New fishing zones in South Africa could help save the endangered African penguin.
Efforts to save the African penguin from extinction took a major step forward this week. A new legal agreement will block commercial fishing near six of South Africa’s most important penguin breeding colonies.
The decision follows years of disputes between environmental groups and the fishing industry. It will create no-fishing zones for sardines and anchovies—two of the penguins’ key food sources—around major colonies, including Robben Island near Cape Town and Bird Island near Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).
The African penguin population is declining fast. If the current trend continues, experts say the species could be extinct in the wild by 2035.
These penguins have lost nearly all of their numbers. Just a century ago, there were around 1 million of them. Today, there are fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs left.
One big reason? Overfishing. Sardines and anchovies are the penguins’ main food. When fishing boats scoop up too many, the birds go hungry. They struggle to feed themselves and their chicks.
The new fishing zones in South Africa agreement bans commercial sardine and anchovy fishing within a 12-mile (20-kilometer) radius of two major colonies—Robben Island near Cape Town and Bird Island across the bay from Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). Four other colonies will get smaller closures.
This protection will last for 10 years, with a review after six. It aims to give penguins a fighting chance.
The legal settlement was reached after environmental groups SANCCOB and BirdLife South Africa sued the government in May 2024. They argued that the previous environment minister failed to create meaningful bird protections.
After taking office in July, South Africa’s new environment minister, Dion George, pushed for an out-of-court deal. He called the new plan a win for both wildlife and fishing communities.
“This agreement is a testament to what can be achieved when industries and conservationists unite for a common cause,” George said.
The fishing industry also backed the compromise. Two major groups—the South African Pelagic Fishing Industry Association and the Eastern and Southern Cape Pelagic Association—said it would allow better scientific research into what’s really causing the penguin decline.
They believe other threats, such as climate change and predators, also play a big role. With this agreement in place, both sides can now focus on gathering data.
Penguins are not just important to scientists. Coastal cities like Cape Town and Gqeberha attract thousands of visitors each year. Tourists travel from all over the world to see African penguins up close, especially at Robben Island and Boulders Beach.
Local tour operators, gift shops, and restaurants all benefit from penguin-related tourism. This industry pumps millions into the economy and supports many small businesses.
By protecting the penguins’ food supply, the new fishing zones in South Africa may also help preserve these jobs. A thriving penguin population keeps tourists coming—and local businesses open.
In nearby fishing towns, people have mixed feelings. Some worry the closures might limit their catch. Others hope the long-term benefits—like healthier oceans and more consistent fish populations—will pay off.
Thabo Mokoena, who runs a small eco-tour company near Simon’s Town, said he’s seen fewer penguins in recent years. “The tourists notice it too,” he said. “If the fish come back, the penguins come back. And that helps all of us.”
Community involvement will be key in the future. Conservation groups are now working with local leaders to educate residents and involve them in monitoring the new fishing zones.
While overfishing is a big part of the problem, penguins face other threats. Climate change is warming the oceans, pushing fish farther from shore. Land predators like cats and mongoose raid penguin nests. Industrial noise from refuelling ships near Gqeberha disrupts their habitats.
In 2023, an expert panel reviewed all these risks. They recommended no-fishing zones as a helpful—though not complete—solution. Even with fishing limits, the panel said the sardine population must also be protected from overfishing at low levels.
“It is now critical that the focus turns to examining the industrial fisheries for sardine and anchovy,” said Phil Trathan, a visiting professor at Southampton University who helped lead the panel.
The penguins can’t fix this on their own. But you can help.
Start by supporting sustainable seafood choices. Look for labels that show fish was caught responsibly. If you live near a colony, get involved with local clean-up efforts or volunteer with conservation groups like SANCCOB or BirdLife South Africa.
Tourists can help, too. Visit eco-friendly operators, donate to penguin rescue programs, and follow beach guidelines to avoid disturbing nesting areas.
Small actions add up—especially when entire ecosystems are at risk.
The new fishing zones in South Africa offer hope, but this is just the beginning. The real test will be whether these protections are enforced and whether penguin numbers begin to rise.
For now, the survival of one of Africa’s most iconic birds depends on smart planning, strong partnerships, and a willingness to prioritize nature.
