KZN Estuary Observer Programme

KZN estuaries are exposed to a range of pressures that compromise estuarine condition, often exacerbated by poor compliance monitoring and enforcement.

A lack of baseline biophysical data for many estuaries makes it difficult to fully assess the impact of these transgressions, particularly where the impacts are indirect e.g., sandmining upstream starving an estuary of sediment, or wastewater significantly altering mean annual runoff entering an estuary. The KZN Estuary Observer Programme (EOP) was initiated by the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) through the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) to provide this much needed background knowledge. It is intended to support conservation planning, protect biodiversity and estuarine ecosystem function and the sustainable use of the critical resources that are unique to estuarine habitats, as envisioned in the Draft National Estuarine Management Protocol (of the Integrated Coastal Management Act, No 24 of 2008).

The programme focuses on anthropogenic activities that impact these ecosystems and their ability to continue to provide critical ecosystem services. Data is presented in a user-friendly ‘toolkit’ format to provide support to policy makers, planners, decision-makers, and estuary managers. It is only a stopgap to important estuarine monitoring that is needed going forward. Monitoring is a critical inclusion for future provincial plans if KZN estuaries are to be managed sustainably and continue to deliver ecosystem goods and services, be able to reach national and local estuary conservation targets, and mitigate against the projected socio-ecological consequences of climate change.

Method

The methods decribed here are those employed in the EOP, as presented in the Synopsis Report. This Report is structured according to the estuaries located in each of the five district municipalities in KZN and are presented in a factsheet format.

Information and data were collated for 69 KZN estuaries. Those that have World Heritage protection (iSimangaliso Wetland Park) or under South African Ports jurisdiction were excluded from this assessment (namely Factsheet numbers 1-4; 6-7; and 23). Each page notes the location and basic facts (including estuary type, length, area etc.), depicts the Estuarine Functional Zone (EFZ) and the reaches (U-Upper, M-Middle, L-Lower) and gives current summer season ranges of salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity and nutrient status (which is a consolidated evaluation of nitrate, and phosphate elements and primary productivity). Physical aspects of estuary depth and the sediment type of each reach is denoted from grain size distributional analysis. The mouth condition is an assessment of the average monthly state based on records from the 1980s to present, from site visits and aerial surveys conducted variously by Begg (1984), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) and ORI.

The state of KZN estuaries is evaluated by the South African Estuarine Health Index (EHI) which assesses biophysical components relative to specific pressures (Van Niekerk et al. 2013). Estuary health is a measure of the difference in the state of a system between natural (or reference) and present-day conditions. The EHI is used variously in the determination of environmental flows, in planning frameworks for development, conservation planning and protection, to inform land-use planning and in the National Biodiversity Assessment.

Estuaries are classified on a scale ranging from A – Natural to F – Extremely Degraded, using available information on hydrology, hydrodynamics, mouth condition, water chemistry, sediment processes, microalgae, macrophytes, invertebrates, fish, and birds.

The trajectory of the present health score is denoted for every estuary. This is based on the recent estuary visits and an updated assessment of the latest NBA (Van Niekerk et al. 2019). The trajectories are either stable or declining. No estuaries were noted as improving in state. The important habitats and features sections note communities and species that are important to protect (if given an IUCN threat status), are notable for estuarine function, or indicate connectivity with adjacent realms (freshwaters or the marine environment). Estuarine uses are denoted as they link to pressures and the suggested management actions. Pressures and threats are linked to the suggested management responses and primary interventions. Notably, is the Estuarine Management Plan (EMP) and Ecological Water Requirement (EWR) status of each estuary. These are brought together in a dedicated section of ‘Summary of Management Actions’ which is to be used as a roadmap for the critical management focus points for KZN estuaries.

