The Pretoria High Court has ordered protective measures for the critically endangered African Penguin, establishing no-take zones around key breeding colonies after a settlement between conservation NGOs and fishers. The DFFE must implement these closures within two weeks, providing foraging protections for a decade. The decision aims to prevent the species’ extinction by 2035 amidst significant population declines.
In a landmark decision, the Pretoria High Court has issued an order safeguarding critical foraging areas for the critically endangered African Penguin, following a settlement between BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB with commercial fishers. This agreement establishes no-take zones around six vital breeding colonies, aimed at ensuring adequate foraging opportunities for these penguins up to 2035, the projected year of potential extinction without intervention.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has been mandated to implement these closures within two weeks by amending the permit conditions for commercial sardine and anchovy fishers. These permits will be reviewed annually for the next decade, providing essential protections as the African Penguin population faces severe decline, having dropped from 15,187 breeding pairs in 2018 to approximately 8,750 in 2023.
The conservation organizations, represented by the Biodiversity Law Centre, opted for litigation after unsuccessful negotiations regarding the impact of fishing on penguin populations. Remarkably, a settlement was reached just before the hearing, emphasizing the advocacy efforts of the involved NGOs and the importance of protecting these endangered birds’ foraging areas.
The court order enforces clearly mapped closures that will remain effective for ten years, subject to a scientific review. This ensures year-round protection during fishing seasons, aligning with the recommendations of an Expert Panel convened by the Minister to evaluate necessary measures for the penguins’ health and survival within their ecosystems.
Around the west coast, the Dassen Island closure will be retained, crucial in supporting foraging needs of African Penguins. Meanwhile, the Robben Island 20km closure has scientifically demonstrated potential in reversing population declines, indicating the necessity of protective measures for the survival of these birds.
In the Southern Cape, a significant success at Stony Point will shield essential foraging grounds from fishing pressures in the heavily exploited region. The Dyer Island closure continues to allow only smaller vessels to fish, safeguarding the penguins’ foraging area.
The Eastern Cape will see a 20km closure around Bird Island and additional protection for the vulnerable St Croix Island colony, aiming to mitigate threats from both commercial fisheries and environmental stressors.
Kate Handley of the Biodiversity Law Centre remarked that this order represents a crucial shift in addressing the long-standing conflict between conservation and industrial interests. She urged the DFFE to ensure effective implementation and ongoing efforts to protect the African Penguin and maintain the ocean ecosystem for future generations. Dr. Alistair McInnes from BirdLife South Africa highlighted that the closures will also benefit various marine predator species and local fisheries, emphasizing the interconnectedness of ecosystem health.
Nicky Stander of SANCCOB celebrated this order as a milestone in combating penguin extinction while acknowledging that persistent threats and the need for thorough monitoring and cooperation remain essential in their conservation efforts.
The Pretoria High Court’s ruling marks a significant victory for the African Penguin, establishing critical no-take zones to secure foraging areas vital for their survival. This decision, following arduous negotiations between conservationists and the fishing industry, aims to reverse the alarming decline of this species, projected to face extinction by 2035 without intervention. Continuous collaboration and monitoring will be essential for the successful implementation of this settlement and the long-term well-being of the African Penguin and the marine ecosystem.
Original Source: allafrica.com
