoods and uplift our spirits.”

Management of the Knysna River estuary is also dictated by the Vision of the Garden Route National Park Management Plan (GRNP) 2010:

“An integrated protected area that effectively conserves a functionally linked mosaic of diverse terrestrial, freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems, landscapes, and cultural heritage, representative of the Garden Route, that contributes to the wellbeing of present and future generations.”

A vision for the Knysna River estuary was agreed to at a stakeholder engagement session held on the 7th of February 2008 as follows:

“Through active participation we will strive towards realising a Knysna Estuary that supports acceptable ecological processes to ensure the long-term survival of this unique system and its biodiversity and the use of living resources in a sustainable manner, for the wellbeing and enjoyment of all “

These visions are achievable in the management of the Knysna River estuary in particular, through other numerous key Management Objectives and associated actions, designed to optimally utilize financial and human resources. These Key Management Objectives correlate with the Spatial Zonation of the estuary and associated Management Objectives,

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which set measurable standards for the areas outlined in the zonation plan (Van Niekerk & Taljaard, 2007).

4.1 Key Management Objectives

The Key Management Objectives are detailed in Figure 2.

Conservation

Sustainable exploitation of living resources

Water quantity and quality

Land use and infrastructure Planning

Institutional and management structures

Education and awareness

Non-consumptive use and sustainable livelihoods

Figure 2: Key Management Objectives for the Knysna River EMP

5 SPATIAL ZONATION

5.1 Geographical Boundaries

The ICM Act defines an estuary as “a body of surface water - a) that is permanently or periodically open to the sea; b) in which a rise and fall of the water level as a result of the tides is measurable at spring tides when the body of surface water is open to the sea; or c) in respect of which the salinity is higher than fresh water as a result of the influence of the sea, and where there is a salinity gradient between the tidal reach and the mouth of the body of surface water”.

The NWA defines an estuary 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), DWS 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.”

This 5 m topographic contour encapsulates the Estuarine Functional Zone, which in turn is defined by 2014 EIA Regulations (GNR 985) as “the area in and around an estuary which

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includes the open water area, estuarine habitat (such as sand and mudflats, rock and plant communities) and the surrounding floodplain area…”

The geographical boundaries of the Knysna River estuary have been defined within these parameters although the 5 m 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 5m contour, however, has been included in accordance with the requirements of the National Protocol (Figure 1).

Also, from an ease of management perspective, the Knysna River estuary is considered to consist of three regimes:

• The 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; • The Middle estuary 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; and • The 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).

The Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 32797 dated 11 December 2009) define the ‘water area’ on which the regulations apply as: a) the water and bed of the Knysna tidal lagoon; b) the Knysna and Salt tidal rivers; c) the Knysna, Salt, Bongani and Bigai rivers; d) any wetland situated immediately adjacent to the Knysna tidal lagoon, Knysna and Salt tidal rivers and Knysna, Salt, Bongani and Bigai rivers; e) the water and land comprising the sea; and f) the sea shore or any part thereof, situated within the protected environment, and includes the water and the land between the low water mark and high water mark of the sea, as well as the water and land between the lowest level and highest level to which the water in the Knysna tidal lagoon, Knysna and Salt tidal rivers or the Knysna, Salt, Bongani and Bigai rivers, or any wetland situated directly adjacent to the Knysna tidal lagoon, Knysna and Salt tidal rivers or the Knysna, Salt, Bongani and Bigai rivers, or any part thereof, may recede or rise at any time, as a result of the action of the tides or otherwise, during ordinary storms occurring during the most stormy period of the year, excluding exceptional or abnormal floods.

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The regulations define the ‘Development Control Area’ as the area comprising: a) The biodiversity control area4; and b) Land situated within 50 m inland from the – i. Water area; and ii. Highest line to which any water occurring in the water area may rise at any time as a result of the action of tides or otherwise, during ordinary storms occurring during the ‘most stormy’ period of the year, excluding exceptional or abnormal floods.

Figure 3 shows the Knysna Protected Environment (green) as well as the water area (blue) extending from the Knysna Heads to the Charlesford Weir, and a 100 m buffer zone inland from the high water mark. The 50 m buffer zone defines the Development Control Area, excluding the freshwater Knysna River upstream of Charlesford Weir. The Management Objectives and action plans refer to this 50 m zone, that is, the Development Control Area. The 100 m inland mark has been included as a limited development riparian buffer zone as many activities for which an environmental approval is required.

Figure 3: Map of the Knysna River estuary 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)

4 Defined as the water area and state land Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 15

5.2 Sanctuary & Conservation Zones

5.2.1 Conservation Zones Conservation zones are defined by Turpie and Clark (2007) as the remaining regions of the estuary, including terrestrial margins, not declared as sanctuary areas and zoned in a particular way depending on the Vision and requirements for the estuary. The remainder of the Knysna River estuary water body, its associated habitats and the riparian buffer area to a distance of 100 m back from the high water mark is proposed as a conservation zone.

According to Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 32797 dated 11 December 2009), approval from SANParks must be sought for any developments within the Development Control Area, and SANParks 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 the Coastal Protection Zone surrounding the estuary according to the ICM Act. 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 Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 32797 dated 11 December 2009); the portions of the Seashore Act not yet repealed (SA; Act 21 of 1935; amended 1993), NEMA and the associated EIA regulations, CARA and the ICM Act.

A zonation plan has been indicated in Figure 4 and Figure 5, and Table 1. This is based on the national SANParks zonation system (broader scale zonation - quiet and low intensity leisure zones; Figure 4) and decisions taken at a national level during the zoning of the Wilderness National Park, previous SANParks Knysna Management Plans (finer scale zonation - low & high intensity leisure; Figure 5), and the planning undertaken for the GRNP Management Plan (January 2012), as these have proved to be successful in the past. The SANParks has a dual zonation system, comprising of visitor use zones and special management overlays. The zones included are:

• Low Intensity Leisure (Figure 5): The majority of the estuary from the mouth at the Heads to the N2 (White Bridge) (excluding Leisure and Thesen Islands), including management areas. The Low intensity leisure zone is defined as areas where “motorised vessels are generally allowed, but they may be excluded from certain sections to either minimise environmental impacts or to reduce conflict with other recreational water users “(GRNP Management Plan (January 2012)). This zone is further subdivided into: o An invertebrate reserve - east of the main Knysna River channel between Thesen Island and around Leisure Isle, indicated on Figure 5 as ‘no bait collecting’; o Quiet zones - Ashmead channel, area above white bridge, pockets within the main lagoon area, and two pockets along the southern shore of the estuary. All are shown in Figure 5 as ‘no jetskis, no skiing, idle speed’); o Skiing zone – Skiing activities are restricted to the Bay of Biscay; and

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o The remaining areas in the lagoon are open to boats, but users are required to adhere to the conditions stipulated in sections 23-27 of the Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 32797 dated 11 December 2009) and any other applicable conditions stipulated therein.

• High Intensity Leisure (Figure 5): This area is shown as the dark green area, and is designed to enable boat traffic in the lagoon. Note that jetskis and skiing are prohibited in these areas for safety reasons. All users are required to adhere to the conditions stipulated in sections 23-27 of the Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 32797 dated 11 December 2009) and any other applicable conditions stipulated therein.

Figure 4: Broad scale zonation of the Knysna River estuary according to the SANParks zonation system

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Figure 5: Finer scale zonation of the Knysna River estuary showing different management areas (see Table 1)

5.2.2 Sanctuary Zone The Knysna River estuary is a unique estuarine bay that has been ranked as the most important estuary in South Africa in terms of conservation importance. Preservation of its fauna and flora alone would ensure that 43% of South Africa’s estuarine biodiversity would be conserved (Turpie et al., 2002). The estuary is home to a number of critically endangered and endangered fish and invertebrate species, including the Knysna seahorse (Hippocampus capensis), the pulmonate limpet (Siphonaria compressa) and the pansy shell (Echinodiscus bisperforatus) (Grindley, 1985; Angel et al., 2006). These occur within or bordering the existing Invertebrate Reserve, which 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.

The current Invertebrate Reserve covers a total area of 323.16 ha or approximately 16% of the total water area (1976.09 ha). A recommendation from Turpie & Clark (2007) that half the system be formally protected is considered unrealistic given the user dynamics and land-use of the Knysna River estuary. Therefore, given the current demographics, use, value

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and range of habitats provided by the Knysna River 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 e.g. fish size and bag limits are enforced.

5.2.3 Important bio-physical features and recreational activities The EZP also demarcates important bio-physical features such as major habitat types (sandbanks, saltmarshes, open channel and fresh water wetlands) (Figure 6 - Figure 8). These maps should be used to interpret change when the effectiveness of the Knysna River EMP is evaluated (Section 7.2). Management Objective B1 addresses the loss of habitat available to plant communities – Figure 6 to Figure 8 should be used to assess changes in saltmarsh, sandbank and Zostera coverage from those depicted on the map (used in the Situation Assessment; CES, 2007).

Additional information relating to vegetation mapping must be added to future updates of this EMP and used in the evaluation of plan. Similarly, a resources and recreational use map should be used to identify areas of new or continued fishing and bait exploitation pressure, when the Knysna River EMP is evaluated.

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Table 1: Zones and Management Areas of the Knysna River estuary

Experiential Interaction Limits of acceptable Applicable Zone General Characteristics Type of activity Carrying Limits of Qualities between 5 change: Aesthetics Legislation / capacity acceptable users and recreational Policy change: (Responsible Biophysical Agent) The underlying A relatively Moderate Quiet zones: Deviation from Although it is Draft characteristic of this natural to high the natural / row boats 40 inevitable that Regulations for zone is that motorised environment pristine state activities and the Proper vessels are generally should be canoes and kayaks Unlimited facilities will impact Administration allowed, but they may minimized and on the wild of the Knysna be excluded from limited to sailboards Unlimited appearance and Protected certain sections to restricted impact reduce the Environment; either minimise footprints as far limited boat use 20 wilderness Gazette No. environmental impacts as possible. (idle speed) characteristics of 31775 – Notice or to reduce conflict However, it is the area, these 27 (SANParks) with other recreational accepted that angling Regulations should be managed water users some damage swimming Permitted and limited to to the LOW ensure that the area MLRA (DAFF & Remaining area: biophysical INTENSITY still provides and SANParks) environment LEISURE Boating 50 relatively natural associated with outdoor experience. tourist activities (Figure 4) houseboats 10, 10 and facilities will (private and be inevitable. commercial)

row boats 70

canoes and Unlimited kayaks

sailboards Unlimited

angling Regulations

5 These numbers are taken from the GRNP Management Plan (January 2012) which is a very coarse planning tool. It is likely the stipulated carrying capacities will be revisited. Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 20

Experiential Interaction Limits of acceptable Applicable Zone General Characteristics Type of activity Carrying Limits of Qualities between 5 change: Aesthetics Legislation / capacity acceptable users and recreational Policy change: Biophysical (Responsible Agent) Skiing zone: 50 Power boating, jetskis, skiing

Invertebrate reserve: No bait collecting. HIGH This is the zone High Dark green area It is accepted Although it is Draft Regulations INTENSITY where more on map that damage to inevitable that the for the Proper LEISURE concentrated Commercial 5 the biophysical high visitor numbers, Administration of human activities passenger boats environment activities and facilities the Knysna (Figure 4) are allowed. (ferries) associated with will impact on the Protected tourist activities wild appearance Environment;

and facilities will and reduce the Gazette No. boating (power), 800 be inevitable, wilderness 31775 – Notice 27 skiing however, care characteristics of the (SANParks)

must be taken to area (solitude, houseboats 10, 10 ensure that the remoteness, wildness (private and zone still retains a etc.), these should be MLRA (DAFF commercial) level of managed and & SANParks)

ecological limited to ensure that sailing (large 60, 100 integrity the area generally still yachts and consistent with a provides a relatively dinghies) protected area. natural outdoor experience row boats 200

canoes and Unlimited kayaks

Regulations angling

swimming & Not in main snorkeling channel

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Figure 6: Overview of important bio-physical features of the Knysna River estuary (Source: Botany Department, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University)

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Figure 7: Important bio-physical features of the Marine Bay of the Knysna River estuary showing decline in important estuarine plants over time (Source: Botany Department, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University)

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Figure 8: Important bio-physical features of the lower and middle basins of the Knysna River estuary showing decline in important estuarine plants over time (Source: Botany Department, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

5.2.4 Rehabilitation zones Other than the old airstrip adjacent to George Rex drive and the removal of old causeways and seawalls that are no longer serving their purpose, no specific areas requiring

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rehabilitation were identified in the original Situation Assessment of the Knysna River estuary (CES, 2007), and thus no areas have been shown on the EZP maps. A lack of circulation / water movement, however, has the potential to facilitate degradation of the saltmarsh vegetation of certain areas of the estuary by allowing elevated nutrient loading. 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 and the mapping would need to be updated accordingly.

