The Green Connection supports a recent legal settlement aimed at protecting the African Penguin, which is critically endangered, while also emphasizing the need to address broader environmental threats like industrial overfishing and offshore activities. Local fishers report significant declines in fish populations, further illustrating the impact of these challenges. The partnership of conservation organizations highlights the interconnectedness of marine protection and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
The Green Connection has expressed its approval of a recent historic settlement regarding the legal challenge initiated by the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) and BirdLife South Africa against the Minister of Environment. This settlement is perceived as a significant stride toward enhancing protections for the African Penguin, which is critically endangered and facing extinction. However, The Green Connection emphasizes the necessity for broader measures to tackle threats such as industrial overfishing and offshore oil and gas activities impacting marine biodiversity in South Africa.
The African Penguin has been classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with its population diminishing by an alarming 76.9% in under twenty years. Breeding pairs have severely dropped from roughly 27,151 in 2007 to merely 8,750 by December 2023. The Green Connection advocates for recognizing this alarming decline, which exemplifies the concerning state of ocean health and its implications for both marine life and communities dependent on the ocean.
Local fisher communities have reported concerning alterations in their fish catches, experiencing a notable decline in traditional species. A fisher from St Helena Bay, Priscilla Abrahams, highlighted the shift in the diet of snoek, stating, “We used to find anchovy in the stomachs of snoek, but now it’s mostly baby hake.” Another fisher, Walter Steenkamp, voiced his worries about the changes in the waters, indicating a significant reduction in snoek. These observations underscore the challenges facing small-scale fishers who rely on consistent marine populations for their livelihoods.
The ongoing legal dispute highlights the government’s responsibility to implement effective environmental protections, including the establishment of no-fishing zones around crucial penguin breeding sites. The Biodiversity Law Clinic has collaborated with an international panel of experts to inform recommendations to the Minister concerning the need for protective measures based on scientific assessment.
The Green Connection aligns fully with SANCCOB and BirdLife South Africa in their advocacy for the African Penguin, linking the protection of this species to the rights of small-scale fishers and coastal communities. While the recent settlement is considered a positive development, the organization insists that ongoing efforts are required to defend human and environmental rights, particularly in light of the escalating climate crisis and its implications for biodiversity. It is essential for South African leadership to focus on sustainable practices that prioritize both people and the planet, fostering a just and sustainable future.
In summary, the recent legal settlement welcomed by The Green Connection underscores the ongoing commitment to protect the African Penguin while addressing the associated challenges faced by small-scale fishers. The concerning decline of the penguin species, exacerbated by industrial overfishing and climate change, highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to safeguard marine biodiversity. The support of NGOs and the call for governmental responsibility illustrates the intertwined nature of environmental sustainability and social justice, paving the way for a more sustainable future for both marine life and coastal communities.
Original Source: allafrica.com
