that management actions should be based on sound scientific
evidence. A monitoring programme therefore forms an integral
part of estuarine management plans as the data and resulting
information will be used to facilitate informed management
decisions. Currently, the Western Cape Province has made
the most progress in drafting estuarine management plans,
through the C.A.P.E. Estuaries Programme, thereby giving
effect to the ICM Act. Various estuarine management plans are
however also being implemented in the rest of South Africa.