Consisting of three separate areas, namely the Gxulu, Gonubie and Kei sections, the Amatole Marine Protected Area lies close to East London at the southern end of the stunningly beautiful Wild Coast. Initially proclaimed to control boat-based fishing, the coastal sections provide ample opportunity for exploration and relaxation via picturesque trail routes that run between the lush coastal vegetation that is alive with birdlife and the rugged shoreline.

Cliff tops in and around the Kei River also provide magnificent viewpoints from where the surrounding beauty may be soaked in and where time spent scanning out to sea showcases a myriad of life that includes passing whales and dolphins as well as large baitballs of small pelagic fish that attract a vast following of avian and marine predators. With the closing of the marine sections, the MPA hopes to allow the recovery of the 74, Daggeraad and Red Steenbras whose populations have all crashed as a result of over-exploitation. Shore-based angling and bait collecting is still allowed.

For more information please do visit Marine Protected Areas South Africa and also please help spread the news in support of our MPAs.