From Laws to Conservation: Protecting Seabirds in South Africa’s Coastal Waters
Seabird protection in South Africa is ensured through the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004), and the Sea birds and Seals Protection Act (No. 46 of 1973). These laws specifically address the conservation of biodiversity and safeguarding marine habitats and their inhabitants. The marine environment, covering 70% of the Earth’s surface, plays a vital role in supporting diverse species and providing valuable ecosystem services. Seabirds serve as essential bioindicators in marine ecosystems, being sensitive to pressures such as climate change and many are also top predators. Recognized as keystone species, they supply abundant nutrients, enhancing food quality and productivity.
South Africa supports many seabird species, with some being endemic, while others using South Africa has a breeding ground. These species include the African Penguin, Cape Cormorant, Cape Gannet, and Bank Cormorant (Figures 1 - 4), all of which are considered Endangered according to the IUCN Red List and can be found at CapeNature Nature Reserves like Stony Point and Bird Island Nature Reserve at Lambert’s Bay. Threats to seabirds include habitat loss, overfishing, oil spills and diseases with the 2021 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza A (HPAI) H5N1 outbreak in the Western Cape amplifying concerns.
The HPAI H5N1 outbreak led to the tragic loss of many Cape Cormorants and African Penguins. However, collaborative efforts by organizations such as CapeNature, SANCCOB, and SANPARKS has been crucial in controlling the spread of the disease. These organizations have implemented biosecurity measures, including isolating infected seabirds from healthy individuals, raising public awareness about approaching infected seabirds, and managing infected carcasses, thus mitigating the impact of the outbreak. Overall, the conservation of seabirds and their habitats remains of the utmost importance to maintain the integrity and biodiversity of the marine ecosystem in South Africa.
An African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus, Endangered) at the Stony Point colony. Photographer: Marienne de Villiers.
Cape Cormorants (Phalacrocorax capensis, Endangered) are one of the seabird species that breed at Stony Point. Photographer: Keith Spencer.
Cape Gannets (Morus capensis, Endangered) greeting each other.
Nesting Bank Cormorant (Phalacrocorax neglectus, Endangered).
Related News
Catch and release helps to conserve the Western Cape’s indigenous fish
Freshwater ecosystems across the Western Cape are rich in biodiversity, supporting a variety of indigenous fish. However, these species are increasingly threatened by the spread of invasive alien fish species, that prey on indigenous species and compete with them for food, space, and breeding grounds.
Celebrating innovative, resilient women in tourism
Women are thriving in tourism and wielding influence from the boardroom to hiking trails, where they beat a pathway for others to follow. They occupy 70% of the tourism workforce in South Africa, and their voices are being amplified in the sector now more than ever. A powerful yet often overlooked statistic that underscores their vital role in the sector.
Rivers, Watersheds, and the Klein Estuary: A 2025 Natural Breach Event
Over millions of years, South Africa’s rivers and watersheds have evolved through the forces of erosion, rainfall, and shifting geology. A river catchment, or watershed, is an area of land where all surface water flows toward a single river, stream, or channel, eventually reaching the sea.
Avian Influenza detected in Western Cape: Public urged to stay alert, not alarmed
High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI or “bird flu”) is a viral disease of birds that can also, on rare occasions, infect humans and mammals. The virus spreads through bird faeces and droplets from the nose and mouth, and is present in other body fluids and tissues of dead birds. The disease can cause high mortality rates in domestic poultry.
Independent experts’ review of draft action plan for baboon management now available
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, wants to inform residents, interested parties, and stakeholders that the independent expert panel’s review of the proposed action plan on baboon management is now available to the public.
Boost for freshwater biodiversity as Wilderness Nature Reserve declared
A new nature reserve has been declared in the Western Cape, marking another significant milestone for the province’s environment. The Wilderness Nature Reserve, spanning over 643 hectares, has been declared a Provincial Nature Reserve in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003).
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?