Did you know?
- The African Penguin is one of the three species of penguins globally that are in critical need of conservation action.
- It’s the only penguin species that occurs off the coast of Africa. They are endemic to the coastline of southern Africa, from Hollandsbird Island, near the central Namibian coast, to Algoa Bay off the Eastern Cape coast of South Africa.
- About a century ago, there were millions of breeding pairs.
- In previous years, their eggs were stolen, the guano they use for nesting was stolen, the birds themselves were caught and their fish supplies were depleted by commercial fishing.
- After being a population of millions, the African Penguin is now endangered, with a global population of about 50 000.
- Historically they breed at 32 colonies. Since 2004, 5 colonies have become extinct.
More recently:
- The global population was at a historical low in 2019, with 3 600 breeding pairs remaining;
- Nearly 25% of these breeding pairs were lost in two years;
- In 2021 there were only about 10 400 breeding pairs left;
- It is estimated that the West Coast population may be functionally extinct by 2035.
Currently the penguins are being threatened by the:
- Expansion of harbours and increased shipping traffic;
- Commercial fishing of sardines and anchovies;
- Seismic surveys;
- Aquaculture development zones situated within 5 km from some colonies;
- Ship-to-ship bunkering near colonies, which increases the risk of oils spills and disturbances.
In July 2022 the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) published a draft Biodiversity Management Plan for the African Penguin for public comment. The report portrayed the shocking situation of the dwindling penguin populations.
One of the suggestions to alleviate the pressure on these birds was to implement fishing closures around the colonies. This would help to improve the availability of their food supply.
The DFFE recently announced interim fishing closures and limitations around the key penguin colonies from 1 September 2022 to 14 January 2023, including the Stony Point colony. These areas will be closed to commercial fishing for anchovy and sardines.
Stony Point in Betty’s Bay is the third-largest colony of African Penguins and it is a vital colony to protect.
Consider making a donation to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) https://sanccob.co.za/. They have many projects such as Adopt a Penguin or the Penguin and Seabird Rangers project. Betty’s Bay has a ranger at Stony Point) that we can support.
Many people in Betty’s Bay benefit financially from the tourists who come to stay here to visit Stony Point. Let us do our part as neighbours of these amazing but endangered penguins to support SANCCOB in their work – so that your children and grandchildren may still get to see these incredible marine birds.
If you find an injured seabird:
Contact SANCCOB’s 24-hour Seabird Rescue Centre:
Cape Town+27 21 557 6155 or +27 78 638 3731(after hours)
Photo Carol Clark