A legal settlement in South Africa has led to the establishment of no-fishing zones around major breeding colonies of the critically endangered African penguin. With fishery restrictions in place, efforts aim to reverse the population’s drastic decline, characterized by alarming annual decreases. Experts highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and comprehensive strategies to combat various threats faced by the species.
A significant advancement in the preservation of the critically endangered African penguin has emerged following a legal settlement in South Africa. Conservationists and fishing industry representatives agreed to establish no-fishing zones around six prominent breeding colonies of these penguins, a critical step towards preventing their extinction.
Fishing for sardines and anchovies will be prohibited within a 20-kilometer radius of pertinent breeding sites, including Robben Island and Bird Island. Additional, more limited fishing restrictions will apply to four other colonies, as stipulated by the court order formalizing this agreement.
The ongoing dispute between conservationists and the fishing sector has revolved around the detrimental impact of commercial fishing on the declining penguin population. Alarmingly, the African penguin population is projected to decline by 7.9% annually, potentially leading to extinction by 2035, as current numbers plummet below 10,000 breeding pairs from a historical peak of one million.
Nicky Stander, head of conservation at the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), remarked on the significance of this order, acknowledging that while progress has been made, continued efforts are necessary against multifaceted threats facing the species.
Two groups from the fishing industry expressed their approval of this compromise, emphasizing the need for scientific inquiry to understand the various factors contributing to the penguin population’s decline.
Dion George, South Africa’s environment minister, reflected on the unity of conservationists and industry stakeholders, affirming the commitment to biodiversity preservation alongside sustainable fishing practices.
BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB previously filed a legal challenge against the government over insufficient fishing closures around key penguin breeding sites. Minister George sought a settlement, leading to this agreement.
Bob Furness, an expert and emeritus professor at the University of Glasgow, noted the necessity for additional protective measures, indicating that the mere implementation of fishing closures may not suffice to mitigate ongoing challenges faced by the penguin population.
Factors contributing to the decline include climate change, land-based predators, and disturbances caused by maritime refueling activities. Phil Trathan, also a member of the advisory panel, emphasized the importance of closely monitoring sardine and anchovy fisheries moving forward.
In summary, the establishment of no-fishing zones around critical breeding colonies is a progressive measure aimed at halting the decline of the African penguin population. While the agreement marks a positive step, experts stress that ongoing monitoring and multifaceted efforts are crucial to effectively protect these endangered birds from various evolving threats. Continued collaboration between conservationists and the fishing industry will be vital in ensuring the survival of this species.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
