[Image: Wikimedia Commons]
In a massive win for South Africa’s Critically Endangered African Penguins, conservationists have secured protected foraging zones around key breeding colonies for the next ten years.
This historic settlement, hammered out between BirdLife South Africa, SANCCOB, and commercial fishers, was endorsed by the Pretoria High Court, marking a turning point in the fight to bring these beloved birds back from the brink of extinction.
For years, conservation groups battled to protect the African Penguin from dwindling food supplies, with the species’ numbers plummeting from over 15,000 breeding pairs in 2018 to a shocking 8,750 by the end of 2023. Overfishing of sardines and anchovies – penguins’ primary food source – is largely to blame. After six years of deadlock, conservationists took the legal route in March 2024, determined to hold authorities accountable for protecting this species.
Just hours before a high-stakes court hearing set for March 2025, a breakthrough was reached: a settlement that designates no-fishing zones around six vital breeding colonies along South Africa’s coastline. The agreement, now a court order, ensures that commercial sardine and anchovy fishers must steer clear of these protected areas, giving penguins a fighting chance.
The new protected zones, in place year-round, span the west coast, the southern Cape, and Algoa Bay.
- West Coast: A major win at Robben Island sees a 20km fishing ban – proven by research to slow penguin population declines – while the existing Dassen Island closure remains intact.
- Southern Cape: Stony Point’s foraging grounds are now safeguarded, though Dyer Island remains a partial closure, with smaller vessels still allowed in certain areas.
- Eastern Cape: Bird Island gets a 20km fishing-free buffer, while St Croix Island receives crucial protection in heavily industrialised Algoa Bay.
This court order couldn’t come at a more critical time – scientists predict African Penguins could vanish from the wild by 2035 if drastic measures aren’t taken. The new agreement gives them a fighting chance, but conservationists warn that this is just one battle in an ongoing war.
This isn’t just about penguins, notes Dr Alistair McInnes of BirdLife South Africa.
“The outcome of these closures will also benefit other marine predator species, such as Cape Gannets, Cape Cormorants, and other socio-economically important fish that also eat sardine and anchovy, as well as the livelihoods of many who derive benefits from marine ecosystems that are equitable and judiciously managed.
We will continue to be led by the status of African Penguins and other seabirds, as indicators of the health of our oceans, and to focus with our partners on science-led solutions to conservation management along South Africa’s coastline.”
SANCCOB’s Nicky Stander echoes this sentiment:
“The agreement which has been made an order of court serves as a testament to the power of collective action and the dedication of the seabird scientists whose expertise is integral to the work of SANCCOB, BirdLife South Africa and the DFFE. We are immensely grateful for the widespread support from individuals and organisations that share our commitment to preserving biodiversity.”
“However, while we celebrate today’s success, we remain acutely aware that our journey is far from over,” she says.
This court order is just the beginning but the real battle lies in ensuring it’s enforced and that the fishing industries continue to cooperate. Nobody can afford to be complacent. The ongoing monitoring of sardine and anchovy populations, as well as government oversight, is crucial to ensuring that these protected zones remain effective.
“We must continue to advocate on the basis of our scientific research, and implement effective conservation strategies to ensure that African Penguins will thrive in the future. Our work continues, and we count the continued support and engagement of the community to face the challenges ahead.”
And the conservationists can’t do this alone. Every small action counts, whether it’s spreading the word, donating, or even supporting local brands that are helping fund this critical cause. A perfect example is Fitch & Leedes Pineapple Lemonade, whose donations are directly supporting SANCCOB in their tireless efforts to save the African Penguin.
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Together, we can make a difference. Stand with us, with SANCCOB, and with the future of the African Penguin. The clock is ticking, so let’s make sure it’s not too late.
If you wish to add more support to this initiative, head over here or go above and beyond and adopt a penguin.
[Source: SANCCOB]
