South Africa's primary legislation for biodiversity conservation and management, enacted under the framework of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA, Act 107 of 1998). Provides for the management and conservation of biological diversity within South Africa and of the components of biological diversity. Chapter 4 establishes the Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) framework with regulations listing Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, and Protected freshwater species. Chapter 5 regulates Alien and Invasive Species (AIS) — 30 freshwater fish species on the national AIS list including bass, trout, and carp which create significant management conflicts between conservation and recreational use. Mandates the publication of national biodiversity frameworks, bioregional plans, and biodiversity management plans. SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute) established as the implementing agency responsible for monitoring, research, and policy advice. NEMBA underpins the National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA) series which assesses the status of all ecosystems and species including freshwater fish — identified as the most threatened vertebrate group in South Africa.