Sponsored Storage Trailer Adds to Groenvlei Carp Project
For a hungry person breakfast comes before conservation. The Groenvlei carp project aims to remove invasive carp from the system while at the same time creating a positive spin off for the communities in need.
Carp is an invasive fish species that were illegally introduced in Groenvlei near Sedgefield in the 1990s. The Groenvlei lake is the ideal environment for the carp and as a result the carp have increased to the extent where they are causing ecological degradation to this unique freshwater lake.
In 2018 a concerned resident from Sedgefield approached CapeNature with a proposal to remove the carp. Initially the carp were utilized as organic compost. During the Covid-19 pandemic the possibility of utilizing the carp as a food source were investigated with the project expanding with the assistance of partners, Invasive Fish Species Management and Gift of the Givers.
The carp removal techniques were also adapted and refined during the carp removal with various types of fishing nets being utilized. Some of the fishing nets and other equipment were also sponsored to Invasive Fish Species management by members of the public which assisted with the removal of 7856.61 kg of carp supplied to the community as a food source.
On 30 September 2022 the global fishing company Oceana joined the initiative by sponsoring a refrigerated trailer which will assist with the distribution of the carp. Gift of the Givers has also contributed with additional operational funding to secure the sustainability of the project.
The Oceana corporate and regulatory affairs head Zodwa Velleman said the company's decision to get involved was an easy one. "Our brand promise is to positively impact lives, and food security is integral to what we do as a business.
Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman stated that project had been launched with the aim of confronting two major problems. It addresses the problem of invasive carp while simultaneously providing relief to disadvantaged communities in need.
CapeNature CEO Razeena Omar thanked all the partners as well as the public that have contributed to this very successful project. She stated that the project creates a win-win situation as it promotes biodiversity conservation and benefits to the community by removing the carp to feed hungry people.
Related News
The perfect time for a family escape into nature
Winter in the Western Cape is often misunderstood. While many people think of it as a season best spent indoors, it is actually one of the most rewarding times to slow down, reconnect, and take a short break close to home. For domestic travellers, especially families planning around the school holidays, winter offers the ideal opportunity to step away from routine without the stress of long travel or high-season crowds. It is a chance to rediscover what is right on your doorstep.
Newly discovered species named after CapeNature Ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan
A newly described Paradiplozoon species has been named after CapeNature Fauna Ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan, in recognition of her knowledge and passion for the aquatic life of the Cape Fold Ecoregion, continuous enthusiasm to study the region's fishes and understanding their parasitofauna. The newly identified species – Paradiplozoon jordaanae – is named after Dr Jordaan.
CALL FOR APPLICATION FOR EXTERNAL MEMBER OF THE AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Applications are hereby invited for candidates to serve on the Audit and Finance Committee of CapeNature.
The member shall be independent from CapeNature, be contracted for a maximum period of two terms of three years each and will be remunerated for attendance at meetings.
Closing date for applications: 3 July 2026
Impact of Inclement Weather across CapeNature Reserves in May 2026
The last bout of extreme weather began in early May, when a cut-off low-pressure system hit the Garden Route. A week later, two powerful cold fronts swept through the rest of the Province, unleashing torrential rains and gale-force winds. The result has been widespread damage, with 85% of all reserves reporting at least some form of damage. The Cederberg region has emerged as the hardest hit.
Huis River aquatic invertebrate survey strengthens partnerships for freshwater ecosystem conservation
In the upper reaches of the Huis River near Barrydale, a recent aquatic macroinvertebrate survey is helping to inform conservation decisions for the Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin (Pseudobarbus burchelli), including the potential expansion of its range into upstream habitats in the river. The survey was conducted in partnership with
Ongoing efforts to safeguard the Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin through monitoring
The Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin (Pseudobarbus burchelli) is one of South Africa’s most range-restricted freshwater fishes. It is endemic to the Huis–Tradouw River catchment near Barrydale in the Western Cape. The species is listed as Critically Endangered due to its small and fragmented distribution, threats from invasive fish species, pollution, water abstraction, and habitat degradation.