Penguins at Boulders Beach, Cape Town. a legal battle that may determine the fate of the penguins is to be heard in court in March. (Photo: John Yeld) | Pretoria High Court. (Photo: Gallo Images / Daily Sun / Raymond Morare)
By Kristin Engel – 18 Feb 2025
In the battle for sardines and anchovies, will the African penguin or the State and commercial fisheries win? Here are some of the key arguments set to be heard in the legal showdown that could decide the survival of the critically endangered seabird.
Between 18-20 March 2025, a legal battle will unfold in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria over the fate of the critically endangered African penguin, with conservation groups challenging the South African government’s decision to extend fishing closures meant to protect its food source, sardine and anchovy, from competition with the fishing industry…