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
Firefighters honoured after one of the Western Cape's toughest fire seasons
CapeNature hosted an appreciation event in Velddrif on 4 August 2026 to honour firefighters who were on the frontlines during the Western Cape's most recent fire season. A representative group attended the event on behalf of CapeNature's larger cohort of Field Rangers and firefighters working across the Province. Despite extreme heat and challenging terrain, the firefighters remained steadfast in their commitment to protecting communities, infrastructure and the Western Cape's
CapeNature welcomes the conviction of Cape Town couple for wildlife crime
CapeNature welcomes the sentence imposed by the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Mr Zirkie Bernardus Jansen and Mrs Valerie Gayle Simpson-Jansen of Kirstenhof following their conviction on multiple offences relating to the unlawful keeping, possession and transport of reptiles. The couple were each sentenced on 30 July 2026 to pay a fine of R40 000 or serve 18 months’ imprisonment after being convicted on seven counts under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974.
The joy of being outdoors
Life has a way of becoming busy, but sometimes the greatest luxury is simply slowing down. Imagine waking up to fresh mountain air, taking a gentle stroll beneath towering trees, listening to birdsong, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee while overlooking breathtaking natural landscapes. These are the moments that help us reconnect with ourselves and appreciate the simple joys of life. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the restorative power of nature. That's why we're inviting senior citizens to enjoy peaceful escapes across the Western
Freshwater science takes centre stage at the 2026 SASAqS Conference
The Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS) is a learned society concerned with the research, management and conservation of inland waters and their associated biota throughout southern Africa. Established in 1964 as the Limnological Society of South Africa, SASAqS provides an important forum for discussion and sharing of scientific ideas. The two cornerstones of the society's activities are the annual conference and the African Journal of Aquatic Science.
Marine Protected Areas hold the key to human wellbeing
On 1 August, we celebrate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Day, a global occasion first marked in 2021 to recognise the role that MPAs play in conserving our oceans while supporting the wellbeing of people and communities. The day encourages us to appreciate the value of MPAs and the many ways they benefit both us and the extraordinary marine biodiversity they are designed to protect. This year's theme, "Ocean Protection Needs Human Connection," reminds us that conserving our oceans is a shared responsibility.
Bringing Conservation to Life Through Storytelling, Film and Digital Media
When was the last time a film, photograph or story about nature made you stop and feel something? Perhaps it was a breathtaking wildlife documentary. A short social media reel that transported you to a mountain peak. A travel video that inspired your next adventure. Or a story that highlighted the impact of a wildfire and reminded you why conservation matters. Every adventure has a story. Watch ours on our YouTube channel and subscribe for more.