**Proposed as an MPA in Feb 2016.

Draft regulations to declare network of marine protected areas (9 Feb 2016) TimesLIVE.co.za

The new MPAs were identified through Operation Phakisa‚ a presidential project to fast-track the development of South Africa’s Ocean Economy.

“Many of these new MPAs aim to protect offshore ecosystems and species‚ ranging from deep areas along the Namibian border to a more than tenfold expansion of iSimangaliso Wetland Park in the KwaZulu-Natal Province."

The new MPAs will secure protection of marine habitats like reefs‚ mangroves and coastal wetlands which are required to help protect coastal communities from the results of storm surges‚ rising sea-levels and extreme weather. Offshore‚ these MPAs will protect vulnerable habitats and secure spawning grounds for various marine species‚ therefore helping to sustain fisheries and ensure long-term benefits important to food and job security.

WWF (2008) - Assessment of Offshore Benthic Biodiversity on the Agulhas Bank and the Potential Role of Petroleum: http://wwf.panda.org/who_we_are/wwf_offices/south_africa/projects/index.cfm?uProjectID=ZA0333

WWF (2006) - Fast Tracking the Establishment of an Off-Shore Marine Protected Area Network for South Africa: http://wwf.panda.org/who_we_are/wwf_offices/south_africa/wwf_south_africa_our_solutions/index.cfm?uProjectID=ZA0304

Sink et al. 2010. Assessment of offshore benthic biodiversity on the Agulhas Bank and the potential role of petroleum infrastructure in offshore spatial management: http://www.sanbi.org/sites/default/files/documents/documents/sanbi-wwf-petrosatechnicalreportfinal.pdf

Sink, 2012. Description of Ecologically or Biologically Sensitive Marine Areas for Agulhas Bank, South Africa: http://www.cbd.int/doc/meetings/mar/ebsa-sio-01/other/ebsa-sio-01-southafrica-13-en.pdf