Human recreational activity along the northwestern shores of False Bay

This study describes spatial and temporal patterns of human recreational usage in the northwestern sector of False Bay. At peak periods on 26 December and 1-2 January. beach attendances rose 2-10 times above those on other summer holidays. On such days over 20 000 visitors packed the beaches between Miller's Point and Monwabisi. This figure represents some 58% of the total for all Cape Peninsula shores and has increased fourfold since 1967. The vast majority of beachgoers (94%) engage in non-exploitative recreational activities, such as sunbathing and swimming, and primarily visit sandy beaches. Only 6% engage in exploitative activities, such as angling or bait- and food-gathering, mainly from rocky shores. Daily attendance levels peak between 12h00 and 16h00. Weekends are the most popular periods out of season but in season weekday attendances exceed those of weekends. January is the busiest month, with over 12 000 visitors per day in our 7,6 km study area. This declines to below 2 000 visitors per day from May—August. A series of small marine reserves were recently declared in False Bay. but their effect in conserving the biota is not yet apparent. Reasons for this could include the relatively light and selective level of exploitation pressure in the area. or the incomplete enforcement of reserve regulations. At present most of the False Bay shoreline remains relatively unspoilt. but a programme of public education, combined with improved enforcement of existing conservation regulations. will be required to preserve the coastal biota under the onslaught of rapidly increasing recreational usage