Conservation Groups And Fishing Industry Strike Deal To Protect Penguins
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment DFFE has endorsed a landmark agreement that will see key island closures in the Western Cape to protect the critically endangered African penguin.
The deal, struck between the fishing industry and conservation organisations BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, introduces science-based fishing restrictions around major breeding islands to support penguin population recovery.
The closures apply to:
- Dassen Island Interim closure under current permit conditions.
- Robben Island 20km closure consistent with the Island Closure Experiment.
- Stony Point Closure as indicated in the agreement applicable to all fishing vessels.
- Dyer Island Interim closure under current permit conditions.
- St Croix Island Closure delineated by specific coordinates.
- Bird Island 20km closure radius from the lighthouse.
The DFFE will work to ensure the agreement is formalised as a court order and will oversee the implementation and monitoring of its impact on penguin populations.
DFFE Minister Dr Dion George described the settlement as a major step forward in conservation efforts. This agreement is a testament to what can be achieved when industries and conservationists unite for a common cause, he said. It delivers on the DFFEs vision of protecting our penguins and preserving our biodiversity.