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
New Conservancy to Protect Biodiversity in the Karoo
A long-cherished dream has come true with the establishment of the 18 000 ha Karoo Gateway Conservancy in the Klaarstroom district. This initiative provides a strong framework for biodiversity conservation in the region through a voluntary agreement among landowners to manage their land in an environmentally sustainable way that promotes biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture.
Make space in your heart for penguins at Penguin Palooza 2025
African Penguins are now listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with scientists warning they could vanish from the wild by 2035. CapeNature and SANCCOB are collaborating to protect the species at their annual Penguin Palooza event at Stony Point Nature Reserve.
Man convicted and sentenced for attack on Protected Spotted Eagle-Owl thanks to joint efforts
CapeNature welcomes the successful conviction and sentencing of 38-year-old Mozambican national Gustigu Mthini, who was found guilty on four charges following a violent attack on a Protected Spotted Eagle-Owl along the Sea Point Promenade earlier this year.
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.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?