Estuaries: KwaZulu-Natal's catchment keepers

Abstract

Estuaries K waZulu-Natal’s conservation approach starts with its estuaries, many of which are of national and even international importance. By far the greatest amount of estuarine habitat is found along the northern coast of the country, where the largest number of estuarydependent species in South Africa is to be found. The nursery areas along this part of the coast support inshore marine biodiversity and fisheries, including crustacean fisheries such as those of the Thukela banks. Just over half of the country’s estuarine area is made up by the St Lucia estuary alone (over 38 000 ha). A Ramsar World Heritage Site, St Lucia forms a critical habitat for a great number of species, including the largest, southern-most population of hippos, and at least 1 000 crocodiles. Specific challenges threatening the health of the province’s estuaries include siltation due mainly to inappropriate agricultural practices in the catchments and flow reduction as a result of increased upstream water demand.

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