BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB have secured a court order protecting the critically endangered African penguin through the establishment of no-take zones around key breeding sites. This agreement follows negotiations with commercial fishers and is set to be enacted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. The proactive measures aim to ensure the survival of the species while balancing marine ecosystem health.
Efforts by BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) have achieved a significant milestone in conserving the critically endangered African penguin in South Africa. A court order issued by Deputy Judge President Ledwaba in the Pretoria High Court has granted protection to this species, which is threatened by competition for fish from the commercial fishing industry, specifically sardines and anchovies.
This legal victory follows a negotiated settlement between the conservation organizations and commercial fishers, with state endorsement. The agreement creates no-take zones around six vital African penguin breeding sites, aimed at ensuring viable foraging grounds to stave off extinction. Among these closures is a 20 km radius around Robben Island, as well as zones at Stony Point, Bird Island, and St Croix Island, in conjunction with existing closures at Dassen Island and a split zone at Dyer Island.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has two weeks to act upon the court order by updating fishing permit conditions for sardine and anchovy fishers. These conditions are set to be reviewed annually until 2035, a year predicted to be critical for the species’ survival, given concerns of potential extinction in the wild. The court ruling has received widespread support from leading conservation organizations.
Craig Smith, a marine specialist with WWF South Africa, praised the agreement and emphasized the urgency of implementing it ahead of the breeding season for penguins. Kate Handley, executive director of the Biodiversity Law Centre, noted that this resolution is vital for protecting South Africa’s marine ecosystem for future generations. Dr. Alistair McInnes from BirdLife South Africa recognized the court order as a crucial stride in safeguarding the only penguin species on the continent and highlighted that it would support both ecological health and the livelihoods reliant on marine resources.
In conclusion, the recent court order represents a pivotal moment in the conservation efforts for the African penguin, addressing the threats posed by commercial fishing. The establishment of no-take zones underscores the commitment of conservation organizations to protect critical breeding grounds. The ongoing collaboration among stakeholders aims to ensure the sustainability of marine ecosystems and prevent the extinction of this species. Conservationists remain hopeful for effective implementation and continued vigilance as the African penguin faces challenges ahead.
Original Source: witness.co.za
