New Push to Invoke the Precautionary Principle over African Penguin Decline

Four NGOs are recommending, amongst other things, invoking the precautionary principle over declining African Penguin numbers. They say the birds have sounded the alarm and the depleted status of their shared sardine resource should also be of major concern to the small pelagic sector of the fishing industry. In their opinion the government is moving too slowly over this matter, despite the current moratorium on fishing around six islands. Watch the television interview…

The South African Pelagic Fishing Industry Association (SAPFIA), representing small pelagic right holders, says it does share the concerns about the declining African Penguin numbers. But if the temporary islands closures are to be made permanent, the management decision should be based on the best scientific evidence and there should also be a cost benefit analysis.