After a six-year battle for the survival of South Africa’s critically endangered African Penguin, we are finally celebrating a historic victory. On Monday 17 March 2025, the Pretoria High Court issued an order solidifying an agreement that establishes no-take fishing zones around key penguin breeding colonies. This ruling is a lifeline for a species teetering on the edge of extinction.
Why This Court Order Matters
The African Penguin population has plummeted, largely due to food shortages caused by commercial sardine and anchovy fishing. Penguins rely on these fish to survive, yet for years, large-scale fishing operations have depleted their food sources. The new ruling, achieved through a settlement between conservation NGOs (SANCCOB and Bird Life SA) and commercial fishers, ensures that key foraging areas are protected.
The agreement designates six no-take zones along the West Coast, Southern Cape, and Algoa Bay—regions vital to the survival of breeding penguins. By restricting sardine and anchovy fishing in these areas, conservationists hope to restore fish stocks and give penguin populations a chance to recover.
A Race Against Time
This 10-year protection plan extends until 2035, which is the year scientists predict African Penguins could go extinct in the wild. That’s just one penguin generation away. Without immediate and sustained action, we could lose this iconic species forever.
Beyond the Ruling: What Comes Next?
While this ruling is a major step forward, the real challenge lies in enforcement. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) has just two weeks to amend commercial fishing permits to reflect the new no-take zones. These restrictions must then be renewed annually until 2035.
Nicky Stander, head of conservation at SANCCOB, emphasized the need for monitoring and cooperation. “This order requires enforcement and ongoing collaboration between conservationists, industry, and government. We must continue advocating for science-based conservation strategies to ensure African Penguins thrive in the future.”
A Blueprint for Future Conservation Efforts
This victory isn’t just about penguins—it’s about setting a precedent for protecting marine life through policy change. The court order showcases how science-led conservation and industry cooperation can create sustainable solutions that benefit both wildlife and economies.
“This is a triumph for conservation and sustainable development,” said DFFE Minister Dr. Deon George. “It proves that industry and conservation can work together for the greater good.”
While there is still much work to be done, this ruling is a major step toward saving African Penguins—one of South Africa’s most beloved marine species. Now, the focus shifts to ensuring these protections are enforced, monitored, and expanded if necessary.