The South African Constitution requires the government to protect endangered species from extinction. In theory, that’s a forward-thinking attitude. In practice, it is not easy to hold the government accountable. After years of deadlock between conservationists and commercial fisheries, South Africa has finally taken a decisive step to protect its critically endangered African penguins. An agreement approved in March 2025 will restrict sardine and anchovy fishing around six major breeding colonies, offering a potential lifeline to a species teetering on the brink of extinction.
For the next ten years, a 12-mile no-fishing zone will be enforced around two key sites: Robben Island, located just off Cape Town, and Bird Island, near Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). Four additional colonies (Dassen Island, Dyer Island, St. Croix Island, and Stony Point) will have partial fishing closures aimed at easing competition for food and boosting penguin survival rates. Formalized through a court order, the plan will undergo scientific review in six years to assess its impact.
The Race to Save an Icon
The African penguin population is plummeting at an alarming rate, declining 7.9% per year. Today, fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs remain, a tragic fall from the one million pairs that thrived a century ago. If this downward spiral continues, experts warn the species could become functionally extinct by 2035.
“This order is a significant step forward in our fight to save the African penguin,” says Nicky Stander of the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB). “But while we celebrate today’s success, we know our battle is far from over.”
A Hard-Fought Compromise Between Conservation and Industry
The fishing industry has long pushed back against the claim that commercial fishing is driving penguin declines. In response, industry groups welcomed what they called a “middle-of-the-road compromise.”
“The perception that fishing near breeding sites is the primary cause of penguin population declines is a false one,” they stated. “This settlement will now allow scarce resources to be used to determine the main threats and address them where possible, scientifically.”
South Africa’s Minister of Environment, Dion George, hailed the deal as a landmark example of collaboration between industries and conservationists.
“This agreement proves that when conservationists and industry work together, real progress can be made,” George said.
The settlement follows a lawsuit by BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB, who challenged the previous environment minister for failing to enact biologically meaningful fishing closures. After taking office in July 2024, George prioritized an out-of-court resolution, leading to this agreement.
But Is It Enough?
While these protections are a step in the right direction, some scientists warn they won’t be enough on their own.
“It’s encouraging to see island closures finally agreed upon,” says Bob Furness, an expert in seabird conservation. “But unless we address other major threats, the benefits of these closures may be minimal.”
Beyond fishing pressures, African penguins are facing challenges from climate change, habitat destruction, land predators, and noise pollution from ship refueling near Gqeberha. Worse yet, the total stock of sardines, penguins’ primary food source, remains vulnerable to overexploitation.
“The focus must now turn to industrial sardine and anchovy fisheries,” warns marine biologist Phil Trathan.
The Path Forward
While this agreement provides a reprieve, conservationists emphasize that continuous monitoring, enforcement, and additional safeguards are crucial.
Without bold action, including stricter fishing quotas and expanded habitat protections, South Africa’s beloved waddle of penguins may disappear forever.