The Rocherpan is a seasonal wetland vlei, which means that it usually completely dries up during the dry winter months. Across the dunes, the adjacent Atlantic shoreline is now been declared a marine reserve.
The creation of the reserve has helped to protect the endangered pelicans, flamingos, and many other water fowl that are found here. The vlei also provides a vital source of food for many ducks and waders. Southern right whales can be seen off the coast form June to September. The marine reserve is also provides refuge to the endangered African black oystercatcher