Please find attached a soundbite by Andrew de Blocq MP.
The DA welcomes an historic agreement between the fishing industry and conservation organisations that will put fishing closures in place to protect the critically endangered African Penguin, as announced yesterday by Minister Dion George.
This agreement to put fishing closures in place is an important and urgent win for a species that, without intervention, was projected to go extinct within the next decade. The availability of pelagic fish such as sardine and anchovy in the proximity of breeding colonies of African Penguins has been identified by seabird biologists as the primary threat to the species.
The DA recognises the bold move by Minister George to instruct his legal team to find this settlement in the legal case he inherited from the erstwhile Minister Creecy brought to court by conservation organisations, because Creecy had failed to take action to reduce competition between penguins and the commercial fishing industry.
Minister George’s insistence on an amicable settlement agreement being reached between the industry and conservation organisations, to conserve penguins without compromising fishing jobs, reflects the DA’s commitment to growing the economy while safeguarding the environment.
Reaching a settlement agreement between these two groups who have historically exchanged much animosity, avoiding a court battle, speaks volumes about the leadership of Minister George.
The DA welcomes this agreement to protect African Penguins on the heels of another notable intervention by Minister George just weeks ago where he published regulations for public comment, around bunkering (at-sea refuelling) to address the major threat to penguins, particularly the two colonies in Algoa Bay, that bunkering causes by way of acoustic pollution and potential for spills.
With their access to food secured, and the threat of bunkering neutralised, African Penguins now have their greatest shot at survival.
The DA is thrilled that with the interventions of Dr Dion George, African Penguins are no longer staring down the barrel toward extinction.
Note to Editors: A personal reflection from the author, Andrew de Blocq, MP:
African Penguins were a central part of my career before politics, having been both a penguinologist and professional bird guide before joining politics.
To have this incredibly charismatic and well-loved bird listed as critically endangered in 2024 was heartbreaking.
I am ecstatic that we have a Minister that cares and has taken up the cudgel for this voiceless, tuxedo-donning icon.
A lack of food and bunkering are the top two threats to their population, and Minister George has swiftly and effectively addressed both.
I am proud to have played a small role in this win for the environment and to be a member of the Democratic Alliance.