OCEANS AND COASTS FAST FACTS

South Africa

Effective governance of South Africa’s
oceans and coasts remains a challenge

3 200 km of coastline

20 key departments and institutions in the marine environment with distinct roles and maritime policies

50 national acts regulating marine governance

4 coastal provinces with their own socio-economic context and development goals

OCEANS ECONOMY

30% of the population stay within 60 km of our oceans

230 coastal communities participate in the small scale fishing sector (2016) that supports over 28 000 fishing households

of seafood is annually consumed in South Africa, 6.24 kg per capita

South African fisheries consist of 22 sectors, with 2 900 rights holders and 1 788 legal fishing vessels with an annual production value of

R7 billion per annum

South Africa’s aquaculture industry is growing steadily (0.2% contribution to GDP**)

South Africa is positioned along one of the world’s busiest shipping routes with more than 120 million tonnes of oil and bunker fuel carried aboard ships each year and 12 000 ships visiting South Africa’s ports

60 licenced effluent pipelines that discharges 287 m³ of waste water per annum into marine resources

98% of the EEZ* is subject to a right or lease for offshore oil and gas exploration or production

The South African coastline is mined for heavy metals (titanium and zirconium) that supplies 30% of world production, mineral sands, cement and aggregates

8 ports and 12 proclaimed fishing harbours
12 000 ships visit our ports each year
25 Marine Protected Areas

R2 billion – value of ecotourism to South African economy

The estimated total contribution of coastal resources is over R57 billion (marine fishing, port and harbour development, attractive lifestyles, recreation and tourism) that is estimated to contribute to 35% of South Africa’s GDP**. Indirect contribution that includes waste assimilation, detoxification, recycling etc. is estimated at 28% contribution to South Africa’s GDP**

The National OCIMS is the result of collaborative partnerships led by the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries and managed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The project has drawn from the expertise of government, labour, business, academia and other sectors. It serves under the premise of Operation Phakisa a national government project.