DWESA-CWEBE MPA

"coastal haven"

Breezy Point, Eastern Cape

 

This biogeographic break between sub-tropical and warm temperate ecoregions supports a wide diversity of fishes.

This 191.5 km2 MPA extends 10.8km out to sea for 18km of coastline from the western bank of the Suku Estuary south of Breezy Point to Human’s Rock north of the Nqabaqa Estuary. The Dwesa-Cwebe MPA was established to protect the habitats found in this important transition zone between the Natal and the Agulhas Ecoregions. The area forms an important spawning ground for the endangered white steenbras and the Mbashe Estuary, which is protected within the MPA, is an important nursery area for juvenile dusky kob, while offshore a large diversity of marine invertebrates and fish species receive protection. The MPA is adjacent to the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve, an area with unique plant biodiversity, including grasslands and forests. The tiny blue duiker, secretive bushbuck and Samango monkeys occur in some of the last remaining patches of dense coastal forests, which is also home to noisy tree dassies. Yellowstreak bulbuls and knysna woodpeckers creep along branches. while Narina trogons and green twinspots are birding favourites. A walk up to the top of the grassy Kobole Point provides a magnificent view of the Indian Ocean, where dolphins and whales are often sighted. Proclaimed in 1991 and revised in 2000 and again in 2016, this MPA is managed by Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency. No boat-based fishing in allowed in the MPA and the shoreline is zoned into open and closed areas for shore fishing. The Haven Hotel, which lies just to the north of the Bashee River, is a popular tourist destination.

 

BENEFITS

  • protects dusky kob NURSERY

  • protects white steenbras spawning area

  • promotes nature-based tourism and boosts the local economy