The degree to which the sustainability of marine and coastal resources can be achieved is directly influenced by the threats to the integrity of the ecosystems and specific resources such as fish stocks and estuaries. Incidents of point- and non-point sources of pollution on the marine and coastal ecosystems together with unsustainable coastal developments (as a consequence of increasing population numbers) as well as over-exploitation of the resource base needs to be addressed.
Increased consideration of environmental issues such as ecosystem integrity and coastal sensitivity in planning procedures for urban development are essential to ensure that marine and coastal systems and their resources are utilised and managed in a sustainable manner. Longer term issues such as global warming and sea level rise also need to be considered and the continuous sea level monitoring initiatives should be maintained.
The development and implementation of principles of Integrated Environmental Management must be continued. The legislation of EIA for activities which may have a substantial detrimental effect on the environment (s.21 of Environmental Conservation Act, No 73 of 1989) needs to be rigorously enforced.
It is important that the Coastal Management Policy for South Africa should be formally adopted. Progress made thus far with this initiative is particularly encouraging as is the development of a coastal management forum for the KwaZulu Natal coast which is being carried out for the provincial Department of Local Government and Housing.
Recommendations for the way forward include the effective and efficient implementation of both general environmental management legislation and the coastal management policy. The formation of effective (not merely representative) coastal management forums is essential. These forums must be structured around well resourced institutional structures with clear mandates to ensure the sustainable development of the country's coastal and marine resources.
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