iNhlabane

  • Present Health Score: E
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS)
  • 3. Removal of reservoir barrage separating upper estuary and southern lake basin to restore estuarine hydrodynamics, estuarine lake function, and connectivity for estuary fauna movement
  • 4. Interim measure is to restore the fish ladder functionality
  • 5. CME of fishing and poaching
  • 6. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMlalazi

  • Present Health Score: B
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Rapid assessment in 2015
  • 3. Agricultural retreat to restore wetland function and connectivity
  • 4. CME of fishing and poaching
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

iSiyaya

  • Present Health Score: E
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Rapid assessment in 2006
  • 3. Increase freshwater flow to improve water quality and limit Phragmites australis expansion. Improve water quality to limit macrophyte proliferation (including invasive species)
  • 4. Signage for public education and awareness of the effects of alien species
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

aMatigulu-iNyoni

  • Present Health Score: B
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Rapid assessment in 2015
  • 3. Invasive alien species monitoring and management plan
  • 4. CME of fishing, poaching, and visitor activities
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uThukela

  • Present Health Score: D
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Intermediate EWR determination (DWS) 2004. Water resource class determination and associated resource quality objectives in 2021
  • 3. Implement flow management to include river-dependent marine system
  • 4. Restore buffer zone habitat within 20m of estuary to minimise flooding and improve estuary function
  • 5. CME of wastewater disposal, fishing, poaching and sand mining
  • 6. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

iZinkwazi

  • Present Health Score: B/C
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development (KZN EDTEA), include MMP
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Restore buffer zone habitat within 20 m of estuary to protect water quality and enhance overall estuarine productivity
  • 4. CME of fishing and poaching
  • 5. Signage for public education and awareness of the effects of alien species
  • 6. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

iNonoti

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Avoid new wastewater disposal to the iNonoti River and Estuary
  • 4. Improve wastewater treatment
  • 5. Restore buffer zone habitat within 20 m of estuary to improve water quality and enhance overall estuarine productivity
  • 6. CME of fishing and poaching
  • 7. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMdlotane

  • Present Health Score: B
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Restore buffer zone habitat within 20 m of the EFZ to improve water quality and enhance overall estuarine productivity
  • 4. Manage retreat of low-lying development
  • 5. CME of poaching
  • 6. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMvoti

  • Present Health Score: D
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Comprehensive EWR determination (DWS) 2014.
  • 3. Restore buffer zone habitat within 20 m of the EFZ to improve water quality and enhance overall estuarine productivity
  • 4. CME of upstream wastewater discharge standards, sand mining, fishing and poaching
  • 5. CME of minimum standards for upstream industrial and domestic wastewater disposal, and sand mining
  • 6. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uSetheni

  • Present Health Score: B/C
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Restore buffer zone habitat within 20 m of the EFZ to protect water quality, improve habitat diversity and enhance overall estuarine productivity
  • 4. CME of fishing
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use

 

Bobs Stream

  • Present Health Score: B/C
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Decommission earth-wall dam to improve hydrology and hydrodynamics
  • 4. Restore buffer zone habitat within 20 m of the EFZ to protect water quality, improve habitat diversity and enhance overall estuarine productivity
  • 5. CME of fishing
  • 6. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMhlali

  • Present Health Score: D
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Restore buffer zone habitat within 20 m of the EFZ to protect water quality, improve habitat diversity and enhance overall estuarine productivity
  • 4. Modernise WWTW in the EFZ by improving nutrient removal
  • 5. CME of fishing and poaching
  • 6. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uThongathi

  • Present Health Score: D
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development (KZN EDTEA)
  • 2. Intermediate EWR determination (DWS) in 2007
  • 3. Restore EFZ wetlands to improve habitat quality and animal movement corridors
  • 4. Estuary CME of fishing and poaching, and sand mining
  • 5. CME of minimum standards for upstream industrial and domestic wastewater disposal, and sand mining
  • 6. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMdloti

  • Present Health Score: D
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development, including an interim MMP
  • 2. Intermediate EWR determination (DWS) in 2007
  • 3. Implement dam operating rules to improve hydrological and hydrodynamic conditions, and improve water quality through dilution
  • 4. CME of minimum standards for wastewater disposal, fishing and poaching, and sand mining
  • 5. Signage for public education and awareness of the effects of alien species
  • 6. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMhlanga

  • Present Health Score: D-
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Remediation and restoration of estuary following chemical spill impacts
  • 2. Requires EMP development, including MMP
  • 3. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Rapid assessment in 2003
  • 4. Implement treated wastewater management plan for diversion of excess volume to uMngeni catchment
  • 5. Modernise WWTW in the EFZ by improving nutrient removal
  • 6. CME of fishing and poaching
  • 7. Signage for public education and awareness of the effects of alien species
  • 8. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMngeni

  • Present Health Score: E
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Rapid assessment in 2011
  • 3. Improve storm water and WWTW infrastructure and water quality
  • 4. Solid waste management: litter boom projects and beach clean-ups
  • 5. CME of fishing and poaching
  • 6. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

iSiphingo

  • Present Health Score: F
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Complete EMP development (eThekwini Municipality)
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Develop a sustainable, long-term solution for mouth management
  • 4. Repair/upgrade sewerage infrastructure to avoid spills and eutrophication
  • 5. Repair and maintain iSiphingo River diversion works to divert only flood flows to iZimbokodo system. Will reduce flood risks and improve waste assimilation and hydrodynamics
  • 6. CME for littering and dumping
  • 7. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

iZimbokodo

  • Present Health Score: E
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Rapid assessment in 2011
  • 3. Repair and maintain iSiphingo River diversion works intended to divert only flood waters to iZimbokodo system
  • 4. Modernise WWTW by improving nutrient removal at the Amanzimtoti and Isipingo works to improve water quality, reduce fish kills, and risks to human health
  • 5. CME of sand mining activities in the iZimbokodo River to retain sedimentary habitats and sediment delivery to the coast
  • 6. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

aManzimtoti

  • Present Health Score: D/E
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Reduce nutrient pollution (stormwater and diffuse runoff) to reduce fish kills and nuisance water quality
  • 4. Remove dysfunctional mouth weir to improve hydrodynamics and facilitate a more natural mouth configuration
  • 5. Restore habitats in the middle and upper reaches to improve water quality, increase habitat diversity and overall estuarine productivity
  • 6. CME of fishing and poaching
  • 7. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

aManzanamtoti

  • Present Health Score: E
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Rapid assessment in 2011
  • 3. Improved wastewater treatment, by nutrient removal at the Kingsburgh WWTW to improve water quality from hypereutrophic, to reduce fish kills and nuisance water quality and risks to human health
  • 4. Restore EFZ vegetation in lower reaches, including alien terrestrial species to improve habitat diversity and overall estuarine productivity in this highly modified system
  • 5. CME of fishing and poaching
  • 6. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

iLovu

  • Present Health Score: C/D
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development (KZN EDTEA)
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. CME of sand mining, sediment budget to inform sand mining permitting and avoid further habitat degradation and water quality impacts
  • 4. Removal of informal causeway to re-establish connectivity at the riverestuary interface
  • 5. CME of fishing and poaching
  • 6. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMsimbazi

  • Present Health Score: B/C
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Land-use planning to avoid further encroachment of peri-urban development into the EFZ
  • 4. CME of fishing and poaching
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMgababa

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Remove dam sports fields
  • 4. CME of fishing and poaching
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

iNgane

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. CME of fishing, unauthorised development
  • 4. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMkhomazi

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Intermediate EWR determination undertaken in 2014 (DWS)
  • 3. CME of sand mining, fishing and poaching
  • 4. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMahlongwane

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Modernise WWTW by improving nutrient removal
  • 4. CME of fishing and poaching
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

aMahlongwa

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development (KZN EDTEA), include MMP
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. CME of sand mining and fishing
  • 4. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMphambanyoni

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development (Umdoni Municipality)
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Modernise WWTW by improving nutrient removal
  • 4. CME of sand mining, fishing
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

Rocky Bay

  • Present Health Score: C/D
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS)
  • 3. CME of fishing
  • 4. Managed retreat of residential gardens from EFZ to re-establish natural vegetation buffer
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMzimayi

  • Present Health Score: C/D
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS) Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. CME of sand mining and fishing
  • 4. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMuziwezinto Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C/D
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development (Umdoni Municipality)
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Remove remnant sea wall to improve mouth dynamics
  • 4. CME of fishing and poaching
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

iNkomba Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Remove remnant sea wall to improve mouth dynamics
  • 4. CME of wastewater disposal
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMkhumbane Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Remove remnant sea wall to improve mouth dynamics
  • 4. CME of fishing
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

iSezela Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. CME of standards for wastewater disposal and fishing
  • 4. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMdesingane Estuary

  • Present Health Score: D
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Recommend removal of weir to restore natural estuarine area and function
  • 4. CME of fishing
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

iFafa Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C/D
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development (Umdoni Municipality)
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Managed retreat of holiday amenities from channel edge
  • 4. CME of sand mining and fishing
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMvuzi Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Reguires EMP
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. CME of fishing
  • 4. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMthwalume Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development (Umdoni Municipality)
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Remove informal road crossing at head to restore connectivity and flow
  • 4. CME of sand mining and fishing
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMnamfu Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. CME of fishing
  • 4. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMakhosi Estuary

  • Present Health Score: B/C
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. CME of fishing
  • 4. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMfazezala Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. CME of fishing
  • 4. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMhlungwa Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Managed retreat of residential gardens
  • 4. CME of fishing
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMhlabashana Estuary

  • Present Health Score: B/C
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. CME of habitat clearing, fishing and sand mining
  • 4. Implement phased retreat for low-lying development
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMzumbe Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C/D
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Restore wetlands in EFZ to improve estuarine habitat diversity and overall status, particularly in lower reaches adjacent to coastal grassland
  • 4. Implement phased retreat of commercial agriculture
  • 5. CME of sand mining and fishing
  • 6. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

iNjambili Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. CME of freshwater abstraction (farm dam)
  • 4. Restore wetlands within EFZ to improve water quality
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

iKhoshwana Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C/D
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. CME of standards for wastewater disposal, and fishing
  • 4. Implement managed retreat of low-lying development
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

iDombe Estuary

  • Present Health Score: D
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. CME of effluent discharges and fishing
  • 4. Implement managed retreat of low-lying developments on the north bank
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMhlangomkhulu North Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development (Ray Nkonyeni Municipality)
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Implement managed retreat of low-lying development
  • 4. Prohibit use of herbicide sprays in riparian areas
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMthente Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development (Ray Nkonyeni Municipality), include MMP
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Restore habitat on the north bank of the middle reaches to enhance habitat diversity and protect water quality
  • 4. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management l

 

uMzimkhulu Estuary

  • Present Health Score: B
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development (Ray Nkonyeni Municipality), include MMP
  • 2. UEWR intermediate determination (DWS) in 2011
  • 3. CME of sand mining and fishing
  • 4. Restore buffer zone habitat within 20 m of estuary to protect water quality and protect estuarine productivity, particularly fish stocks
  • 5. Prevent artificial breaching to protect overall estuarine productivity
  • 6. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uMbango Estuary