5.2.5 Land-use, planning provisions and infrastructure The Municipal Systems Act 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) requires every municipality to prepare an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) to guide development planning and management for the next five-year period. The Knysna Municipality is reported to be the first municipality in South Africa to start the new generation Integrated Strategic Development Framework (ISDF) which, while linked to the IDP, includes a long-term strategic element that sets the future direction of the municipal area. It includes various plans, including the Spatial Development Framework (SDF) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).

The Knysna SDF shows how the implementation of the IDP and draft ISDF should occur in space. The proposals made in the SDF therefore support and assist in achieving the objectives, priorities and strategies of the IDP with the ultimate goal of fulfilling the Vision and Mission of the Knysna Municipality. The SEA adopts an ecosystem-based approach and proposes to:

• Implement the principles of a green economy; • Include innovation in terms of the Blue Economy; • Facilitate a coordinated and integrated approach to development planning in the long-term (up to and beyond the year 2030); and • Incorporates the GIS-based information from the Garden Route Environmental Management Framework (EMF).

Two new issues are included in the updated SDF in relation to the Knysna River estuary and lagoon, namely edge vitalisation and the impact of climate change. Edge vitalisation focusses on sections along the northern edge of the Lagoon (including the section between ‘the point’ and the angling club, the CBD industrial upgrade and Cathy Park area) to allow for limited urban development to increase the utilization of these edges and promote user activity and appreciation. Examples of development proposed to potentially be supported include a wide promenade, jetties, restaurants, mixed use, tourism, and small harbour. The impact of climate change focusses on sea level rise and tidal surges specifically with DEA preliminarily estimating a planning level for 2100 for the Knysna Lagoon taken as +4m msl. The SDF includes the spatial implication and recommends that the Municipality develops a policy to deal with low lying areas as soon as the investigation is concluded.

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Figure 9: Spatial implication of the 2m and 4m contour level for Knysna (light blue = current level, dark blue = +4m amsl)(from: Draft Knysna SDF, January 2016)

5.3 Management Objectives Management objectives (former operational objectives) specify quantitative, measurable standards, and target values for indicators relevant to the different zones and activities as per the estuarine zonation plan (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 Management Objectives (Taljaard & Van Niekerk 2007a). Generic indicators and recommended TPCs for many of the management objectives are available in McGwynne & Adams (2004).

For the purposes of this document, however, no TPCs are included and are proposed to be derived during the 5-year review of the EMP 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.

5.3.1 Conservation Management Objectives for conservation purposes should be targeted at protecting biodiversity within the Knysna River estuary by ensuring that the diversity, distribution and abundance of biota and functioning of ecological processes are 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,

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these TPCs will be defined at a later stage, to ensure identification of suitable and effective indicators. Numbers refer to the action plans of Table 2 to

.

5.3.1.1 Biodiversity • B1: Maintenance of plant communities – the presence and extent of plant communities, including submerged macrophytes, benthic microalgae, saltmarshes and emergent reeds needs to be confirmed. 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 should be controlled. Baseline and reference data can be obtained from aerial photographs and on-site line transects. • B3: Maintenance of invertebrate populations – densities of subtidal and 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 should be measured by catch- per-unit-effort (cpue). Quantification of all species population decreases is required, with a focus on dusky kob and white steenbras that may require more stringent/urgent interventions. This can then inform management plans and fishing regulation. It is important to note, however, that a decline in cpue for any species may not be the result of exploitation on the Knysna River 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. • B6: Maintenance of estuarine habitats – extent of natural area remaining per habitat type and the degree of habitat fragmentation to be determined. Baseline data on habitat type coverage can be obtained from aerial photographs and existing GIS data.

Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 27

• B7: Protect estuarine habitats in formally protected areas – location and proportion of estuary habitat type under formal protection (sanctuary area) confirmed. Consider the inclusion of some of the mudbank islands above the train bridge in the protected area. 5.3.1.2 Human activities • HA1: Manage activities in a manner that respects the carrying capacity of the estuary – 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 River 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 DWS model but may also be regulated by estuary stakeholders in line with the park Vision. Permitting of vessels, as per Section 26 of the Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 32797 – Notice 1175 dated 11 December 2009) 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. • 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. SANParks should also insist that that angling competitions practice catch and release. • HA4: Reduce the amount of litter (solid waste) within the estuarine area – litter (solid waste) accumulation, as per Section 14 of the Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 32797 – Notice 1175 dated 11 December 2009), needs to be reduced.

Litter sources directly on the Knysna River 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 Island. Litter can also originate from sources upriver and on the ocean. There should be a zero tolerance for litter. Baseline data can be collected and should be measured as volume collected

Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 28

in standard garbage bags after certain activities or times, e.g. fishing competitions and peak holidays.

5.3.1.3 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 Management Objectives for living resource exploitation. • LE2: Compliance with EAs issued as part of EIA process – enforcement and monitoring of conditions in terms of Environmental Authorisations (EAs) for development as the result of the EIA process.

Due to the sensitive nature of estuarine systems, all development 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 EA; these recommendations must be complied with in order to reduce impacts. SANParks is required to approve any proposed development within the development control zone, i.e. 50 m from the High Water Mark or 5m contour or Estuarine Functional Zone (EFZ).

5.3.2 Exploitation of Living Resources Management 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 NEM:PAA regulations to protect habitat or resources within designated conservation zones, existing legislation detailed in the MLRA, and regulating the activities associated with competition angling.

• E1: Ensure sanctity of sanctuary area through compliance monitoring All forms of exploitation are prohibited in the designated sanctuary area (Invertebrate Reserve).

Exploitation should be measured against baseline levels and appropriate carrying capacities. 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,

Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 29

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 and 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. Proposed TPCs for cpue as informed by decrease in numbers of all species need to be implemented as management thresholds, 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 River 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.

• E4: Restrict number of fishing competitions and participants and insist that all competitions area catch and release only.

Angling competitions can contribute to 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.

5.3.3 Water quality and quantity Water Quality and Quantity is very closely 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

Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 30

water management institutions, such as Catchment Management Agencies (CMA) and Water User Associations (WUA).

A classification of the water resource and the development of resource quality objectives has been undertaken for the Breede-Gouritz Water Management Area. The Knysna River Estuary Reserve Determination Study has also been completed with the Knysna River Estuary Monitoring Programme being an outcome of this Reserve Determination Study. The various components were classified as follows: • Present Ecological State (PES) – Category B; • Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) – Highly important; and • Recommended Ecological Category (REC) – Category B.

In addition, the Knysna Estuary Pollution Management Action Plan (KEPMAP) developed by the Knysna Municipality, details management actions outside of the water area of the Knysna River estuary. These management objectives, which are proposed to be adopted in the review of this EMP after consideration by the RMA, SANParks as well as the Knysna Local and Eden District Municipalities, are detailed as:

• W1: What goes into rivers and stormwater controlled. This includes keeping what should not be in the river and stormwater systems out of them. Interventions include building communal toilets, improving solid waste collection and removal systems, cleaning river banks, plumbing tests and low cost housing developments and undertaking audits of connections and fining and monitoring transgressions.

• W2: What goes into sewers controlled. Interventions include developing a stormwater master plan, implementing a public awareness raising campaign, auditing connections and facilitating the processing of fat from fat traps.

• W3: Infrastructure fixed. Interventions included a R40 Million upgrade to the sewage works, remedial works to aging sewers and stormwater pipes, new bigger main line across the town, upgrading critical pump stations and installing overflow chambers.

• W4: Control systems improved. Interventions include regularly clearing and inspecting servitudes and sewer lines and check chambers, enhancing telemetry systems; employing dedicated staff to monitor telemetry system; installing level sensors and alarms; undertaking a risk assessment on sewage works upgrade and operations with standard procedures and improving incident reporting.

• W5: Mitigate when necessary. Interventions include cleaning the sludge away from the area next to George Rex Drive; establishing floating wetlands and mushroom beds; carefully balanced chlorination of rivers and storm water outfalls and screening of Storm water outfalls.

Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 31

5.3.4 Land use and infrastructure planning Management objectives, which are proposed to be adopted in the review of this EMP after consideration by the RMA, SANParks as well as the Knysna Local and Eden District Municipalities, are detailed as:

• LI1: Regulatory compliance in the Development Control Area With regard to development along the lagoon edge, according to the Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Gazette No. 32797 – Notice 1175 dated 11 December 2009), any developments within the Development Control Area (100 m of the water’s edge) must seek SANParks approval since they are the designated management authority of the Knysna Protected Environment. Further, SANParks may, upon receipt of an application for authorisation 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.

5.3.5 Institutional and management structures Management objectives, which are proposed to be adopted in the review of this EMP after consideration by the RMA, SANParks as well as the Knysna Local and Eden District Municipalities, are detailed as:

• IM1: Estuarine Management Forum operational All government departments and stakeholders with a responsibility in the management of activities in the catchment of the Knysna River and Estuary should be represented on a forum lead by SANParks. The forum will facilitate the links between the goals of the EMP and the other Operational Plans within the catchment of the estuary and therefore affecting the water area.

• IM2: Co-operative government arrangements instituted Ensure that all arrangements between government departments with respect to administering legislation are made clear to all stakeholders. 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.

5.3.6 Education and awareness Management objectives, which are proposed to be adopted in the review of this EMP after consideration by the RMA, SANParks as well as the Knysna Local and Eden District Municipalities, are detailed as:

• EA1: Decision makers, managers and the general public educated Education of decision makers, managers and the general public as to the ecological, social and economic value of estuaries, the EMP and its context within the SDF and IDP, the ICM Act, and the consequences of irresponsible development within the estuarine area will be key to the successful implementation of the plan. As the designated Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 32

management authority of the Knysna Protected Environment, it is expected that SANParks will present (or arrange to have presented) 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).

• EA2: Database of information on the Knysna River estuary developed There is a wealth of information on the Knysna River estuary (peer reviewed publications, grey literature, unpublished data, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies and information etc.). SANParks currently hosts a database of this information but it is recommended that this information is made generally available and shared via platforms such as the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) Elwandle node (Grahamstown) where a database of information for all South African estuaries is being established. DAFF have a number of fish monitoring programmes in the estuary. This data should also be included in the database and shared with SAEON.

5.3.7 Non-consumptive use of sustainable livelihoods Management objectives, which are proposed to be adopted in the review of this EMP after consideration by the RMA, SANParks as well as the Knysna Local and Eden District Municipalities, are detailed as:

• NC 1: Compliance ensured 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 environmental legislation and protocols, and with the proposed social density and zonation restrictions.

• NC 2: Input provided

SANParks must 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 EMP, as well as of the sustainability of these uses (livelihoods).

