A Landmark Decision for the Protection of African Penguins

Nearly two years after I first reported on the African penguin’s race against extinction, a landmark ruling by the South African government in March 2025 has given the species a renewed chance at survival.

The Pretoria High Court of South Africa has ordered the protection of six key African penguin breeding sites by establishing no-fishing zones for the next 10 years, aiming to prevent the species' extinction, which scientists warn could occur by 2035.

This ruling follows legal action by BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), which argued that the government had failed to implement key scientific recommendations to safeguard the endangered species.

Purse seine fishing vessels used to catch sardines and anchovies—vital food sources for penguins—will be banned from six critical breeding areas: Dassen Island, Robben Island, Stony Point, Dyer Island, St. Croix Island, and Bird Island. Conservationists emphasize that enforcement and cooperation from both industry and government will be crucial to ensuring the ban's success. While the fishing industry has supported the compromise, it has also disputed claims that fishing is the primary driver of the penguin population’s decline. The order will be reviewed in six years to assess its effectiveness.

The hope is that this ban will be sustainable, protecting the penguins' main food source while still allowing the fishing industry to operate and contribute to the national economy.

Not only is this a powerful example of how conservationists can influence legislation, but it also highlights the potential for balance between protecting a native species and supporting a vital industry. This ruling reaffirms that the iconic African penguin is worth fighting for—not just as a beloved species, but as an indicator of overall environmental health and a crucial part of the Western Cape's coastal ecosystem.

Reflecting on this news leaves me hopeful for the future of the African penguin, as well as for the conservationists who worked tirelessly to make this ruling a reality.

It is also encouraging to think that my 2023 article supported by my Pulitzer Center Reporting Fellowship may have played even the smallest role in raising awareness about this issue and the beloved seabird.