‘Our coast is under threat.’ ‘Another development destroys the coast.’ ‘Mining set to destroy the Wild Coast.’ ‘Estuarine pollution increases.’ ‘Waves smash coastal dwellings.’ ‘Overfishing drives another stock to collapse.’ These newspaper headlines are common in our papers and usually evoke a feeling of despair and helplessness. However, this is not true for a group of enthusiastic volunteers who form the core of Coastwatch KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). This group works tirelessly towards the improved conservation of our coast and marine resources. 

In 1997 a group of concerned conservationists serving on the KZN Conservation Committee of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) decided that there was a need to focus on coastal and marine matters. Out of this idea, Coastwatch KZN was born. Over 50 people attended the launch at the Natal Sharks Board in 1998. Coastwatch has a vision of a healthy coastal environment with equitable and diverse opportunities for all, now and into the future, while the mission of the group is to become an effective coalition of concerned people working to achieve the long-term protection and sustainable management of natural resources of the coastal zone and offshore marine resources. Coastwatch has remained a project of the WESSA.

The group consists of a core of dedicated individuals with either expertise or experience in marine and coastal matters or who have a passion for the coast and the marine environment. In addition to the core group, a larger group of experts are available to assist with specific issues. The general public also have a role to play as the eyes and ears on the ground.

Over the last 10 years Coastwatch has contributed to the development of a wide range of policies, white papers and bills.  These have included the Integrated Coastal Management Bill, the revised Natal Sharks Board Bill, the National Aquaculture Strategy, the Waste Bill and the National Environmental Management Act.

In addition to this, Coastwatch was instrumental in the establishment of the Provincial Estuaries Committee in KZN, and serves on the KZN Provincial Coastal Committee. Members of Coastwatch also serve on regional coastal working groups / committees, Boat Launch Site Committee, various municipal sub-committees, amongst others. The expertise of Coastwatch members is of great value to these committees,.

Coastwatch is able to exercise the public’s mandate to public participation, which is entrenched in the National Environmental Management Act. It is often difficult for an individual to work through the red tape, bureaucracy and complications associated with commenting on, or lodging an objection to, a proposed development. However, Coastwatch, through many years of interaction with relevant government agencies and agents, is now viewed as an essential Interested and Affected Party (IAP) during the various processes. This provides the general public with a voice during these important procedures.  As an example, Coastwatch has been involved in the project to widen the Durban harbour mouth. From commenting on the initial EIA, Coastwatch is now seen as a critical ‘IAP’ and the Record of Decision requires feedback to Coastwatch as a fundamental requirement.

For the above reasons, one of the most important roles of Coastwatch is the ability to comment on coastal development plans in the province. Since 2006, Coastwatch has been able to comment on almost 100 Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) or Record of Decisions (ROD) which affect the coastline of KZN. Ranging from single houses to small craft harbours, golfing estates to sewage plants, Coastwatch has been active in opposing many ill conceived proposals that, had they been successful, would have caused irreparable damage to the integrity of the coast. 

After the big seas of March 2007, Coastwatch members have been instrumental in various rehabilitation projects, ensuing that wise decisions are taken. The issue of Marine Protected Areas has also been addressed by Coastwatch, as have fishing competitions, shark fishing and conservation, the ban on the use of off-road vehicles on beaches and dunes, marine ecotourism amongst other important issues.

The educational role of Coastwatch is also important and the group’s members are often called upon to give talks at various forums, for different groups and through the publicising of activities in the media. In addition to this Coastwatch also mentors and trains public servants, many of whom are new to the coastal environment.

Working closely with a wide range of government departments, mostly behind the scenes and with almost no funding, Coastwatch is able to contribute positively to many decisions. This is possible primarily through the positive relationships that have been built between various Coastwatch members and government representatives and this has enabled Coastwatch to work together with different departments to solve many of the pressing problems facing our coast.

Coastwatch will continue to work towards maintaining the integrity of the coast in KZN – for the benefit of not only the current generation, but for those that follow us.

‘The health and scenic beauty of South Africa’s shoreline and oceans are under attack. The threats are many – rapid expansion of human communities, badly planned property development and growing torrent of sewage and other forms of pollution. Often this damage happens slowly, so we don’t notice the harm until it is too late. This is why it is so crucial to have independent and vigilant watchdogs and lobby groups like Coastwatch.’ Tony Carnie (Environment Reporter – Independent Newspapers)

Contact person:   Di Dold       This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it      Tel:  031-7652141