Coast KZN

State of the Coast: KZN
State of the Coast: KZN

State of the Coast: KwaZulu-Natal Chapter 1: Introduction & Background Chapter 2: Overarching Drivers Chapter 3: Climate Variability
Chapter 4: Coastal Environment Chapter 5: Estuarine Environment Chapter 6: Marine Environment Chapter 7: Human Environment Chapter 8: Economic Environment
Chapter 9: Governance Environment Chapter 10: Conclusions
The Profile of the KZN Coast
The Profile of the KZN Coast

Ugu Lwethu- Our Coast Defining the Coastal Zone The Physical and Coastal Environment Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
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Estuaries

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Recreation
Recreation

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Coastal risk and vulnerability

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Coastal issues

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04 Dec 2021

Beachgoers warned to respect uMhlanga Beach exclusion zone

(Northglen News) Picture: Ward councillor, Nicole Bollman says some residents and visitors ignore the 1km exclusion zone that was set up after a toxic chemical spill.

While residents and businesses rejoiced when the local beaches reopened, ward councillor, Nicole Bollman, asked residents and visitors to uMhlanga Beach to respect the exclusion zones that have been set up.

Beaches north of the Umgeni River were closed for more than 90 days due to a toxic chemical spill from the United Phosphorus Limited (UPL) warehouse in Cornubia. The warehouse was set on fire during the KZN unrest and led to an environmental disaster and the closure of beaches. A peer review of a specialists’ report noted that, while beaches reopen, an exclusion zone of 1 km north and south of the uMhlanga estuary mouth, and 1 km out to sea, in which all activities remain prohibited, should be maintained.

Bollman said she has fielded numerous concerns from residents who noted that beachgoers have ignored signage and warnings from security guards posted on the south side of the estuary mouth.

“I urge residents, who enjoy long walks, to avoid going near the uMhlanga Lagoon mouth as the lifeguards have reported some walkers attempting to cross the mouth to walk further north. Beaches have been opened, which is fantastic, but people need to respect the area of the beach and estuary that remain closed for a specific reason. Rather err on the side of caution. I’m battling to comprehend why some people are ignoring the exclusion zones and the guards on site. I understand UPL will erect a guard hut, and I’ve seen two security guards posted on the beach monitoring activity,” she said.

Bollman added the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (correction: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment) will also be conducting surveillance of the area to stop any anglers.

“Initially there was some confusion from some residents who asked if uMhlanga Main and Bronze beaches were open. The 1 km going north from the estuary goes as far as Peace Cottage, while the exclusion zone south goes as far as the start of the raised boardwalk on the promenade. It is important to remember that fishing and harvesting of marine resources (shore angling and the harvesting, utilisation and consumption of shellfish), between the Umgeni River mouth to Salt Rock and 1 km out to sea, remains prohibited,” she said.

 

 

Online Article