H1: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline are zones established to conserve marine life, protect ecosystems, and regulate human activity.
All competitors in the Mynmanne Competition are required to respect and comply with MPA regulations as enforced by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and South African Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA).

Violations are taken seriously and may result in competition disqualification, fines, or legal action.

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H2: Competition Rule – Zero Tolerance

Any boat caught fishing or attempting to fish inside a Marine Protected Area will be disqualified for that day.
This includes:

• Casting lines inside an MPA

• Deploying bait or lures inside an MPA

• Drifting into an MPA while lines remain in the water

• Fighting or landing a fish hooked inside an MPA

KZN Wildlife reserves the right to issue fines or penalties in accordance with national legislation.

 

H2: Why MPAs Matter

Marine Protected Areas help to:

• Restore fish stocks and breeding populations

• Protect sensitive reefs, estuaries, and coastal habitats

• Prevent overfishing and illegal harvesting

• Preserve the ocean for future generations

• Support tourism and sustainable recreational angling

Healthy MPAs contribute to better fishing outside protected zones, benefiting all anglers.

 

H2: Know the Boundaries

Anglers are responsible for knowing the exact locations and boundaries of MPAs before launching.

Failure to know an MPA is not a valid excuse.

Competitors must:

• Review MPA maps before fishing

• Ensure navigational devices (GPS / chartplotters) are updated with the latest MPA boundaries

• Keep a safe distance when drifting near an MPA border

• Pay attention to signage on beaches, piers, and harbours

 

H2: Common MPAs in the Zululand / KZN Area

• St. Lucia Marine Reserve

• Maphelane MPA

• Sodwana Bay MPA

• St. Lucia Estuary Mouth Closed Zones

• iSimangaliso Wetland Park Restricted Areas

• Aliwal Shoal MPA (South Coast)

• Durban Marine Protected Zone (Harbour & Bluff areas)

 

H2: Prohibited Activities in MPAs

Although each MPA may have specific regulations, the following are generally not allowed:

• Fishing (angling, netting, spearfishing)

• Drone fishing or aerial deployment

• Dropping anchor on reefs

• Collecting shells, corals, or marine organisms

• Using bait traps, nets, or spears

• Driving vessels at excessive speeds near sensitive zones

Always check the official MPA rules for the area you are fishing.

 

H2: Penalties for Violations

Sanctions may include:

• Immediate disqualification from the competition

• Fines issued by KZN Wildlife / Ezemvelo

• Confiscation of illegal gear

• Possible seizure of catch

• Criminal charges under the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA)

• Suspension from future competitions

The Mynmanne committee fully cooperates with KZN Wildlife enforcement teams.

 

H2: How to Avoid Accidental Violations

• Preload MPA coordinates into your chartplotter

• Zoom in frequently to ensure you are not drifting into a boundary

• Keep a lookout for buoys and markers

• Assign one crew member as a “navigation watcher” when near MPAs

• When in doubt: Lines Up until safely outside the zone

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H2: Final Reminder

Respecting Marine Protected Areas is not only a competition requirement — it is a commitment to sustaining our coastline.
The Mynmanne Competition thanks all skippers and anglers for helping protect South Africa’s marine heritage.