ROCKY SHOREs
Rocky intertidal shores are among the most charismatic, colourful, accessible and interesting ecosystems in South Africa. Children and adults alike are drawn into the wonder of these magical habitats where tides and waves shape seaweed and lichen gardens, dense beds of mussels, oysters and limpets and a great diversity of other fascinating sea creatures. The shores of South Africa have fed humans since the earliest times with seafood harvested from rocky shores believed to have played a key role in human evolution, providing essential fats and nutrients critical to brain development.
South Africa’s rocky shores vary with region, wave exposure, rock type and sand cover resulting in many different ecosystem types and species. Mixed shores are those that include both rocky and sandy habitats, which usually change over time. Boulder shores, another type of rocky shore, host their own unique set of animals adapted to boulders, and not more stable rocky platforms.
Pressures on rocky shores include harvesting, invasive species, coastal development, pollution and mining. Traditional methods of selective mussel or oyster harvesting (such as by stick or screwdriver) have a lower impact than wide blade instruments such as spades. Strip harvesting that clears large areas can alter rocky shore ecosystems causing food species to be replaced with inedible seaweed turfs. Careful, selective harvesting of rocky shore animals can ensure sustainable use, without damaging the ecosystem. Managing water quality is also important for healthy shores. Preventing the introduction of invasive alien species by good management in the shipping, petroleum, yachting and aquaculture sectors will avoid the often irreversible impacts of invasive species.
The first protection of Namaqualand rocky shores will be provided in the Namaqua National Park MPA. Rocky shores in KwaZulu-Natal will receive additional protection in the expansion of the Aliwal Shoal MPA.
