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 DFFE’s vision of protecting our penguins and preserving our biodiversity.”

Western Cape conservation agency CapeNature has welcomed the agreement reached between the fishing industry and conservation organisations to implement closures around key African penguin breeding sites.

CapeNature is the custodian of African penguin breeding sites such as Stony Point Nature Reserve, Dyer Island and Dassen Island.

“This agreement, pending final legal formalities, is an important step forward in protecting the future of African penguin colonies, including those at provincially managed conservation nodes. Breeding colonies here will benefit from continued protection measures and accessing more of their preferred prey – sardines and anchovies – from these closures,” CapeNature said in a statement.

Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said the move is a positive indication of all parties’ willingness to contribute to conservation efforts.

“CapeNature will continue its monitoring and partnership efforts, which includes collaborating with municipal and national government departments, NGOs and local communities to support the long-term survival of the species.”

He additionally pointed out the African penguin’s importance to the province’s tourism economy.

“The African penguin remains a firm favourite among our many visitors to the Western Cape and a key contributor to our tourism offering and the many local jobs that it supports.”