Historic Victory for Endangered African Penguins Through Court Order

BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB have secured a court order protecting critically endangered African penguins by establishing no-take fishing zones. This decision follows negotiations with commercial fishermen and aims to prevent extinction by safeguarding essential foraging areas. Implementation must occur rapidly to protect the species ahead of the breeding season.

Conservation initiatives led by BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB have achieved a significant victory for the critically endangered African penguin. A recent court order issued by Deputy Judge President Ledwaba of the Pretoria High Court has granted legal protection to the species, which is threatened due to competition for fish from the commercial sardine and anchovy fishing industry. This historical order stems from a settlement agreement reached with the fishing industry, supported by the state.

Negotiated over several weeks, the agreement establishes no-take zones surrounding six essential breeding colonies of the African penguin. These closures are intended to safeguard biologically significant foraging areas in the west coast, southern Cape, and Algoa Bay regions, thereby preventing the extinction of the species. Specific notable closures include a 20 km radius around Robben Island, as well as areas near Stony Point, Bird Island, and St Croix Island, in addition to existing zones around Dassen and Dyer Islands.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has been mandated to implement these closures within two weeks, amending the permit conditions for commercial fishers. This initiative is set to continue annually until 2035, a crucial period as scientists predict the potential extinction of African penguins in the wild. The order has been positively received by various conservation organizations.

Craig Smith from WWF South Africa congratulated the parties involved and emphasized the urgent need for implementation before the upcoming penguin breeding season. IN a similar sentiment, Kate Handley, executive director of the Biodiversity Law Centre, noted that this resolution would ensure the protection of ocean ecosystems for future generations. Handley articulated the critical nature of proactive governmental measures in safeguarding South Africa’s biodiversity and threatened species.

Additionally, Dr. Alistair McInnes, BirdLife South Africa’s seabird conservation programme manager, regarded the court order as a milestone in the ongoing efforts to protect the continent’s sole penguin species. He highlighted the protection of equitable marine ecosystems that provide livelihoods for many. McInnes also indicated that ongoing collaborative efforts will focus on science-based conservation management across South Africa’s coastline, with African penguins serving as crucial indicators of ocean health.

In conclusion, the recent court order that establishes no-take zones for fishing around key African penguin breeding areas marks a significant achievement in conservation efforts. This protective measure, resulting from lengthy negotiations between conservation groups and the fishing industry, aims to prevent the extinction of the African penguin. The collaboration between various stakeholders underscores the importance of safeguarding biodiversity and promoting sustainable marine ecosystems in South Africa.

Original Source: witness.co.za