The Pretoria High Court approved protective no-take zones for African penguins, aiding conservation efforts led by BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB against threats from the fishing industry. Key areas include closures around critical breeding sites, with compliance required by the Department of Forestry within two weeks. This historic agreement aims to prevent extinction by 2035, ensuring sustainable marine ecosystems.
Conservation groups BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB have achieved a significant victory in protecting South Africa’s critically endangered African penguins. On Tuesday, a court order was issued by Deputy Judge President Ledwaba, mandating the establishment of protected areas vital for the penguins’ survival amid pressures from the fishing industry. This order stems from a settlement agreement that involved multiple stakeholders, including sardine and anchovy fishers and state endorsement.
The newly established no-take zones cover essential breeding sites located in key regions such as the west coast, southern Cape, and Algoa Bay. These zones will help ensure that African penguins have access to necessary foraging areas to support their survival. Specific closures include a 20 kilometer radius around Robben Island, Stony Point, Bird Island, and St Croix Island, supplementing existing restrictions at Dassen Island and Dyer Island.
Implementation of the closure order requires the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to amend commercial fishing permits within two weeks. These protective measures will be reviewed annually until 2035, aiming to safeguard the species until scientific assessments indicate a potential likelihood of extinction in the wild. The resolution has been met with approval from various conservation organizations.
Craig Smith from WWF South Africa emphasized the importance of timely implementation, especially with the penguin breeding season approaching. Kate Handley of the Biodiversity Law Centre remarked on the resolution’s significance in balancing wildlife conservation with industry interests, aiming to sustain South Africa’s ecological wealth. Dr. Alistair McInnes from BirdLife South Africa highlighted that this ruling is a crucial step in safeguarding the continent’s only penguin species while benefiting the broader marine ecosystem.
The recent court order to establish no-take zones for sardine and anchovy fisheries marks a vital step toward securing the survival of South Africa’s endangered African penguins. With protections in place over essential foraging grounds, the conservation efforts stand to benefit both the species and the ecosystem. Ongoing collaboration between conservationists and industry stakeholders is crucial for the continued health of marine biodiversity.
Original Source: witness.co.za