• NC 3: Development of new non-consumptive initiatives promoted 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 (water based activities) that will benefit Previously Disadvantaged Communities (PDCs)

6 MANAGEMENT ACTION PLANS

A full range of management actions have been identified specifically for Conservation and Exploitation of Living Resources in order to facilitate the achievement of the Management Objectives outlined above. These actions plans include: Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 33

• 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 Management 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 Management Objectives; • A work plan identifying when each action should be initiated and by whom (mandated); • Whether or not the management action is being addressed at present, and if so by whom; and • 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).

Statements of intent have been provided for:

• Water quality and quantity (management actions provided); • Land use and infrastructure planning; • Institutional and management structures; • Education and awareness; and • Non-consumptive use and sustainable livelihoods.

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6.1 Conservation

The management actions for Conservation are shown in Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4.

Table 2: Management Actions for Biodiversity (Conservation) - as detailed in the 2010 version of the Knysna EMP

Management Work plan and Currently addressed, if so by Resource plan Legal requirements Human (staff, skill level) Monitoring plans actions mandate whom? Finance (total cost) Management Objective B1: Plant communities maintained

Water quality - NWA (Sections 19, 21 & DWS to delegate Breede-Gouritz CMA is operational, determine type and Chapter 7) responsibility to Breede- but CMS in the process of being Water quality of river source of problem and Gouritz CMA developed. inflow & estuary – water quality is monitored at initiate steps to Human – CMA required, alleviate. Eden District Municipality (EDM), comprising DWS, DEA, Eden public recreational areas (bathing), Knysna Local Municipality (KLM) and Knysna Municipality, (Environmental Management SANParks and local aquaculture areas Department), SANParks, Knysna Basin environmental groups – (oyster racks), and stormwater input points; Project and Knysna Catchment personnel available Financial Management Forum undertake – DWS, DEA, DAFF. At present toxic substances (from agriculture) in regular water quality sampling EDM and KM responsible for sediment; recovery ICM Act (Chapter 7, Section DEA responsible for ICM No cost of water quality analysis period (aerial & 69) Act reference CARA (Sections 6, 8 & 12) DAFF responsible for No photographs). agricultural pollution Episodic events - none None As soon as episodic Partly, research projects Recovery period and required as nature event has passed; Human - SANParks; research shifts in location of must be allowed to SANParks or tertiary & students (as required) plant communities and take its course. research institutions Financial - SANParks; habitat (aerial & monitor change over independent research funds. reference time. photographs). Human disturbance - NEMA (Chapters 1 & 5; EIA) DEA-National; DEA&DP Yes, site visits by DEA-National as Human – DEA National & enforce EZP to reduce required, DEA&DP must be a provincial government trampling; enforce commenting authority on all Compliance w.r.t. personnel, as well as national legislation to developments with Knysna Protected national legislation; SANParks staff, all appointed; prevent clearing of Environment recovery period (aerial forests and riparian Financial – national & & reference NEM: Biodiversity Act DEA-National (Biodiversity Yes, as required vegetation. provincial government; photographs). (Chapter 4, Part 1) Control Sector) municipal; independent Regulations for the Proper SANParks or tertiary To be implemented research funds (no additional Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 35

Management Work plan and Currently addressed, if so by Resource plan Legal requirements Human (staff, skill level) Monitoring plans actions mandate whom? Finance (total cost) Administration of the Knysna institutions. financial support required). Protected Environment (Sections 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 18, 20, 26, 29 & 31) Management Objective B2: Alien vegetation controlled

Initiate clearing of NWA (Section 21) DWS No vegetation in affected NEM: Biodiversity Act DEA-National (Biodiversity Yes, as required areas. Human - DWS, DEA, DAFF & Chapter 5, Part 2) Control Sector) Ensure eradication of SANParks rangers appointed alien vegetation to NEMA DEA-National; DEA&DP Yes, as required (and private land owners) levels below the TPC CARA (Sections 6 & 8) DAFF Yes Financial - national (aerial photographs government (no additional Regulations for the Proper SANParks Regional / To be implemented and transects). Administration of the Knysna Knysna Office financial support required). Protected Environment (Section 11) Management Objective B3: Invertebrate populations (mudprawn, sandprawn and bloodworm) maintained Water quality - NWA (Sections 19 & 21) DWS to delegate Breede-Gouritz CMA is operational, Water quality of river determine type and responsibility to Gouritz but CMS in the process of being inflow & estuary – water source of problem and developed. initiate steps to Human – CMA required, quality is presently alleviate. Municipality (KLM) (Environmental comprising DWS, DEA, Eden monitored at public Management Department), SANParks, and Knysna Municipality, recreational areas Knysna Basin Project and Knysna SANParks and local (bathing), aquaculture Catchment Management Forum environmental groups – areas (oyster racks), undertake regular water quality personnel available Financial and stormwater input sampling – DWS, DEA, DAFF. At present points; toxic substances (from agriculture) in ICM Act (Chapter 7 Section DEA responsible for ICM No EDM and KLM responsible for sediment; recovery 69) Act cost of water quality analysis period (quadrat CARA (Sections 6, 8 & 12) DAFF responsible for No counts). agricultural pollution Episodic events - none None As soon as episodic event Partly, research projects Human - SANParks; research Recovery period and required as nature has passed; SANParks or students (as required) shifts in location of must be allowed to tertiary & research Financial - SANParks; invertebrate take its course. institutions monitor independent research funds. communities and change over time. habitat (reference photographs and quadrat counts). Human disturbance - MLRA (Chapter 3, Section Responsible agents are Yes – allowed catch levels set Human – SANParks rangers Compliance w.r.t.

Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 36

Management Work plan and Currently addressed, if so by Resource plan Legal requirements Human (staff, skill level) Monitoring plans actions mandate whom? Finance (total cost) enforce EZP to reduce 14) DAFF and local authority appointed to check national legislation; trampling; enforce Regulations for the Proper SANParks Regional / To be implemented exceedance of quotas; recovery period national legislation to Administration of the Knysna Knysna Office research students. (quadrat counts). limit bait collection Protected Environment Financial - national according to quotas. (Sections 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, government; municipal (no 14, 18, 20, 26, 29 & 31) additional funds required) Management Objective B4: Waterbird populations maintained Loss of habitat and MLRA (Sections 14 & 43) DAFF Yes – legislation set food source due to human interference - NEM: Protected Areas Act SANParks Yes enforce legislation and (Chapter 4) EZP. NEM: Biodiversity Act DEA-National (Biodiversity Yes, as required Human - Government (Chapter 4, Part 1) Control Sector) personnel; SANParks rangers Sea Birds and Seals DEA:O&C Yes, as required appointed to check Protection Act (Act 46 of exceedance of quotas (bait 1973; Section 3b) organisms are food supply for birds); research students; bird Compliance with NEMA (Chapters 1 & 5; EIA DEA-National; DEA&DP Yes, site visits by DEA-National as club members (staff, skill national legislation, Regulations) required to affected areas, DEA&DP level?). SDF/IDP; recovery of must be a commenting authority on Financial - national populations (bi-annual all developments with Knysna government; municipal; bird counts) Protected Environment CapeNature; independent SDF/IDP KLM (Environmental Yes research funds; bird club Management Sector) / subsidized by Coordinated EDM Waterbird Counts (CWAC) at Regulations for the Proper SANParks Regional / To be implemented UCT Administration of the Knysna Knysna Office; Lakes Bird Protected Environment Club (Sections 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 18, 20, 26, 29 & 31) Water quality - NWA (Sections 19 & 21) DWS to delegate Breede-Gouritz CMA is operational, Water quality of river determine type and Human – CMA required, responsibility to Breede- but CMS in the process of being inflow & estuary – water source of problem and comprising DWS, DEA, Eden Gouritz CMA developed. quality is presently initiate steps to and Knysna Municipality, monitored at public alleviate. Eden District Municipality (EDM), SANParks and local recreational areas Knysna Local Municipality (KLM) environmental groups – (bathing), aquaculture (Environmental Management personnel available Financial areas (oyster racks), Department), SANParks, Knysna Basin – DWS, DEA, DAFF. At present and stormwater input Project and Knysna Catchment EDM and KLM responsible for points; toxic substances Management Forum undertake cost of water quality analysis (from agriculture) in regular water quality sampling Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 37

Management Work plan and Currently addressed, if so by Resource plan Legal requirements Human (staff, skill level) Monitoring plans actions mandate whom? Finance (total cost) ICM Act (Chapter 7, Section DEA responsible for ICM No sediment; recovery 69) Act period (bi-annual bird counts). Management Objective B5: Fish populations maintained Address levels of MLRA (Sections 14 & 43 and DAFF is responsible Baseline surveys completed; at Human - MLRA appointed fishing effort, bag limits Chapter 6) national fishery survey. present SANParks ranger act as Fishery catch monitors required (2x and extent & location Control dedicated monitors for of sanctuary area. Garden Route National Park NEM: Biodiversity Act DEA-National (Biodiversity Yes, as required coastal region); researchers; (Chapter 4, Part 2) Control Sector) SANParks rangers; angling Compliance with clubs; Estuarine Management NEM: Protected Areas Act SANParks Yes legislation; levels of Forum required from existing (Chapter 3, Section 28) effort and cpue to be governmental personnel and measured (catch Regulations for the Proper SANParks Regional / To be implemented stakeholders. Financial - monitors and fishery Administration of the Knysna Knysna Office National government and survey). Protected Environment SANParks; levies from boat (Sections 9 & 10) registration or angling competitions (approximate initial capital cost for vehicle of R300 000, R100 000 p.a. per monitor thereafter) Management Objective B6: Estuarine habitats maintained Episodic events - none None As soon as episodic event Partly, research projects Recovery period and required as nature has passed; SANParks or shifts in location and must be allowed to tertiary & research Human - SANParks; research extent of habitat types take its course. institutions monitor students (as required) (aerial & reference change over time. Financial - SANParks; photographs). independent research funds. EZP SANParks Carry capacities to be calculated and enforced Human - National & provincial government and municipal Human interference - Compliance w.r.t. IDP personnel, as well as ensure compliance SDF / IDP KLM (Environmental Yes and national with EZP and national Management SANParks rangers all legislation; recovery legislation; consider Department) / EDM appointed; farmland owners; period and efficacy of additional sanctuary NEMA (Chapters 1 & 5; EIA DEA-National; DEA&DP Yes, site visits by DEA-National as research students). sanctuary area (aerial area to protect Regulations) required, DEA&DP must be a Financial - National & & reference habitats. commenting authority on all provincial government photographs). developments with Knysna Protected funding in place Environment

Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 38

Management Work plan and Currently addressed, if so by Resource plan Legal requirements Human (staff, skill level) Monitoring plans actions mandate whom? Finance (total cost) NEM: Biodiversity Act DEA-National (Biodiversity Yes, as required (Chapter 4, Part 1) Control Sector) NEM: Protected Areas Act SANParks Yes (Chapter 3, Section 28; Chapter 4) MLRA (Section 43) DAFF Legislation in place

Regulations for the Proper SANParks Regional / To be implemented Administration of the Knysna Knysna Office Protected Environment (Sections 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 18, 20, 26, 29 & 31) Management Objective B7: Estuarine habitats in formally protected areas protected Enforce legislation NEM: Protected Areas Act SANParks Yes, rangers conduct regular patrols pertaining to (Chapter 3, Section 28; protected areas; Chapter 4); ensure compliance with EZP and other NEM: Biodiversity Act DEA-National (Biodiversity Yes, as required legislation pertaining (Chapter 4, Part 1) Control Sector) to human activities. MLRA (Section 43); DAFF Legislation in place

ICM Act (Chapter 2, DEA Yes, special management areas Human - DEA & DEA&DP Compliance with Sections 23 & 24); designated (Invertebrate Reserve in personnel; SANParks rangers relevant legislation to place) appointed Financial - ensure sanctity of National & provincial protected areas (aerial NEMA (Chapters 1 & 5; EIA DEA-National; DEA&DP Yes, site visits by DEA-National as government; SANParks levies photographs and Regulations); required, DEA&DP must be a from boat registration or active patrols / visual commenting authority on all angling competitions (no surveys) developments with Knysna Protected additional funding required) Environment

Regulations for the Proper SANParks Regional / To be implemented Administration of the Knysna Knysna Office Protected Environment (Sections 6, 7,9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 18, 20, 26, 29 & 31).

Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 39

Table 3: Management Actions for Human Activities (Conservation) - as detailed in the 2010 version of the Knysna EMP

Management Legal Work plan and mandate Currently addressed, if so by Resource plan Human (staff, skill Monitoring plans actions requirements whom? level); Finance (total cost) Management Objective HA1: Carrying capacity of estuary not exceeded Operational Policy DWS No for Recreational Regulate Water Use (DWAF; August 2004) number of Human – SANParks Executive staff, rangers Visual counts of boats on boats launching Regulations for SANParks Regional / Knysna To be implemented – Number of appointed assisted by KLM Financial – the water or at each or taking part in SANParks (national government), launch site; counts of a specific the Proper Office – members at launch users should be monitored all the Administration of sites and municipal estuarine time; restrictions come into play augmented by boat registration/launch numbers of users engaged activity (e.g. levies (no additional funding required). in recreational activities. angling the Knysna managers are responsible when carrying capacity is competitions). Protected exceeded Environment (Sections 26 & 31) Management Objective HA2: Human activities that impact on invertebrate (bait organism) populations controlled Enforce MLRA MLRA (Chapter 6) DAFF No, at present SANParks ranger act regulations to as Fishery Control Officers, DAFF ensure catch monitors required compliance. Human - MLRA appointed catch Police NEM: Protected SANParks Yes monitors required (2x dedicated sanctuary area Areas Act monitors for Garden Route National and no-take (Chapter 4) Park coastal region); researchers; zones in the SANParks rangers; angling clubs; Fishery survey to include conservation MLRA (Chapter 6) DAFF No, at present SANParks ranger act Estuarine Management Forum required collectors; random area in as Fishery Control Officers, DAFF from existing governmental personnel quadrats for population accordance catch monitors required and stakeholders Financial - National density; inspections of with the EZP. government and SANParks; levies from bait collectors catch. Regulations for SANParks Regional / Knysna To be implemented boat registration or angling the Proper Office competitions (approximate initial Administration of capital cost for vehicle of R300 000, the Knysna R100 000 p.a. per monitor thereafter) Protected Environment (Sections 9,10, 11)

Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 40

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

Consider NEM: Protected SANParks Yes larger no- Areas Act take areas or (Chapter 3, control Section 28) collection NEM: Biodiversity DEA-National (Biodiversity Yes, as required times (e.g. Act (Chapter 4, Control Sector) daytime only). Part 1) MLRA (Section 43) DAFF; tertiary institutions for Needs to be considered fishery survey Management Objective HA3: Linefish and bait organism populations protected by restricting fishing competitions Human - SANParks Executive staff and Regulate EZP regulating No – SANParks is the responsible angling club members; specialist fisheries number of personnel from tertiary institute (existing recreational authority with help from angling Monitor number of fishing activities on club structures and appointed positions) Financial – SANParks SANParks competitions and count competitions (government funding) and levies from estuary; policies of specialists to recommend number of participants. and SANParks and competition formats and assist in boat registration or angling competitions; participants. angling clubs. measure & release efforts. research funds from tertiary institutes or voluntary participation by specialists Management Objective HA4: The amount of litter (solid waste) within the estuarine area reduced.

Initiate clean-up NEMA (Chapter 1) DEA-National WfC No, inspections can be done by Human – Municipal environmental staff Monitor volume of litter operations on a DAFF catch monitors during patrols. (river patrol); all estuary users and collected by the number regular basis; all SANParks rangers (appointed) Financial - of standard garbage bags boats to return NWA (Section 19) DWS to delegate No National government; municipal; boat filled. to launch site responsibility to Breede- registration & launch levies with litter in Gouritz CMA plastic bags; Regulations for SANParks Regional / Knysna To be implemented, in general and consider the Proper Office inspections can be done by the implementing Administration of municipality, general public and punitive the Knysna SANParks members; clean-up measures for Protected operations by angling club responsible Environment members after competitions and individuals or (Section 15) combination of informal work force organizations. and resort residents at other times

Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 41

Table 4: Management Actions for Law Enforcement (Conservation) - as detailed in the 2010 version of the Knysna EMP

Management Legal Work plan and mandate Currently addressed, if so by Resource plan Human (staff, skill Monitoring plans actions requirements whom? level); Finance (total cost) Management Objective LE1: Law enforcement capacity improved Increase MLRA (Chapter 6) DAFF No, at present SANParks ranger act presence of law as Fishery Control Officers, DAFF enforcement catch monitors required personnel on estuary; White Paper for DEA No education & Sustainable awareness Coastal programmes for Development Human - MLRA appointed catch monitors enforcement (Section C, required (2x dedicated monitors for Garden officers and Chapter 10) Route National Park coastal region); users. researchers; SANParks rangers; angling Monitor number of patrols ICM Act (Chapter SANParks Yes, SANParks Forum clubs; Estuarine Forum required from existing and non- compliant users; 4) governmental personnel and stakeholders survey to assess Financial - National government and effectiveness of education SANParks; levies from boat registration or & awareness programme. Regulations for the SANParks Regional / Knysna To be implemented angling competitions (approximate initial Proper Office capital cost for vehicle of R300 000, R100 Administration of 000 p.a. per monitor thereafter) the Knysna Protected Environment (Sections 26, 27, 29 & 35)

Management Objective LE2: Compliance with Environmental Authorisations (EAs) issued as part of EIA process

All legislation DEA-National; appointed Yes, although increased presence Human – DEA and DEA&DP personnel; Inspections of all sites Enforce referred to in EA - Environmental Control Officer (delegated to DEA&DP) would be public & SANParks rangers appointed where activities or compliance this will vary beneficial – regular (weekly) from members; environmental control officer developments are with EA according to the time an activity or (existing position, public ‘watchdogs’). taking place; ensure conditions and nature of development is approved; Financial - National & provincial independent report any development or independent environmental government; developer responsible for environmental control infringements. activity control officer; general public. activity officer is appointed.

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Regulations for the SANParks Regional / Knysna To be implemented Proper Office Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Section 6)

6.2 Exploitation of Living Resources

Management actions for the exploitation of living resources are detailed in Table 5 and

.

Table 5: Management Actions for Exploitation of Living Resources - as detailed in the 2010 version of the Knysna EMP

Resource plan Management Legal Work plan and mandate Currently addressed, if so by Monitoring plans Human (staff, skill level); Finance (total actions requirements whom? cost) Management Objective E1: Sanctity of sanctuary area through compliance monitoring ensured NEM: Protected SANParks Yes Areas Act

MLRA DAFF No, at present SANParks ranger Human - MLRA appointed catch monitors Compliance with relevant act as Fishery Control Officers, required (2x dedicated monitors for Garden legislation and DAFF catch monitors required Route National Park coastal region); Enforce legislation researchers; SANParks rangers; angling management frameworks pertaining to the Regulations for SANParks Regional / Knysna To be implemented clubs Financial - National government and to ensure sanctity of sanctuary area. the Proper Office SANParks; levies from boat registration or protected areas; record Administration of angling competitions (approximate initial instances of non- the Knysna capital cost for vehicle of R300 000, R100 compliance. Protected 000 p.a. per monitor thereafter) Environment (Sections 9,10, 11)

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Resource plan Management Legal Work plan and mandate Currently addressed, if so by Monitoring plans Human (staff, skill level); Finance (total actions requirements whom? cost) Management Objective E2: Viable bait organism populations maintained Enforce legislation MLRA DAFF No, at present SANParks ranger pertaining to bait act as Fishery Control Officers, collection (closed DAFF catch monitors required. All or rotational MLRA appointed enforcement areas, bag limits, personnel to operate on a daily collection basis to monitor non-compliance Human - MLRA appointed catch monitors methods, by active patrols and point required (2x dedicated monitors for Garden collection times access checks; research institute Route National Park coastal region); Inspection of activities and collectors to ensure and licenses). personnel can include researchers; SANParks rangers; angling compliance with MLRA compliance monitoring and clubs Financial - National government and NEM: Protected SANParks Yes regulations, sanctuary cpue in fishery surveys; SANParks SANParks; levies from boat registration or Areas Act area; record instances of members and general public angling competitions (approximate initial Regulations for SANParks Regional / Knysna To be implemented non-compliance. can assist by reporting incidents capital cost for vehicle of R300 000, R100 the Proper Office of non-compliance. 000 p.a. per monitor thereafter) Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Sections 9,10, 11) Management Objective E3: Fish populations maintained

Enforce MLRA MLRA DAFF No, at present SANParks ranger regulations (bag act as Fishery Control Officers, limits, size limits, DAFF catch monitors required. All closed season, MLRA appointed enforcement Human - MLRA appointed catch monitors licenses and personnel to operate on a daily required (2x dedicated monitors for Garden Inspection of activities and collection basis to monitor non-compliance Route National Park coastal region); fishermen to ensure methods). by active patrols and point researchers; SANParks rangers; angling compliance with MLRA access checks; research institute clubs Financial - National government and regulations; record number personnel can include SANParks; levies from boat registration or of incidents of non- compliance monitoring and angling competitions (approximate initial compliance; measure cpue in fishery surveys; SANParks capital cost for vehicle of R300 000, R100 cpue. members and general public 000 p.a. per monitor thereafter) can assist by reporting incidents of non-compliance.

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Resource plan Management Legal Work plan and mandate Currently addressed, if so by Monitoring plans Human (staff, skill level); Finance (total actions requirements whom? cost) Management Objective E4: Number of competitions and participants restricted and all competitions are catch and release

Maintain a limited None except EMP SANParks No – SANParks is the responsible Human - SANParks Executive staff and Number of competitions to and pre- guidelines and authority with help from angling angling club members; specialist fisheries be determined and determined angling club club structures and personnel from tertiary institute (existing monitored; participants to number of well be assessed for policies appointed specialists to positions) Financial – SANParks (government structured, compliance with recommend competition funding) and levies from boat registration or regulated fishing competition rules; record formats and assist in measure & angling competitions; research funds from competitions that incidents of non- release efforts. tertiary institutes or voluntary participation are strictly catch by specialists compliance. Use records and release only. Regulations for SANParks Regional / Knysna To be implemented from last year to set the Proper Office standard Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment (Sections 8)

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6.3 Water Quality and Quantity

Activities related to water quality and quantity management are provided by the Knysna Estuary Pollution Management Action plan developed for the Knysna Municipality. This plan contains management objectives as well as specific management actions that are reported on. These are detailed as follows:

• Management Objective W1: What goes into rivers and stormwater controlled: o Build communal toilets in informal areas; o Improve solid waste collection and removal systems; o Clean river banks; o Plumbing tests at low cost housing developments; and o Audit of connections (fine and monitor transgressors). • Management Objective W2: What goes into sewers controlled: o Storm water master plan; o Public campaign to sensitise public; o Audit of connections (fine and monitor transgressors); and o Facilitate processing of fat from fat traps ; • Management Objective W3: Infrastructure fixed: o Upgrade to sewage works; o Remedial works to aging sewers and storm water pipes; o New bigger main line across town; o Upgrade critical pump stations; and o Install overflow chambers; • Management Objective W4: Control systems improved: o Regularly clear and inspect servitudes and sewer lines and check chambers; o Enhance telemetry systems; o Dedicated staff to monitor telemetry system; o Install level sensors and alarms; o Risk assessment on sewage works upgrade and operations with standard procedures; and o Improve incident reporting; • Management Objective W5: Necessary mitigation undertaken: o Clean the sludge away from area next to George Rex Drive; o Establish floating wetlands; o Establish mushroom beds; o Carefully balanced chlorination of rivers and storm water outfalls; o Screening of Storm water outfalls; and o Develop dredging policy.

