The JBay Surf Alliance (JBSA), directed by Cheron Kraak and Debbie Cilliers, has embarked on an ambitious mission to transform a two-kilometre stretch of beach from Boneyards surf spot, past Supertubes to Lower Point, into a thriving marine nature reserve and No Take Zone.
This groundbreaking initiative aims at restoring and rehabilitating the rocky shore and sea life of Jeffreys Bay, creating a sustainable environment that benefits both the community and the ecosystem.
The primary goal of the “2 for 2” initiative is to halt the decimation of life on the rocks, and allow sea life to thrive and flourish once again.
Over a two-year period, the community will work diligently to enforce no-take regulations, prohibiting the harvesting of live sea creatures within the designated area.
This initiative marks a significant step towards preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of Jeffreys Bay for generations to come.
As part of the initiative, the community plans to enlist the support of the individuals who currently depend on harvesting the area for their livelihoods.
These individuals will serve as enforcement patrol officers for the no-take regulations, and will be reimbursed for their services, ensuring a collaborative effort towards conservation and sustainable management of marine resources.
“The octopus will be safe at last. Legally, people are allowed to take two each day. This will no longer be so in our area,” said Cheron Kraak, Director of JBSA. “With the support of local stakeholders, including the municipality, police, and surfing NPOs, we are confident that this initiative will not only contribute to the ecological well-being of Jeffreys Bay, but also set an example for community-driven conservation efforts.”
The “2 for 2” initiative has already garnered significant support from the local community, and will be closely monitored and evaluated over the next two years.
University researchers will partner with the initiative to collect data and publish findings, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of the conservation efforts.
Most notable is the endorsement from Kouga Municipality, who recognise the profound responsibility of safeguarding the rich and diverse marine life. When asked about this ambitious mission, Kouga Municipality Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, expressed that this initiative represents a significant advancement in the ongoing efforts to protect these invaluable natural resources.
“Our aim is to ensure that our marine ecosystems are meticulously preserved for future generations, particularly in light of the alarming rise in poaching activities.
“The preservation of marine life is not only a matter of environmental stewardship, but also a crucial aspect of maintaining the ecological balance and ensuring the sustainability of our natural heritage,” he said.
“We commend the exemplary efforts of those who have taken the lead in this initiative. Their dedication and commitment to marine conservation is truly commendable. We urge all residents to actively participate in this endeavour. By joining forces, we can enhance the protection of our marine life and extend these conservation efforts to other areas and initiatives.”
For more information, visit JBSA’s website.
