In the Western Cape, ancient, endangered and endemic fish are only found in rivers in a good ecological conditions.
A remarkable 24 of the 27 fish species found in the Cape floral region are found nowhere else in the world. They are known as fynbos fish, as they thrive in streams surrounded by fynbos.
The indigenous fynbos fish of the Western Cape are under severe threat. Invasive alien fish prey on them (for example, the smallmouth bass), compete for resources (the banded tilapia) and degrade their habitat (carp).
Other major threats include excessive water abstraction from rivers, especially during dry summers, water pollution and damage to rivers through urban development.
CapeNature is working on several projects to conserve the fynbos fish.
Projects
National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA)
This is a multi-partner project between CapeNature, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, the Water Research Commission, the South African National Biodiversity Institute, the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs, the South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity and South African National Parks.
The project conserves South Africa's freshwater biodiversity, within the context of equitable social and economic development. It achieves this by identifying a national network of priority freshwater conservation areas, aligning policies and approaches for conserving freshwater ecosystems, and conducting case studies to demonstrate how project outcomes can be implemented.
Regulations for invasive alien species
The Department of Environmental Affairs manages invasive alien species under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (2004). Regulations for alien species were legislated in 2014.
Common invasive alien fish in the fynbos region will be regulated through management plans, based on regulations in the act.
Education and awareness programmes
CapeNature is working with stakeholders to raise awareness and improve the conservation of rivers and wetlands and their associated plants and animals. These will focus on priority species, including two (Barrydale Redfin and Clanwilliam Sandfish) that have BMP-S plans, as well as NFEPAs that are critical areas for fish.
Removal of alien fish from priority rivers for conservation
Removing alien fish from priority rivers allows fynbos fish to reclaim their habitat. Local landowners and relevant angling bodies need to fully support such projects to ensure their long-term success.
CapeNature has implemented a project in the lower Rondegat River in the Cederberg to permanently remove alien smallmouth bass. This has successfully enabled threatened indigenous fish to repopulate 4km of the river. The chemical CFT Legumine, approved by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, was used to remove the alien species. The project has undergone a comprehensive environmental impact assessment as part of a broader alien fish control project for the Cape Action for People and the Environment Programme.
Twee River rehabilitation
The Twee River in the Cederberg is a priority river for fish conservation, with two fish species only found there. Ms Zanne Brink is leading a Table Mountain Fund project, which works closely with fruit farmers, to more effectively conserve this vital river.