Rietvlei (CW24) and Diep (CW25)

Abstract

The Diep River/ Rietvlei system can be divided into four clearly definable components: the catchment and Diep River down to its lower reaches where it enters the vlei system, the shallow areas of Rietvlei, the deeper dredged areas of Rietvlei and the truly estuarine reaches of the system, including Milnerton Lagoon. While each of these components has its own management and conservation requirements, these must be considered together if management of the system as a whole is to be achieved. This report is part of a series on Cape Estuaries being published under the general title "The Estuaries of the Cape, Part 2". The report entails available historical information on Rietvlei and Diep estuary and abiotic and biotic characteristics found in the estuary are presented.