Displaying items by tag: fishing closures

A pivotal high court hearing in March could determine the fate of the critically endangered African penguin. Conservationists have filed a legal challenge against the South African government and the commercial pelagic fishing industry over former environment minister Barbara Creecy’s decision to extend island fishing closures for ten years. The case, set for 18-20 March, will address constitutional rights, scientific research, and international conservation law. The dispute centers on whether competition for fish stocks, particularly sardines and anchovies, is a key factor in the penguin's decline. A panel of international experts suggested using a scientific method for determining island closures which would be of maximum conservation benefit to the penguins and the smallest cost to commercial fisheries. Instead, Creecy extended existing closures without adopting new recommendations. With the African penguin’s status recently changed from ‘endangered’ to ‘critically endangered’, the court's ruling carries profound implications for its survival.