CapeNature welcomes in principle agreement to protect the African Penguin
CapeNature is thankful that the government, seabird conservation organisations and the pelagic fishing industry have worked together to reach an in-principle agreement on overfishing restrictions around critical penguin breeding areas.
This agreement, pending final legal formalities, is an important step forward in protecting the future of African Penguin colonies, including those at provincially managed conservation nodes such as Stony Point Nature Reserve, Dyer Island, and Dassen Island. Breeding colonies here will benefit from continued protection measures and accessing more of their preferred prey – sardines and anchovies – from these closures.
There are also significant management challenges, other than food sources, that need to be addressed if this species is to survive extinction.
This is a move in the right direction for the African Penguin. The agreement is a positive indication that all parties are engaging and want to contribute to the conservation effort. CapeNature is committed to the ongoing conservation efforts of this seabird species and this initial agreement helps to add to the Entity’s broader conservation strategy. CapeNature will continue its monitoring and partnership efforts, which includes collaborating with both municipal and national government departments, NGOs, and local communities to support the long-term survival of the species. The African Penguin remains a firm favourite among our many visitors to the Western Cape and are a key contributor to our tourism offering and the many local jobs that it supports.
As the agreement moves through the final legal steps, CapeNature reaffirms its commitment to conserving the Western Cape’s rich biodiversity, with the African Penguin an important species within the coastal ecosystems and Marine Protected Areas.
Related News
The Vrolijkheid Nursery Project is Growing Conservation Through Community
The nursery project at Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve has officially entered its early stages of becoming operational, marking an exciting step towards a collaborative conservation and community initiative.
Empowering Communities: How EPWP Transforms Lives Through Skills Development
A well-earned promotion to the permanent position of Maintenance Assistant at Goukamma Nature Reserve was granted to Mr. Graeme Highburg, an EPWP employee at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve.
Bird Island gets a fresh look with enhanced interpretive signage
Bird Island Nature Reserve has undergone a transformation just in time for World Tourism Day, with the unveiling of brand-new interpretive signage designed to elevate the visitor experience and public understanding of the Island’s unique biodiversity.
2025 Annual Southern Right Whale Aerial Survey
On the 29th of September 2025, the Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit of the University of Pretoria will be commencing its 56th annual aerial survey of southern right whales to monitor the health of the population.
Don’t Be Trashy campaign fights waste on land and sea in Western Cape
CapeNature, in partnership with Soapbox and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP), is working on the “Don’t Be Trashy” Drive to address the growing threat of waste to ecosystems across the province.
Celebrate the 11th annual Access Week and grab your chance to experience nature for free!
Rediscover the beauty of the Western Cape’s protected areas during the 11th annual Access Week, taking place from 20 to 26 September 2025. CapeNature is celebrating over a decade of breaking down barriers to the Western Cape’s natural spaces, with free day visitor entry to selected reserves across the province.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?