Operations extend from the shore to water depths of up to 130 m. Sea bed mining disrupts the bottom sediment profile, radically altering the habitat for benthic organisms. Recovery from marine mining activity takes decades and it is unknown whether systems can ever recover fully. Richards Bay Minerals recovers various heavy minerals such as titanium and zirconium on the east coast. Figure 4.3 Minerals extraction Positive impacts of mining are job creation, environmental education programmes and a substantial contribution to the regional and national economy.
Fishing is one of South Africa's primary economic activities.
A variety of fishing methods is employed along the South African coast. As a consequence fish stocks are shrinking and several species face potential extinction. South Africa is situated on one of the world's busiest ship transport routes, particularly for the transport of crude oil from the Middle East to Europe and the Americas. Over 4000 ships pass the Cape of Good Hope every year, and R4.2 billion in revenue is generated every year by transporting cargo through South African ports. An analysis of the shipping traffic around the Cape is presented in Table 4.1 below.