The HMPA is situated on the north eastern side of False Bay in the Western Cape and is the oldest official MPA in South Africa. The HMPA is defined geographically as the area between the Lourens River Mouth to the east and the Eerste River Mouth to the west, extending 500 m offshore from the high-water mark. The coastline is dominated by sandy beaches with mobile dune systems, while offshore habitats comprise rocky reefs, kelp beds, sandy soft-sediment, and pelagic environments.

Tag and release shore angling is used to monitor changes in species composition and relative abundance, measured as Catch-per-Unit-Effort (CPUE), for common surf zone fish species. This will provide an indication of the abundance of fish in the MPA as well as the benefits of the no-take zone. All tagging will be done in partnership with the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI), which will contribute to research regarding stock status and community composition, as well as migrations, behaviour, and mortality rates.