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6.4 Land Use and Infrastructure Planning

The following management actions are required by SANParks, with regard to the EMP:

• It must be ensured that the Conservation and Living Resources Management 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; and • SANParks must be aware of and comment on all developments within the ICM Act coastal protection zone and coastal management line. This will require effective communication with the environmental representatives of the Local and District (Knysna and Eden) Municipalities and the regional (George) Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning office.

6.5 Institutional and Management Structures

SANParks must lead a forum that is representative of all stakeholders within the catchment. The forum will be the responsible for fostering stakeholder engagement and facilitating and monitoring the implementation of the EMP, as well as the other Operational Plans within the Knysna Protected Environment. More details of the forum are provided in Section 7.

6.6 Education and Awareness As the designated management authority of the Knysna Protected Environment, it is expected that SANParks will present (or arrange to have presented) 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 EMP and links to education and awareness programmes, SANParks must ensure that the Conservation and Living Resources Management 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;

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• 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 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 EMP; • Alignment and collaboration with awareness raising or conservation initiatives such as Hope Spots etc. in order to maximise funding impact rather than dilute it; and • Research projects aimed at enhancing our knowledge of the Knysna system and thus the efficacy of the EMP through amended action plans and monitoring programmes.

There is a wealth of information on the Knysna River estuary (peer reviewed publications, grey literature, unpublished data, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies and information etc.). SANParks currently hosts a database of this information and published a State of Knowledge report, but it is recommended that this information be supplemented and made generally available or shared via platforms such as the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) Elwandle node (Grahamstown) where a database of information for all South African estuaries is being established. DAFF further has a number of fish monitoring programmes in the estuary. Data from these programmes should also be included in the SANParks database and shared with SAEON.

6.7 Sustainable Livelihoods

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 its living resources will be supported and permitted and incorporate these into the EMP, as well as of the sustainability of these uses (livelihoods); and • 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.

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7 IMPLEMENTATION

It is essential to understand that implementation needs to take place within the Protected Environment as well as in the surrounding buffer or support areas. This will imply the clear need for a cooperative approach. It is essential that this EMP is regarded as a strategic plan that can guide the detailing of implementation actions and identification of implementing agents. Therefore, it does not specify the required resources (human and financial) required for proper management of the estuary. However, it does offer a schedule or phased planning approach that incorporates capacity building and implementation at the local level over a five-year period. It is crucial that champions/project leaders/teams are identified who will be responsible for the formulation of detailed project plans and the implementation thereof.

7.1 Key Role Players

7.1.1 Responsible Management Authority The responsibility for managing estuaries within National Protected Areas vests with SANParks, as referred to in Section 57 of the NEM:PAA and the Regulations for the Proper Administration of the Knysna Protected Environment issued in terms of Section 86(1) of the NEM:PAA, and according to the National Estuarine Management Protocol6. SANParks is thus the Responsible Management Authority (RMA), responsible for the development of the Knysna River EMP as well as being responsible for the co-ordination of its implementation. Notwithstanding, implementation of the EMP can be affected through a range of different forums and agencies. Figure 10 displays the key role players that should be included in the management of the Knysna River estuary.

6 Where an estuary is within a protected area or is identified as part of a protected area expansions strategy, the management authority responsible for the protected area must develop an EMP in consultation with relevant government departments. Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 49

Figure 10: Key role players for the management of the Knysna River estuary

7.1.2 Government Departments and Organs of State

Co-management and effective governance is a vital aspect for the efficient and effective management of the Knysna estuarine system. The successful implementation of the Knysna EMP is also dependent on the contribution of a number of governmental role players, including:

• Relevant National Government departments, especially DEA, DWS (via the regional office), DAFF, and Rural Development and Land Reform; • Western Cape Government departments: Responsible for legislative support, including compliance, funding, research and monitoring, as well as education and awareness; • Municipalities, including Knysna Local Municipality and Eden District Municipality: Responsible for legislative support and funding; and • Organs of State, such as the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency, which plays a key role in protecting, using, developing, conserving, managing and controlling water resources of the region.

DWS are responsible for catchment related issues and water quantity and 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: O&C (ICM Act), DAFF (CARA, MLRA), SAHRA (NHRA), DEA&DP (NEMA & EIA regulations), and local & district municipalities (SDFs & IDPs). Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 50

In terms of practical implementation of the EMP, all management actions detailed in the action plans need to be executed within the legal or policy frameworks and mandates that are described by these Acts, by means of detailed internal project plans. 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. Funding and staff resources will need to be sourced within each respective sector department and/or institute. Alternatively, departments may fund other entities to undertake their necessary functions on their behalf.

The DEA is responsible for national standardisation of estuarine management and approval of provincially-led EMPs. Direct involvement in individual estuaries, such as the Knysna system, will occur via existing forums for intergovernmental coordination. These forums will have the management of the various estuarine systems on their agenda from time to time.

• Western Cape Provincial Coastal Committee: Responsible for facilitating co- management and effective governance and provincial co-ordination of estuarine management; and • Eden District Municipal Coastal Committee: Responsible for facilitating co- management and effective governance.

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 Protected Environment issued in terms of Section 86(1) of the NEM:PAA will have developmental authorisation capacity in the biological control area (area comprising the water area, a water resource and State land within the Knysna Protected Environment). 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 ICM Act provides the legal context for needing an EMP, 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 EMP is incorporated into the Garden Route National Park Management Plan, it will have further legal context through the NEM:PAA.

7.1.3 Knysna Estuary Advisory Forum (Knysna Estuary Management Forum) Although the Protocol does not propose new institutional arrangements, it does acknowledge existing estuary and other forums. In the case of the Knysna Protected Area,

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the SANParks-led Knysna Estuary Management Forum is operational and acts as an advisory body to SANParks, envisioned by the Protocal as an ‘Estuary Advisory Forum’. In addition, The Knysna Environmental Management Forum is a networking group of people or organisations with shared concerns that attempts to assist the authorities where possible through developing practical solutions. They have an active interest in environmental matters in the Knysna area, whether terrestrial, marine or estuarine. It is recommended that SANParks ensures that all stakeholders are given the necessary opportunity to participate in the different forums, and importantly that the differentiation between the forums function effectively. Separation of function must not lead to uncertainty around mandates and responsibility, and should only exist if it facilitates the implementation of the management and project plans.

The Knysna Estuary Management Forum will function as the hub that links all stakeholders involved in the estuary, thereby fostering stakeholder engagement and cooperative governance. The broader community, including Ratepayers’ Associations, NGO’s, community groups CBO’s, conservancies, etc., and representatives from surrounding industry and agriculture, will be able to voice concerns and raise issues via the forum. Local members will play an invaluable role in providing on the ground, local insight and support to the authorities. Where local forums - dealing with either estuarine or other matters of local interest - already exist, those forums must be considered. Any representatives are obliged to raise issues identified by their constituents and to provide feedback to the constituents. Importantly, the forum will not represent or supplant the individual positions of its members unless specifically mandated to do so.

In addition, the forum will keep all stakeholders informed of the progress and effectiveness of the EMP, identify areas of concern and make management recommendations that may need to be incorporated into the EMP, liaise with government departments through the RMA to ensure they fulfil their legal obligations, and interact with tertiary & research institutions to help coordinate research programmes.

7.2 Review and Evaluation

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the EMP will become the responsibility of SANParks. Ideally implementing agents responsible for the conservation and 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 situational review (Situation Assessment), utilizing the data from monitoring programmes, should be compiled to determine whether the Vision and Objectives of the EMP have been achieved. In a situation where this has not been achieved, SANParks will need to determine which aspects of the EMP need to be altered in order to rectify these shortfalls. Usually this will involve the adaptation of Management Objectives or aspects of the action plans themselves, although the problem may be with implementation (capacity

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and finance). Monitoring programmes may also be altered to supply specific data to fill existing knowledge gaps.

8 MONITORING & RESEARCH

8.1 Resource Monitoring 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 EMP 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 Objectives and management actions within the action plans 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.

8.1.1 Baseline Programmes A list of baseline monitoring programmes for each of the management actions of the Management Objectives is provided in Table 6 - Table 8, largely in alignment with the programme prescribed in the Estuary Ecological Reserve Study (DWA, 2010). 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.

8.1.2 Long-term Monitoring The long-term monitoring programmes described in this section (Table 9 - Table 11) were initially developed to determine the requirements for the Ecological Reserve (DWA, 2010) 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 Ecological Specifications (EcoSpecs) parameters but could equally be due to human activities such

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as fishing, episodic events causing habitat change, seasonal migrations, national trends in fish populations or large-scale fluctuations in climate.

Long-term monitoring programmes, i.e. those that form part of the Estuary Ecological Reserve Study (DWA, 2010), will need to be aligned with current and planned future research projects. The generic list of long-term monitoring projects includes 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.

It is important to note that a considerable amount of research and monitoring is being undertaken by SANParks and its affiliations, when and where funding becomes available. Consequently, data generation continues to be fruitful and continues to contribute to increasing the confidence of the Estuary Ecological Reserve Study and filling some identified knowledge gaps. Where certain baseline or long-term monitoring programmes fall outside the ability or responsibility of SANParks, the agency must ensure collaboration with the responsible government departments and municipalities, and their contracted service providers such as the CSIR, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), Knysna Basin Project and Universities. This will ensure that programmes will be beneficial to the effective implementation of the Estuary Management Plan. Note that all research within the Knysna estuary must be approved by SANParks - this includes long- and short-term monitoring projects.

8.1.3 Ecological Specifications Ecological Specifications are clear and measurable specifications of ecological attributes (in the case of estuaries - hydrodynamics, sediment dynamics, water quality and different biotic components) that define a specific ecological category, in this case a Category B. Thresholds of potential concern (TPC) are defined as measurable end points related to specific abiotic or biotic indicators that if reached (or when modelling predicts that such points will be reached) prompts management action. In essence, TPCs should provide early warning signals of potential non-compliance to ecological specification (i.e. not the point of ‘no return’). This implies that the indicators (or monitoring activities) selected as part of long-term monitoring programme need to include biotic and abiotic components that are particularly sensitive to changes in river inflow. Ecological Specifications (EcoSpecs), as well as the Thresholds of Potential Concern (TPCs), representative of a Category B for the Knysna River estuary, are presented in Appendix 2 (DWA, 2010).

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8.2 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 as soon as possible but as resources allow. 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 River 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 dynamics within the estuary, with 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, but other point sources have increased input. This needs to be investigated further through research programmes. • 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 in sea water temperature. Such changes are likely to be associated with an extension in the home range of several species, including invasive species. • On-going monitoring of fisheries, 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). (Some research already conducted, others are in the planning phase. Limited availability of personnel to conduct research). • Current efforts at determining the carrying capacity of the estuary need to be completed so that informed decisions can be made about the numbers of users from different user groups. 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

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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.

9 RECOMMENDATIONS

The following recommendations are made to assist/ improve management of the Knysna River estuary:

• Future revisions of the EMP must include additional detailed actions plans for, but not limited to, o Water quality and quantity (management actions provided); o Land use and infrastructure planning; o Institutional and management structures; o Education and awareness; and o Non-consumptive use and sustainable livelihoods. • Resource monitoring must be undertaken in alignment with monitoring programmes prescribed by the ecological RDM process and must take the Resource Quality Objectives into account.

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10 REFERENCES

Angel, A., Branch, G.M., Wanless, R.M., Siebert, T. 2006. Causes of rarity and range restriction of an endangered, endemic limpet, Siphonaria compressa. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 330: 245-260.

Coastal & Environmental Services, 2007. Knysna Estuary Management Plan – Volume I: Situation Assessment, CES, Grahamstown.

Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), 2014. National Estuarine Management Protocol. Review of Existing Estuarine Management Plans 2007-2014. Department of Environmental Affairs, Cape Town.

Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), 2015. Guidelines for the Development and Implementation of Estuarine Management Plans in terms of the National Estuarine Management Protocol. Department of Environmental Affairs, Cape Town.

Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), 2010. Garden Route Environmental Management Framework. Appendix B: Background Information Document. Developed by eartINC Consultants.

Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), 2009. Resource Directed Measures: Reserve Determination studies for selected surface water, groundwater, estuaries and wetlands in the Outeniqua (Knysna and Swartvlei) catchment. Estuarine RDM Report, Volume 3: Knysna Estuary – Biotic Component Specialist Appendices. Edited by Dr Paterson, A, for Scherman Consulting. Report no. RDM/K40 - K50/00/CON/0307, Volume 3.

Department of Water Affairs (DWA), 2010. Resource Directed Measures: Reserve Determination studies for selected surface water, groundwater, estuaries and wetlands in the Outeniqua catchment: Ecological Water Requirements Study. RDM Report: Ecological Specifications and Monitoring. Compiled by Dr Paterson, A (SAEON) and Ms Louw, D (Rivers for Africa), for Scherman Colloty & Associates. Report no. RDM/K40- 50/00/CON/0507.

Grindley, J.R. 1985. Estuaries of the Cape, Part II: Synopses of available information on individual systems. Knysna (CMS13). Report No. 30. CSIR Research Report 429. 80 pp.

Hinrichsen, E. 2007. Guideline to the Authorisation Requirements for Aquaculture in the Western Cape: Edition 1. Division of Aquaculture, Stellenbosch University Report. Republic of South Africa, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning, Cape Town.

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. Knysna River Estuarine Management Plan 57

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, JK., Adams, JB., Joubert, A., Harrison, TD., Colloty, BM., Maree, RC., Whitfield, AK., Wooldridge, TH., Lamberth SJ., Taljaard S., & van Niekerk, L. 2002. Assessment of the conservation priority status of South African estuaries for use in management and water allocation. Water SA. 28: 191– 206.

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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APPENDIX 1: RECOMMENDED RESOURCE MONITORING PROGRAMMES

Table 6: Baseline monitoring programmes for Conservation (biodiversity, human activities and law enforcement)

The following table includes requirements provided in the Knysna Estuary Ecological Reserve Study: Ecological Specifications and Monitoring Report (DWA, 2010).

CONSERVATION (BIODIVERSITY) Objective Indicator Resources Spatial Scale Temporal Scale Sampling & Analysis Aerial photographs every 5 Aerial photos from Dept. of Surveys & Mapping (1:2000 scale); Area of cover years for Situation Assessment; reference photos from fixed elevated positions at low tide. Human - Members of SANParks or The designated estuarine reference photographs bi- Surface area of each community type plotted on a map; municipal environmental officer. B1: Maintenance of area; should include sand annually for seasonal variation habitat type and plant cover at reference sites plotted; Budget - cost of aerial and/or plant communities reference photographs and GIS and mudbanks for sediment at selected sites; macrophyte cover along permanent transects (at least 3); XY Species abundance specialists distribution patterns. phytoplankton: quarterly over graphs of plant community area for each season over 5-year 1 year covering seasonal period, phytoplankton: conduct counts of dominant variation phytoplankton groups Aerial photos from Dept. of Surveys & Mapping (1:2000 scale); Aerial photographs every 5 Human – DWS. Budget - cost of aerial Riparian region within the reference transects at disturbed or cleared sites. Surface area of B2: Control of alien years for Situation Assessment; Area of cover photographs and reference designated estuarine area indigenous & alien vegetation plotted on a map every 5 years; vegetation reference transects at transects and the greater catchment. XY graphs of vegetation type against year in disturbed areas to disturbed sites annually. track recovery. Mudprawn, sandprawn and bloodworm: Species richness Random quadrats above low spring tide level where number of Human - members of SANParks; more Several representative Seasonal; recommendation burrows is counted; Benthic invertebrates: likely students or staff from tertiary or habitats for major invertebrate 6-9 random grabs at each station; seasonal sampling to include B3: Maintenance of for mudprawn is January, June Species diversity research institute. Budget - research species; including control sites breeding and recruitment seasons. Baseline data set may be set invertebrate populations & September. funding from tertiary or research where human activities are up after 2 years; plot XY graphs of species richness, abundance institutions excluded. and diversity or number of burrows against time of year. Population densities Reasons for decrease may not be human induced and could be due to natural variation. Species richness Counts to be done over spring low tide period and outside peak Human - members of SANParks and disturbance periods and record prevailing conditions; counting Lakes Bird Club; students or staff from areas mapped and representative of a range of estuary habitat B4: Maintenance of Species diversity Reference sites in the Monthly, on spring low tide for waterbird populations tertiary or research institute. Budget - prominent bird saltmarshes. one year types. Plot species richness, diversity and numbers against research funding from tertiary or time of year and habitat type; long-term period (5 to 10 Species numbers research institutions years) is required to allow for detection of natural fluctuations; detailed analysis to be done by CWAC. Human - DAFF catch monitors; Boat inspections and shore patrols in the form of roving creel students or staff from tertiary or Ongoing for catch monitors; surveys; access point inspections; weekdays, weekends and B5: Maintenance of fish research institute. Budget - research Water body within the research project comprising holidays to be included; catch (number & weight) and time CPUE populations funding from tertiary or research designated estuarine area. fishery survey to be fished is relevant data. CPUE to be plotted against time for each institutions; funding from DEA for conducted every 5 years. species; analysis of research data and catch monitors data can increased catch monitor capacity be combined.

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Human - members of SANParks or Aerial photographs every 5 Use same photos as described for B1. Data is analyzed and Area of cover and municipal environmental officer. years for Situation Assessment; presented as for B1, i.e. habitat types plotted on map and XY B6: Maintenance of degree of Budget - cost of aerial and/or Designated estuarine area. reference photographs bi- graphs for each habitat type for each season over 5-year estuarine habitats fragmentation reference photographs (already annually for seasonal variation period. Loss of habitat may be due to human activities or accounted for in B1) at selected sites. natural cycles. Human - DEA:O&C or municipal Aerial photos from B1 and B6 can be used and annotated with environmental officer; specialist B7: Protect estuarine Proportion of various Designated estuarine area habitat type and extent within formally protected areas. consultant for analysis. Budget - DEA Annotated maps or aerial habitats in formally types under sanctuary areas in other Analysis needs to be done in the context of habitat types or CapeNature funding for cost of photographs every 5 years. protected areas protection habitat estuaries and CFR protected in other CFR estuaries and should be done by DEA or survey, annotated maps or photos CapeNature and specialist analysis CONSERVATION (Human Activities) Objective Indicator Resources Spatial Scale Temporal Scale Sampling & Analysis Human - members of SANParks or Designated estuarine area; Twice a month outside of Count number of people engaged in each activity; record HA1: Ensure carrying Number of municipal environmental officer. may be limited to specific peak periods (weekday and number of activities and associated users. Plot number of users capacity of estuary is not recreational users in Budget - counts can be done as part zones based on type of weekend day) and once a in each activity against time of year and compare to carrying exceeded each zone of normal daily activities or activity in accordance with week during peak holiday capacity values. responsibilities, i.e. no additional cost the EZP. periods.

Population densities Weekly surveys over low tide to record number of collectors, Human - MLRA appointed personnel; collection methods, adherence to bag limits and licenses; HA2: Control human Once a week during the neap members of SANParks; students or random quadrats to determine densities (use data from B3 activities that impact on Compliance with and spring- tide cycles for staff from tertiary or research institute. Designated estuarine area. research surveys). Plot XY graph of densities to time of year and invertebrate (bait regulations (bag population density; and daily Budget - research funding from relate to number of users and level of compliance; plot XY organism) populations limits, collecting for compliance. methods, licenses, tertiary or research institutions graph of instances of non-compliance with time of year and closed areas) bait organism. Human - members of SANParks; DAFF catch monitors; municipal HA3: Protect linefish and environmental officer; launch site Once a year when Number of Record number of competitions and number of participants bait organism managers; and angling club Designated estuarine area, in applications to hold competitions and (boats and anglers). Plot XY graph of each against time of year populations by restricting committees. Budget - counts can be particular launch sites. competitions are submitted participants over a 5-year period. fishing competitions done as part of normal daily to municipality. activities or responsibilities, i.e. no additional cost Human – members of SANParks; During or after each HA4: Reduce the Volume of litter municipal environmental officer. Designated estuarine area, in organized event; at least Record number of standard garbage bags filled with litter after amount of litter (solid measured in standard Budget - can be done as part of particular the water body and once a month during peak organized events, during peak periods and during the year. Plot waste) within the garbage bags. normal daily activities or immediate riparian area. periods; and twice during the XY graph of volume against time of year and related activity. estuarine area responsibilities, i.e. no additional cost. year outside of peak periods. CONSERVATION (Law Enforcement) Objective Indicator Resources Spatial Scale Temporal Scale Sampling & Analysis

Human - MLRA appointed officials. Incidence of non- Record type of offence, number of offences, number of arrests LE1: Improve law Budget - can be done as part of compliance and high Designated estuarine area. Once a year. and successful convictions. Plot these incidences against each enforcement capacity. normal daily activities or conviction rate year over a 5-year period. responsibilities, i.e. no additional cost.

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Human - DWS & DEA&DP officials; independent environmental control Record number and type of developments approved; note officer appointed in terms of the EA; LE2: Compliance with activities of environmental site officer and incidents of non- Incidence of non- SANParks members as registered Depends on number of EAs issued as part of EIA Designated estuarine area. compliance with the EA conditions. Data should be tabulated compliance IAPs. Budget - part of normal developments and EAs issued. process. and presented to authorities for analysis and further action responsibilities for government against non-compliant developers. departments; developer pays for environmental control officer

Table 7: Additional baseline monitoring programmes for Water Quantity, Quality and Sediment (DWA, 2010)

TEMPORAL SCALE SPATIAL SCALE (NO. STATIONS) COMPONENT MONITORING ACTION (FREQUENCY AND WHEN) At SAN Thesen Island bridge. Continuous water level recordings. Continuous. An additional water level recorder should be installed at the Red Bridge. At Station K5H002 and base flows at Accurate flow gauging of river inflow to estuary. Continuous. Charlesford Weir. Hydrodynamics Aerial photographs of estuary (photographed at spring low tide) at 1:2000 Every five years. Entire estuary. scale. Once-off during a spring and neap At four locations (The Heads, the Railway Water level recordings along entire estuary. tidal cycle. Bridge, the N2 Bridge and Red Bridge).

Near-shore wave data records (only if available). Bathymetric survey: Series of cross-section profiles and a longitudinal Once-off, with additional profile collected at fixed 500 m intervals, but more detailed in the mouth Entire estuary. measurements in the event of major and upper 4 km (vertical accuracy better than 300 mm). The last surveys floods. were done in 1974. Sediment Set of sediment grab samples at cross-sections for grading analysis. Once-off. Entire estuary. Set of core samples (2 m) save at cross-sections for grading analysis, age Once-off. Entire estuary approx. every 1 km. and origin (Isotope analysis). Sampling of suspended sediment (and organic matter) required to Weekly, but daily during floods, for at Upstream of estuary. quantify actual sediment and organic yield and variability. least five years. Collect data on conductivity, temperature, suspended solids/turbidity, Location at the head of estuary (same At least monthly ongoing. DO, pH, inorganic nutrients (and organic content) in river inflow. location as for flow gauging).

