It is adjacent to the terrestrial Geelkrans Nature Reserve, which helps ensure that the coastal areas are well protected.

[4] The MPA is between Noordkapperspunt and Rietvleivywers, and includes the estuary of the Goukou River for 15 km (9.3 mi) upstream.

[3][1] The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is responsible for issuing permits, quotas and law enforcement.

[6] Fishing is allowed in controlled areas subject to a permit, but it is banned in Geelkrans, Skulpiesbaai and Goukou estuary.

[1] Recreational scuba diving is authorised by permits issued under Section 43 of the Marine Living Resources Act.

[2] The coastal area of Stilbaai lies south of the Southern Langeberg mountains, which are part of the Cape Fold Belt.

[2] (describe position, biodiversity and endemism of the region) The MPA is in the warm temperate Agulhas ecoregion to the east of Cape Point which extends eastwards to the Mbashe River.

Some of these may have Kelp forests, which reduce the effect of waves and provide food and shelter for an extended range of organisms.

The shorter Split-fan kelp Laminaria pallida grows mostly on deeper reefs, where there is not so much competition from the sea bamboo.

The sand is continually being moved around by wave action, to a greater or lesser degree depending on weather conditions and exposure of the area.

This means that sessile organisms must be specifically adapted to areas of relatively loose substrate to thrive in them, and the variety of species found on a sandy or gravel bottom will depend on all these factors.

Sandy bottoms have one important compensation for their instability, animals can burrow into the sand and move up and down within its layers, which can provide feeding opportunities and protection from predation.

In temperate seas there are distinct seasonal cycles of phytoplankton growth, based on the available nutrients and the available sunlight.

[2] Mammals: Birds: Fish: Invertebrates: The MPA is in the warm temperate Agulhas ecoregion to the east of Cape Point which extends eastwards to the Mbashe River.