BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB secured critical court protection for endangered African penguins. A settlement led to no-take zones around key breeding colonies to safeguard penguin foraging areas from commercial fishing. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment must implement these closures within two weeks, heralding a major step in conservation efforts.
BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) have achieved a significant breakthrough for the critically endangered African penguin. The Pretoria High Court, presided over by Deputy Judge President Ledwaba, issued a court order granting protection to the species, which is facing existential threats from the commercial fishing industry targeting sardines and anchovies. The order stems from a hard-earned settlement between the conservation organizations and fishers, endorsed by the government.
This agreement, finalized after extensive negotiations, introduces no-take zones within the commercial sardine and anchovy fishery around six key breeding colonies of the African penguin. These zones are designed to protect biologically vital foraging areas located along the west coast, southern Cape, and Algoa Bay regions, with the ultimate aim of averting the penguin’s extinction. The designated zones will include expanded closures of 20 km around Robben Island, Stony Point, Bird Island, and St Croix Island, in addition to existing protections at Dassen Island and the split zone at Dyer Island.
Following the court ruling, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has a two-week timeframe to implement these closures by revising permit conditions for commercial fishers, which will be reviewed annually until 2035. Prominent conservation groups have welcomed this development, acknowledging its crucial role in protecting marine biodiversity.
Craig Smith, senior marine specialist with WWF South Africa, praised the agreement and expressed optimism about its rapid implementation to coincide with the penguin breeding season. Kate Handley, executive director of the Biodiversity Law Centre, emphasized the importance of collaboration between conservationists and the fishing industry to safeguard the ocean’s health for future generations.
Dr. Alistair McInnes, manager of BirdLife South Africa’s seabird conservation programme, highlighted that this court order marks a pivotal moment in the campaign to protect Africa’s sole penguin species. He pointed out that the livelihoods of those reliant on well-managed marine ecosystems stand to gain from this order, affirming the role of African penguins and other seabirds as critical indicators of ocean health.
In summary, the recent court order marks a significant victory for the protection of African penguins, thanks to the collaboration between conservation groups and the fishing industry. The establishment of no-take zones is expected to enhance the species’ chances of survival amidst ongoing threats from commercial fishing. The proactive measures enforced by the DFFE are crucial for the long-term conservation of this endangered species and underwater ecosystems, benefiting both marine biodiversity and local communities.
Original Source: witness.co.za