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Fortnightly over a six month period when Collect data on pesticides/herbicides in river inflow (potential source from Location at the head of estuary (same Water Quality pesticides/herbicides are applied, agriculture in catchment). location as for flow gauging). spanning a high flow season. Focus on depositional areas (strong tidal Baseline data set for pesticides/herbicides accumulation in sediments. Once, at end of low flow period. flushing prevents more significant accumulation). NOTES: Sediment Sampling: Suitable sediment data records cannot be acquired in the short term. Therefore, if sediment processes in estuaries are to be better understood and quantified, long term programmes will have to be implemented. In this regard it is recommended that the DWA implement such monitoring activities timeously in South African estuaries, particularly those earmarked for substantial water abstraction in future. The disturbance of the sediment erosion/deposition equilibrium in an estuary can lead either to siltation, resulting in the estuary becoming shallower, or it can lead to the erosion of important sediment habitats. Under natural conditions many estuaries were probably in a state of long-term equilibrium of sedimentation and erosion. However, this equilibrium can be disturbed because of changes in run-off, especially if the occurrences and magnitudes of major floods are changed. Floods and, in some cases, high seasonal flows can influence the sediment erosion/deposition equilibrium. Floods can alter important features within an estuary, such as the bathymetry (e.g. channel depth or the size of intertidal areas) and sediment composition (e.g. sand or mud).

Water Quality Sampling: Salinity and temperature data must be collected at 0.5 m depth intervals, while other water quality parameters are collected in surface and bottom waters. At stations deeper than 10 m, a sample at an intermediate depth may also be required (site specific decision).

Where toxic substances are suspected (e.g. in estuary receiving runoff from urban and industrial areas and contaminated agricultural runoff from catchment), sediment samples should be collected and analysed for toxic substances (i.e. trace metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, herbicides and pesticides). To assist with the interpretation of results, samples should also be analysed for sediment grain size distribution and organic content as well. A grid of sediment sampling stations should be selected, specifically targeting depositional areas (characterised by finer sediment grain sizes and/or higher organic content).

The analytical techniques used in the processing of marine and estuarine water quality samples vary greatly from those used in the analysis of fresh water samples. It is therefore crucial that a suitably experienced marine analytical laboratory conducts the analyses of water quality samples.

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Table 8: 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 All SANParks and MLRA appointed personnel and Human - DAFF or SANParks and EMF members can monitor compliance during MLRA appointed personnel; normal daily patrols or activities. Incidents of non- E1: Ensure sanctity of SANParks members and general Daily by SANParks and MLRA Incidence of non- Designated sanctuary area appointed personnel; incident compliance can be recorded for each month sanctuary area through public to report incidents of non- compliance (invertebrate reserve). reporting by EMF members and and user group and plotted against years for a 5- compliance monitoring. compliance. Budget - part of daily general public is on ad hoc basis. year period. Analysis can be done by SANParks, responsibilities for SANParks and EMF executive or fishery researcher as part of MLRA appointed personnel fishery survey. Random quadrats above spring low tide level - count number of burrows; seasonal sampling includes breeding and recruitment (larval settling) Human - DAFF or SANParks and Population densities three times a E2: Maintenance of periods. Baseline data may require a 2-year research institute Personnel. Budget - year viable bait organism Population densities Designated estuarine area. survey. Plot XY graph of densities/number of part of daily responsibilities for DAFF (January, June & September) during populations. burrows against time of year and relate to or SANParks; research funds spring-tide cycles. number of users and level of compliance (note that declines in density may not be due to collection activities). Boat inspections and shore patrols in the form of Human - DAFF or SANParks and other roving creel surveys and access point inspections; MLRA appointed catch monitors; Ongoing for SANParks and MLRA weekdays, weekends and holidays to be students or staff from tertiary or E3: Maintenance of fish Water body within the appointed staff; research project included; catch (number & weight) and time CPUE research institute. Budget - part of populations. designated estuarine area. comprising fishery survey to be fished is relevant data. CPUE to be plotted daily responsibility for DAFF or conducted every 5 years. against time for each species; analysis of SANParks; research funding from research data and MLRA appointed personnel tertiary or research institutions survey data can be combined. E4: Restrict number of Human - SANParks; MLRA appointed Compliance with regulations to be recorded for competitions and personnel; angling club committee each competition and plotted against years over participants and Compliance during each members. Budget - part of current a 5-year period. Record number of competitions maintain high level of Number of competitions & competition; number of and number of participants (boats and anglers). responsibilities for MLRA appointed Designated estuarine area. compliance with MLRA participants competitions to be decided at the Plot XY graph of each against time of year over a staff; any expenses by SANParks regulations and start of each year. 5-year period. Data can be analysed by a executive to be covered by competition-specific researcher as part of the five-yearly fishery competition levies rules. survey.

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Table 8 continued…

MARICULTURE Objective Indicator and TPC Resources Required Spatial Scale Temporal Scale Sampling and Analysis Weekly samples for chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen plus Water samples to be taken at prescribed times Indicator for nutrient levels additional seasonal samples as part and sent for analysis at independent certified are chlorophyll-a and of water quality monitoring; laboratory. Macrophyte growth to be assessed macrophyte growth macrophyte growth assessed once yearly from aerial photographs or reference a year as part of plant community photos taken from vantage points; results to be monitoring. plotted against month or year over a five-year Weekly samples for dissolved period; data can be combined or coordinated oxygen plus additional seasonal with research efforts that are part of long-term Dissolved oxygen samples as part of water quality monitoring programmes. monitoring. Visual surveys conducted using snorkeling gear M1: Ensure compliance Presence of dead or alive Human - Environmental site officer monthly to detect stray organisms; record and and KOC staff; SANParks; tertiary & by aspects relating to EA culture organisms outside Monthly plot frequency of occurrence and numbers research institutions. Budget - KOC; requirements the KOC concession area against month for each year over a 5-year CapeNature; research funding period. with all and operational from tertiary or research institutions Sampling is conducted on an ad hoc basis during Culture-related activities the course of performing other duties or Ad hoc outside of concession area responsibilities; frequency of incidents to be plotted against time over a 5-year period. Complaints must be recorded and independently Number of reports from assessed by the EMF executive or SAN Parks; other estuarine users with Ongoing frequency of occurrence of complaints for the regards visual impacts same issue to be recorded against time over a 5- year period. Incidents of non-compliance with EA conditions to Compliance record with Ongoing be recorded for each year and plotted against EA conditions time over a 5-year period.

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Table 9: Long-term monitoring programmes for hydrology, sediment dynamics, hydrodynamics and water & sediment quality

The following table is in alignment with, and includes requirements provided in, the Knysna Estuary Ecological Reserve Study: Ecological Specifications and Monitoring Report (DWA, 2010).

HYDRODYNAMICS SAMPLING PROCEDURE SPATIAL SCALE TEMPORAL SCALE COMMENTS

One stations at Record river inflow at flow-gauging position representative station. of inflows to estuary Construction of flow-gauging weirs must not At SAN These Island. Continuous. impede migratory movements of aquatic An Additional water organisms. Baseline data for inflow and water Record water level. lever recorder should level are required for initial reserve be installed at the Red determination and a minimum 5-year data set is Bridge recommended. Entire estuary if Aerial photographs of estuary (spring low possible otherwise Five years tide) mouth area. HYDROLOGY Runoff – average monthly flows over a 50 Simulated data for runoff and flood to 80-year period. Used for initial reserve determination and not Head of the estuary. hydrographs. Flood hydrographs – long-term monitoring hourly flows for duration of flood. SEDIMENT DYNAMICS

Sediment grabs for analysis of particle size Entire estuary at 500m Every 5 years with Difference between long-term equilibrium distribution and origin. intervals. additional patterns and short term variations need to be measurements in the Bathymetric surveys for mouth dynamics Entire estuary at 500m determined. Sediment processes are better and cross-sectional profiles. intervals elsewhere. event of major floods monitored over the long-term and floods may be infrequent and their effects only recorded in Upstream of the Weekly, but daily during Suspended sediment and organic matter. the long-term. estuary. floods WATER & SEDIMENT QUALITY

Waste water effluent into estuary, Wastewater plant Monthly nutrients and toxic substances effluent discharge sites

Tributary inflow – measure system Tributary inputs Monthly variables, nutrients and toxic substances

Head of the estuary River inflow - measure system variables, (same location as flow Monthly nutrients & toxic substances. gauging).

Immediate vicinity of Water quality parameters depend on riverine Nearshore marine environment water Mouth or general N/A and marine waters and biochemical processes. quality at the mouth; from literature. nearshore/surf zone Baseline data for water quality should be conditions. obtained from a minimum 5-year data set. Toxic substances accumulate and integrate over Measure parameters at effluent discharge At discharge site prior Weekly. time, therefore sediments would provide the sites. to entering estuary. best evidence of elevated levels or build-up. Data collection can coincide with biological Estuary water quality - measure salinity, monitoring programmes to help with temperature, system variables & inorganic interpretation of biotic data. nutrients. Entire estuary, ~18 stns equally spaced along Seasonal and/or at times estuary and one each during biological surveys. Longitudinal salinity temperature profiles in river and surf zone. (in situ in estuary)

Estuarine area where Sediment samples for toxic substances fine sediments have (trace metals, hydrocarbons, pesticides & Every 3 – 6 years recently been herbicides). deposited.

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Table 10: Long-term monitoring programmes for microalgae, macrophytes and invertebrates

The following table is in alignment with, and includes requirements provided in, the Knysna Estuary Ecological Reserve Study: Ecological Specifications and Monitoring Report (DWA, 2010).

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. two years after EMP Benthic microalgae - intertidal and implementation conduct Combine sampling times when water & 10 - 15 stations equally subtidal samples for chlorophyll-a; a summer and winter sediment quality studies are done; also spaced from mouth to determine relative abundance of survey; summer and coincide with invertebrate sampling to help head of the estuary. dominant species. winter samples every three with interpretation of zooplankton data. years thereafter. 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.

Field data for ground truthing of aerial photographs - record number of plant community types, area covered by each, species list within each community Entire estuary and extent of anthropogenic impacts. Initially a summer survey two years after EMP implementation; summer The following plant habitat types are relevant Measurements of macroalgal cover and surveys every three years to the Knysna River estuary: open surface biomass in random quadrats at site thereafter. If aerial water, intertidal sand & mudbanks, submerged where blooms occur photographs are available macrophyte beds, macroalgae, intertidal & for intermediate period supratidal salt marsh and reed & sedges. these should be analyzed At least two transects too. each in lower and Permanent transects at reference sites to middle reaches record changes in plant habitats and covering dominant quadrats to determine percentage habitats, e.g. salt change in species composition within marshes, Zostera beds communities. Specific data along and reeds/ sedges. transects to include elevation and water Additional transects as level, water salinity & turbidity, sediment needed where salinity, composition and moisture communities sensitive content. 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 Seasonally abundance. Collect phytoplankton & benthic microalgae at each site for chlorophyll-a analysis. One station in the river; other stations within defined salinity zones High variability in invertebrate response to flow Benthic invertebrates - subtidal samples (0-10ppt, 10- 20ppt and and rapid changes in community composition collected by grab; intertidal samples 20-35ppt); minimum of and species abundance requires a long-term using core-sampler or quadrat counts for ten stations along data set for baseline data. Sampling stations burrow densities; minimum of five estuary length. Stations should try overlap macrophyte sites to link replicates per site. Identify all to species in each zone should Initially a summer and invertebrate patterns to habitat types. level, record densities and abundance include dominant Coordinate sampling with water & sediment and if Zostera is present. Sediment winter sample two years habitats, bird feeding after EMP implementation; quality surveys for cost-effectiveness and samples at each site to be analyzed for areas and areas interpretation of patterns. particle size and organic content. summer and winter vulnerable to changes samples every three years Macrocrustaceans - replicate in river inflow. thereafter. 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.

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Table 11: Long-term monitoring programmes for fish and birds

The following table is in alignment with, and includes requirements provided in, the Knysna Estuary Ecological Reserve Study: Ecological Specifications and Monitoring Report (DWA, 2010).

