ISimangaliso Marine Protected Area

ISimangaliso Marine Protected Area is a marine protected area located in South Africa. It is part of the larger iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The Marine Protected Area covers a diverse range of marine habitats and is home to a variety of marine species.

History

The ISimangaliso Marine Protected Area was established as part of the broader conservation efforts in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The park itself was established in 1999, following its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Marine Protected Area was created to protect the unique marine biodiversity found in this region of South Africa.

Geography

The ISimangaliso Marine Protected Area covers a significant portion of the coastline in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. It includes a variety of marine habitats, including coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests. The area is known for its clear waters and diverse marine life.

Biodiversity

The ISimangaliso Marine Protected Area is home to a wide variety of marine species. This includes a number of threatened and endangered species, such as the leatherback turtle and the dugong. The area is also known for its diverse fish populations, including a number of species that are important for commercial and recreational fishing.

Conservation

Conservation efforts in the ISimangaliso Marine Protected Area are focused on protecting the area's unique marine biodiversity. This includes efforts to protect endangered species, as well as measures to manage fishing and other human activities in the area. The Marine Protected Area is managed by the iSimangaliso Authority, in partnership with other government and non-government organizations.

See also

• Marine protected areas in South Africa
• iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South Africa