National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act: Regulations: Management of Uthukela Protected Area (No. R. 790 of 2019).

These Regulations of the Minister of Environmental Affairs, made under sections 48A and 86 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003, provide rules for the administration, conservation and management of the uThukela Marine Protected Area. The Marine Protected Area is zoned as in terms of the Act as follows: the inshore area consists of two Inshore Restricted Zones and two Inshore Controlled Zones. The offshore area consists of three Offshore Controlled Zones, one Offshore Controlled-Pelagic Linefish Zone and one Offshore Restricted Zone. Scientific research within the Marine Protected Area requires a permit issued by the Minister. Use of vessels in the zones is restricted. Fishing gear in the Zone must be stowed as prescribed. No person shall fish, or attempt to fish in a Controlled-Pelagic Linefish or Controlled zone, unless they are in possession of a fishing permit. Shark fishing is prohibited except catch and release fishing. No person may collect broodstock in a Controlled or Controlled Pelagic Linefish Zone for undertaking aquaculture, without a permit from the Minister. Commercial fishing in the uThukela Offshore Controlled Commercial Zone is allowed with the right authorization. Any existing authorized discharge of effluent as contemplated in section 69 of the Integrated Coastal Management Act, may continue within the Marine Protected Area but new discharges shall not be authorized.