FISH SAMPLING PROCEDURE SPATIAL SCALE TEMPORAL SCALE COMMENTS Non-destructive sampling to be carried out Stations in the river Fish community - sampling gear needs to where possible, i.e. measure and release. and at least ten Initially a summer and winter suit habitat types. Seine and gill nets will Multiple gears are required to ensure entire spread over sample two years after EMP be primary gear, but also otter trawls community is sampled. Sampling should representative implementation; summer (deep channels), cast nets and Fyke nets coincide with water quality surveys. Fish are salinity zones (0- and winter samples every (strong flow and dense vegetation). good indicator species and respond rapidly to 10ppt, 10-20ppt; 20- three years thereafter. Record species composition, abundance, changes in flow regime but may be more 30ppt and 30-35ppt); Additional sampling after distribution and length frequencies. Sub- tolerant to substances that are harmful to other stations in each zone any fish kill and two months samples may be required for feeding, organisms (plants and invertebrates) and may must include all later. reproduction and genetic studies. also not be as susceptible to pollutants or other major habitats. toxins as they are mobile and can swim away. Fish behavior - acoustic tagging studies Labour intensive but with clear implications for on the dusky kob may be implemented to Intensive surveys during the resource on a National level. Can form part determine the movement behavior and Estuarine area. period when acoustic tag is of a network of estuaries where similar tagging residency time of large individuals in the active. studies are being conducted. Knysna River estuary. BIRDS Sections where counts take place must be labeled as "distance from mouth"; summer Divide estuary into sections based on Estuarine area and counts to be done outside of holiday period, habitat type and within each section at floodplain including preferably February/March; annual counts are low tide record species and abundance surf zone at mouth to Mid summer and mid winter required to detect cycles of variability which (special note of rare or endangered beyond backline counts every year. may have a three-year periodicity; seasonal species), state of habitat, level of human breakers and 500 m counts required for migratory species; activity/disturbance, breeding activity either side of mouth. collaborate with Lakes Bird Club and club and nesting sites. counts; birds are good indicator species for large permanently open estuaries.

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APPENDIX 2: ECOLOGICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Table 12: Ecological Specifications and Thresholds of Potential Concern (TPC) for a Category B Knysna Estuary (DWA, 2010)

COMPONENT ECOLOGICAL SPECIFICATION TPC POTENTIAL CAUSES • Illegal abstractions from rivers TPC 1: River inflow distribution patterns differ by more than 5% from that of Scenario 9 (i.e. Maintain a flow regime to create the required upstream. Hydrodynamics habitat for birds, fish, macrophytes, microalgae recommended flow scenario for the Knysna). • Operational releases not executed and water quality. correctly. TPC 2: Monthly river inflow below 0.5 m3/s persists for more than 22% of the time. • Drought condition.

TPC 3: River inflow distribution patterns (flood components) differ by more than 20% (in terms of magnitude, timing and variability) from that of the present sate (2008). Flood regime to maintain the sediment distribution patterns and aquatic habitat TPC 4: Suspended sediment concentration from river inflow deviates by more than 20% of the • Modification to inflow at head of (instream physical habitat) not to result in TPCs for sediment load-discharge relationship to be determined as part of baseline studies (Present estuary. biota being exceeded. Sate 2008).

Sediment TPC 5: Findings from the bathymetric surveys indicate changes in the sedimentation and dynamics erosion patterns in the estuary have occurred (± 0.5 m).

TPC 6: The median bed sediment diameter deviates by more than a factor of two from levels to be determined as part of baseline studies (present state 2008). • Modification to inflow at head of Changes in sediment grain size distribution TPC 7: Sand/mud distribution in the middle and upper reaches change by more than 20% estuary. patterns not to result in exceed TPCs for biota. from present state (2008). • Catchment activities.

TPC 8: Changes in tidal amplitude at the tidal gauge of more than 10% from present state (2008)

Salinity distribution not to result in exceedence of TPC 9: Salinity at the head of the estuary about 1 km from the Charlesford Weir >10 ppt Water Quality TPCs for fish, invertebrates, macrophytes and (parts per thousand) for more than 22% of the time. • Reduced freshwater inflows. microalgae. TPC 10: Salinity at 15 to 18 km from the mouth >20 ppt for more than 22% of the time.

TPC 11: River inflow: 4< pH >8.0 System variables (pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and DO <4 mg/l • Organic inputs from river and river transparency) not to result in TPCs for biota being TPC 12: Estuary: banks. exceeded. Secchi disc depth <2 m (lower basin, specifically) • Excessive algal growth within estuary. 4< pH >8.5 DO <4 mg/l (except in upper reaches where stratification can naturally result in hypoxia in bottom waters during low flow periods).

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COMPONENT ECOLOGICAL SPECIFICATION TPC POTENTIAL CAUSES

TPC 13: River inflow (low flow): Dissolved inactive nitrogen (DIN) >100 µg/l; Dissolved inactive phosphate (DRP) >50 µg/l

Inorganic nutrient concentrations not to result in TPC 14: River inflow (high flow): • Agricultural return flows. TPCs for macrophytes and microalgae being DIN >200 µg/l; DRP >50 µg/l • Wastewater discharges. exceeded. TPC 15:Ashmead Channel: DIN >150 µg/l ; DRP >150 µg/l

TPC 16: Estuary main channel (low flow): DIN >50 µg/l; DRP >50 µg/l, except in lower basin where upwelling can naturally elevate DIN and DRP concentrations from time to time (usually associated with cold water temperatures)

TPC 17: Estuary main channel (high flow): DIN >150 µg/l; DRP >50 µg/l, except in lower basin where upwelling can naturally elevate DIN and DRP concentrations from time to time (usually associated with cold water temperatures) • Inappropriate agricultural practices in TPC 18: Trace metals: Concentrations in estuary exceed target values as outlined in Presence of toxic substances not to result in catchment (e.g. overuse of pesticides DWAF (1995). TPCs for trace metals in sediments still need to be established. TPCs for biota being exceeded. or herbicides).

Runoff from urban development along TPC 19: Pesticides/herbicides: Baseline studies to be undertaken before TPCs can be set. • the banks (e.g. trace metals).

TPC 20: Increase in phytoplankton biomass to 20% greater than the baseline concentrations or a persistent localised bloom concentrations (>20 µg/l). • Elevated nutrient concentrations in the inflowing freshwater. Maintain low biomass: TPC 21: Deviation in phytoplankton group diversity to 20% of that found for baseline • Reduced freshwater inflow and high Microalgae Phytoplankton <20 µg/l conditions. salinity. Benthic microalgae <50 µg/l • Localised/point-source discharge of TPC 22: A benthic microalgal concentration of >50 µg/l. Visible as a fluorescent green nutrient-rich groundwater. (euglenophyte), golden brown (diatoms) or dark green/black (cyanobacteria) ‘slime’ layer on the surface sediment.

• Changes in elevation and tidal exchange. • Increase in salinity and reduced Maintain the present distribution (2007) and flooding influencing water level, abundance of the different plant community inundation depth, depth to types and estuarine habitats (intertidal mudflats TPC 23: Greater than 10% change in the area covered by different plant community types. groundwater, groundwater salinity with Zostera capensis 66 ha, salt marsh 552 ha and sediment salinity. and reeds and sedges 38 ha). • Increase in turbidity would reduce

seagrass (Z. capensis) cover.

• Increase in human disturbance, Macrophytes grazing, trampling, boating and other anthropogenic disturbances.

• Sedimentation, water level and Maintain the zonation of salt marsh and TPC 24: Loss of zone and change in zonation patterns. elevation changes. distribution of different species along an Loss of macrophyte species to less than 25 species for the estuary. elevation gradient. • Increase in human disturbance and encroachment into marsh habitats.

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COMPONENT ECOLOGICAL SPECIFICATION TPC POTENTIAL CAUSES TPC 25: Percentage cover should not exceed 100% in more than 50% of the quadrants Elevated nutrient concentrations Prevent excessive filamentous macroalgal • measured. particularly in the Ashmead Channel growth. TPC 26: Macroalgal wet biomass should not exceed 500 g/m2. and at sites of stormwater input.

• Disturbance of riparian zone due to Control the spread of invasive aliens in the TPC 27: Greater than 10 % increase in area covered by invasive plants. disturbance, encroaching riparian zone. development and reclamation.

The total zooplankton community within the upper reaches of the Knysna Estuary is • Elevated salinity values and Zooplankton Maintain zooplankton community structure. numerically and by biomass dominated by euryhaline estuarine copepod species of the persistence of these new salinity genera Pseudodiaptomus and Acartia. In the bay and lagoon, the zooplankton community levels in the upper estuary. is dominated by neritic species including copepods, chaetognath, mysid, amphipod and gelatinous zooplankton. An increase in salinity will be associated with an extension of the lagoon community to the region above the bridge.

TPC 28: The increase in salinity is likely to be associated with an increased contribution of marine species to the total zooplankton counts. No loss of species should be detected.

The relative abundance and composition of the benthic community presently recorded in the upper estuary is linked to the oligohaline nature of the upper estuarine waters. If salinity increases in an upstream direction (reduction in freshwater inflow volume and persistence of the low salinity zone), will lead to a reduction in current abundance levels and a change in • Elevated salinity values and Maintain benthic invertebrate community benthic community composition towards a community more tolerant of higher average salinity persistence of these new salinity structure. values. levels in the upper estuary. Benthic invertebrates in the TPC 29: Currently, 13 species of benthic invertebrates are recorded as common in the upper estuary oligohaline zone. The TPC will be signaled by a 25% change in the species composition (above the N2 presently described as common in the upper estuary. bridge) Species such as Macrobrachium sp. breed in upper estuarine reaches. Postlarvae/juveniles then migrate back to freshwater after molting through a number of life history stages in the • Dam walls act as barriers to the estuary. The construction of a dam in the upper catchment could act a barrier to upstream upstream migration of numerous Presence of freshwater prawns (genus migration and therefore lead to local extinctions of species that have such lifestyles above the invertebrate species that temporarily Macrobrachium) in the upper catchment. dam. migrate to the upper reaches of estuaries where they breed. TPC 30: A 50% decline in Macrobrachium abundance in the freshwater reaches above the Postlarvae/juveniles then migrate new dam. This could be alleviated though the construction of invertebrate ladders across the back upstream. dam wall.

TPC 31: Fish assemblage changes: • Recruitment failure due to reduced Retain the following fish assemblages in the olfactory cues entering the sea and/or estuary based on abundances: • Level of estuary associated marine species drops below 60% total abundance. overfishing.

Fish • Level of estuarine planktivorous species decreases below 30% of total abundance. • Reduced planktonic food resources Estuarine species:60% due to reduced riverine nutrient supply. Estuarine associated species: 30% All • Significant decline in the abundance of 0+ juveniles of any of the dominant fish numerically dominant species are species. • Breeding failure, habitat change or represented by 0+ juveniles. • Abundance of stenohaline marine stragglers should not increase significantly or impaired recruitment. penetrate further up the system than they are found in the present state.

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COMPONENT ECOLOGICAL SPECIFICATION TPC POTENTIAL CAUSES Changes in: • Salinity. TPC 32: Community composition or bird numbers deviate by more than 50% of average Retain the species richness, abundance and • Invertebrate biomass/abundance. diversity of the bird community, including resident seasonal baseline counts for two consecutive summer or winter seasons, focusing on • Fish biomass/abundance in smaller Birds and migrant waders, gulls, terns, wading birds and waders, wading birds and water fowl (summer and winter). size classes. waterfowl, within 15% of that of the Present Vegetation habitats (e.g. reed beds, Ecological Status. TPC 33: Numbers of any particular group of birds (waterfowl, waders, wading birds etc.) • decline in any section of the estuary for 5 consecutive years. submerged macrophytes, salt marsh). • Mud flat area and condition. • Human disturbance.

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