THE RECORD OF Decision granting the National Ports Authority to go ahead with the building of the port of Ngqura sets out a number of conditions to protect the islands and birds of Algoa Bay. These conditions include: Ballast water must be treated to avoid pollution and introduction of biological marine contamination through introduced organisms. The CDC and the National Ports Authority (NPA) must investigate the implications of the harbour on fishing grounds as well as the potential impact of photosynthesising activities of phytoplankton and other marine forms in Algoa Bay. A suitable management and compensation plan must be compiled and implemented to the satisfaction of the relevant provincial environmental department prior to construction. A detailed monitoring plan must be compiled and implemented to ensure that predators do not reach Jahleel Island. Uncontrolled access to this island, and the other islands in the bay, is prohibited. Any access must be authorised by the relevant authority. An exclusion zone around each island must be determined in co-operation with this Department (Marine and Coastal Management). The occurrence and movement of marine mammals in the proximity of the harbour must be monitored and documented prior to construction, and measures to avoid collisions with them, and to limit their disturbance, during construction and operation of the harbour, must be put in place. Construction works, especially blasting, and other noisy activities, must be limited during breeding season of birds on the islands. A detailed management plan in this regard must be compiled prior to construction in co-operation with, and to the satisfaction of the relevant provincial authorities and MCM. The CDC and NPA must plan for the eventuality of the increase in the number of vessels in Algoa Bay, to avoid possible collision between ships and between ships and marine animals.