  • Present Health Score: E
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development (Ray Nkonyeni Municipality)
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Repair and upgrade sewerage infrastructure to prevent frequent spills
  • 4. CME of standards for wastewater disposal
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

iBhobhoyi Estuary

  • Present Health Score: B/C
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Repair and upgrade sewerage infrastructure to prevent frequent spills
  • 4. CME of standards for wastewater disposal
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

iZotsha Estuary

  • Present Health Score: B/C
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development, including MMP
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Rapid assessment in 2011
  • 3. Investigate sandbag weir in middle reaches, for removal
  • 4. Remove private property boundary fences from estuary channel
  • 5. CME of abstraction, fishing and sand mining
  • 6. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

oHlangeni Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development (Ray Nkonyeni Municipality), include MMP
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. CME of standards for wastewater disposal, fishing and sand mining
  • 4. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uVunguza Estuary

  • Present Health Score: B
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Repair and upgrade sewerage infrastructure to prevent frequent spills
  • 4. Modernise WWTW in the EFZ by improving nutrient removal
  • 5. CME of standards for wastewater disposal, and rock and sand mining
  • 6. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

iKongeni Estuary

  • Present Health Score: D/E
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development (KZN EDTEA), requires updated MMP
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Repair and upgrade local sewerage infrastructure to avoid spills
  • 4. Modernise WWTW by improving nutrient removal
  • 5. CME of standards for wastewater disposal, and fishing
  • 6. Implement managed retreat of low-lying development
  • 7. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

 

uVuzana Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Remove private property boundary fences from estuary channel
  • 4. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

iBilanhlonhlo Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development (Ray Nkonyeni Municipality), include MMP
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Managed retreat of low-lying development
  • 4. CME of sand mining
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

iMvutshini Estuary

  • Present Health Score: B/C
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Modernise WWTW in the EFZ by improving nutrient removal
  • 4. CME of standards for wastewater disposal
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

iMbizana Estuary

  • Present Health Score: B/C
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development, including MMP
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Restore habitat in the middle and upper reaches to improve conservation value
  • 4. CME of abstraction, fishing and sand mining
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

iKhaba Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Modernise WWTW in the EFZ by improving nutrient removal to improve water quality
  • 4. CME of standards for wastewater disposal
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

uMhlangomkhulu South Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

iMpenjani Estuary

  • Present Health Score: B/C
  • Trajectory: Declining
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP in development (EKZNW)
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. CME of standards for wastewater disposal, and fishing and sand mining
  • 4. Signage for public education and awareness of the effects of alien species
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

iKhandalendlovu Estuary

  • Present Health Score: B
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development, including MMP
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

uMuntongazi Estuary

  • Present Health Score: B/C
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. EMP developed (Ray Nkonyeni Municipality)
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Remove private property boundary fences from estuary channel
  • 4. Modernise WWTW in the EFZ by improving nutrient removal
  • 5. CME of standards for wastewater disposal
  • 6. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

uMbhoyibhoyi Estuary

  • Present Health Score: B
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

iSandlu Estuary

  • Present Health Score: C
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. CME of freshwater abstraction, alteration of bed and banks
  • 4. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

iSolwane Estuary

  • Present Health Score: B
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. As the least developed estuary along the KZN coast, specific conservation measures should be considered for the protection of this estuary and its catchment
  • 4. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

uMthavuna Estuary

  • Present Health Score: B
  • Trajectory: Stable
  • Management response and primary intervention/s
  • 1. Requires EMP development (consult with Eastern Cape DEDEAT)
  • 2. Undertake EWR determination (DWS). Desktop assessment in 2013
  • 3. As an important nursery habitat in good condition, specific conservation measures should be considered for the protection of this estuary
  • 4. CME of fishing
  • 5. Climate adaption: align with estuary SLR and runoff models, land-use development plans and coastal management lines

Photo by Kierran Allen

Downloads

King Cetshwayo District Municipality

iLembe District Municipality

eThekwini District Municipality

Ugu District Municipality PART 1

Ugu District Municipality PART 2

Full Report

Citation

MacKay CF, McKelvey B (2022). KZN Estuary Observer Programme: Summary of conditions, pressures and recommended management actions for KZN estuaries. Report prepared for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. Unpublished Report No. 364 Oceanographic Research Institute, Durban: 152 pp.

Estuaries