The Durban Metropoltian Area's (DMA) coastal and marine resources are under considerable pressure from urban development, unsustainable harvesting and marine discharge of waste. The DMA has a 83 km long coastline which is home to numerous tropical and sub-tropical plants and animals, many of which are endemic. Most fish and invertebrate species targeted by recreational and commercial fishers are either fully or over-exploited. This has resulted in a reduction in the size of the stock of economically valuable species. There are 18 point sources (including marine pipelines) discharging waste into the sea around the DMA. The quality of the sea water is, however, generally good. The DMA's marine resources support a wide range of recreational and tourist activities e.g. swimming, sailing and diving. A wide range of non-statutory organisations are focussed on the management of the coast. In addition, new policy at the national and Durban Metropolitan Council levels is seeking to improve the management of coastal resources for the benefit of all.	What can you do to improve the situation Click here for general information on the marine environment Glossary of Terms Scientific Names
	About Indicators In this Marine Report In this SOE Report Global Set
The DMA's growing population has resulted in extensive urban development along the coast. Sea levels are expected to rise as a result of global warming. Many residents and visitors use the coast for recreational purposes. In addition, the DMA's marine resources are harvested by numerous recreational and commercial boat fishers, shore anglers, spear fishers, seine-netters and invertebrate collectors. Eighteen point sources discharge sewage and industrial effluent into the sea around the Durban Metropolitan Area.
The DMA's coastline is heavily modified by urban development which has destroyed much of the primary dune habitat. It still, however, hosts numerous tropical and sub-tropical animals and plants, many of which occur only in this area. Most fish and invertebrate species targeted by recreational and commercial fishers are either fully or over-exploited. In particular, several species of reef fishes e.g. seventy four and red steenbras are now endangered. Water quality along the DMA's coast is generally good, except for areas around the Umlass and Reunion canals. Plastic pollution remains a problem along the entire coast.
Heavy harvesting of the DMA's marine resources over many years has reduced the diversity and quantity of economically valuable species available for harvest. This, in turn, has reduced the value of the commercial and recreational fishing opportunities. Some species are, however, providing a sustainable harvest, including those targeted by shore anglers and invertebrate collectors. Urban development has, in some cases, impacted on the sustainability of Durban's beaches. In order to ensure the sustainability of the beaches expensive sand replenishment exercises have been introduced. The DMA's relatively good seawater quality supports a wide range of recreational and tourist activities which, in turn, support increased quality of life and economic activity.
The use of the DMA's marine resources is controlled by national legislation which aims to ensure sustainable harvesting. The impacts of marine pipelines are regularly monitored against general standards laid down by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. A sand by-passing scheme is proposed to facilitate the replenishment of Durban's beaches with sand. A variety of statutory and non-statutory organisations have been established which focus on improving coastal management along the KwaZulu-Natal coast including Durban. A new national policy on coastal management has been developed which aims to provide for improved management of the coast. The DMA's Environmental Management Policy seeks to optimise the benefits derived from the unique coastal resources of the Durban Metropolitan Area.