In the past, great pockets of abalone could be seen lying 2-3m deep in the waters off our coast. However, the Asian market now demands abalone en masse, which has led to illegal poaching operations running along our shores.

These poaching operations rob South Africa and its people of this resource and the income that could have been derived from its sustainable harvesting. Today it’s illegal to remove abalone at all from the wild.

Abalone (Haliotis midae) 

Abalone (Haliotis midae) take 6 to 7 years to reach sexual maturity in the wild and at this age the shell diameter is a minimum of 80-90mm but more commonly 130-140mm. When they reach a stage where they are ready to settle on the near-shore seabed, they must be in the right environment, otherwise they die. Ideally, they find a sea-urchin to settle under. Not only do sea urchins protect the tiny abalone from predation by fish, urchins also feed on kelp so there’s a supply of detritus for the developing abalone. Once the young abalone achieve a shell diameter of about 30-50mm, they find a rocky surface on which to settle. By then they have developed a rasping tongue or radula that allow them to rasp away at kelp fronds to feed.

Abalone must be gregarious and live close together otherwise the female eggs will go unfertilised if there are no males nearby to release sperm. This is where over-exploitation (including poaching) have brought wild abalone stocks to the point of extinction. This is made worse when undersized and therefore sexually-immature abalone are taken, which places more strain on stocks already under stress.

All of this shows how important it is that there should be strategically placed marine reserves where wild stocks of marine organisms can live and reproduce unhindered by man.

FORESTRY AReas

There are around 7 000 hectares of forestry land around Elgin and Grabouw in the Kogelberg Biosphere. However, since 2018, there has not been a commercial forestry company working in the area. While the land belongs to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the department has concluded that they are absent landlords.

Accompanied by the huge population explosion in Grabouw over the past 10 years, there is now significant pressure on the forestry resource. Grabouw inhabitants, many who don’t have jobs, are using the forest to harvest wood and graze cattle. And there are additionally some illegal activities taking place in these areas.

In order to address the challenge of these forestry areas, a Participatory Forestry Management Forum has been set up – an experimental agreement between government, business, safety and other parties. The agreement includes DFFE, the Kogelberg Biosphere, local municipalities, the City of Cape Town, the Grabouw Development Agency, Groenland Water Users Association, the SAPS and many more.

Already the Participatory Forestry Management Forum has enjoyed some successes, including the employment of a Forester by DFFE, and the appointment of forest rangers to monitor the forestry areas (see below). And an additional team of 15 people has been employed to clear invasive alien plants and maintain infrastructure.

Although there is more work to be done, this agreement is a testament to what can be achieved when government, the private sector and other relevant parties work together for a better biosphere.

FOREST RANGERS

The Biosphere, in partnership with the Overberg District Municipality (ODM) and Elgin Grabouw Cycling Association, is providing work to 4 local youths from the Grabouw area as part of the ODM Expanded Public Works (EPWP) programme. And 10 Forest Monitors have also been appointed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. These youngsters are conducting daily patrols in the old forestry areas from Eikenhof Dam to Sir Lowry’s Pass. They report fires, assist with trail building and raise awareness on the importance of conserving the forestry areas that form part of the Kogelberg Biosphere buffer zone.

Our Forest Monitor Project Coordinator, Nomfusi Msitho, also works to reduce the negative impacts of human activities on our unique but threatened ecosystems. She does this by fostering discussions with stakeholders, raising awareness of environmental issues and advocating for sustainable practices. She brings a wealth of experience with her, having previously worked for WWF South Africa as the Marine and Coastal Community Monitor.

ESTATE AGENTS: TAKE A LOOK AT THIS TOOLKIT FOR SELLING PROPERTY IN THE KOGELBERG BIOSPHERE. It’s taken from a workshop recently organised by the Biosphere for estate agents, and provides tips on serving both people and nature when selling houses. Download here (and click on each presentation heading for more info)

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