Opinion. On the Assertion that MPAs are Indispensable for the Sustainable Management of SA’s Living Marine Resources

By Mike Bergh, Scientific Consultant to SAPFIA, the South African Pelagic Fishing Industry Association

The MPA debate

I read with interest the 20 November FINSA article by Professor Doug Butterworth “How Indispensable Are Marine Protected Areas for Protecting the South African Marine Environment?” which responds in part to a 20 June 2024 Daily Maverick article by Radia Razack of the DFFE.  These were followed by the remarks “How Valid are MPAs to the South African Marine Environment?” in FINSA, 21 November 2024 by Peter Mbelengwa, Craig Smith and Kate Handley. Also relevant is the FINSA contribution by Jack Walsh (3 December 2024).