WW March BreedeEstuary

Abstract

Environmental flows and the health and value of the Berg River Estuary The Berg River Estuary, situated on the Cape West Coast of South Africa, has been rated as one of the three most important estuaries in the country. The 70 km-long estuary, located in a region known for its rugged nature and colourful fishing culture, is a national treasure featuring vast tidal mud flats and salt pans teeming with waterbirds and fringed with extensive salt marshes. The estuary inspires artists, attracts nature lovers, sailing enthusiasts and canoeists and has captured the hearts of many anglers. It is also the lifeblood of the adjoining Weskus towns of Velddrif and Laaiplek. The estuary is a nursery area for harders that are caught out to sea and then returned to the estuary banks where they are dried and sold as “bokkoms” . These bokkoms are the most iconic food of the area, an invaluable part of the local cultural heritage and an important source of protein for many families.

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