African penguin survival at risk

New South African regulations now manage offshore ship-to-ship transfers of liquid cargo such as chemicals, oil, petroleum products and liquid natural gas, as well as refuelling ships.

The environment department says this will help protect the critically endangered African penguin and other marine species.

But BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) have expressed doubts over whether this ‘lifeline’ will protect the species.

The environment department says the regulations are designed to prevent pollution, protect coastal ecosystems, minimise and mitigate the effects of a spill.

On 22 August, environment minister Dion George used a gathering of scientists, conservationists, fishing industry representatives and government officials to sign into law the regulations for the environmental management of offshore ship-to-ship transfer, published under the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act.

“These regulations are a decisive step to safeguard our oceans and secure the future of our African penguin,” George said.

The regulations provide South Africa with a clear, enforceable environmental framework to manage offshore ship-to-ship transfer operations, including bunkering.

Bunkering alleviates the need for ships to dock to refuel, saving time and costs for the refuelling vessel.

BirdLife South Africa and Sanccob say they have long held the opinion that bunkering should be disallowed in Algoa Bay.

“While the benefits of bunkering accrue to fuel suppliers and shipping companies, the risk is borne by the marine ecosystems exposed to a higher risk of oil spills and increased underwater noise pollution,” the organisations says.

St Croix Island was once home to the largest remaining African penguin colony, with almost 8 000 breeding pairs resident in 2015.

“Since the advent of bunkering in the bay in 2016, this colony has now dwindled down to only 700 pairs,” says BirdLife South Africa and Sanccob.

Scientific research has demonstrated the correlation between increased vessel traffic noise associated with bunkering in the vicinity of St Croix Island and the decline in penguin numbers.

Read more at https://mg.co.za/the-green-guardian/2025-08-26-african-penguin-survival-at-risk-despite-ship-to-ship-transfer-laws/ – Mail & Guardian

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