A major conservation breakthrough in South Africa could help save the critically endangered African penguin from extinction. A new 10-year agreement will ban sardine and anchovy fishing near key breeding colonies, including Robben Island and Bird Island, where the species’ numbers have plummeted. With fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs remaining, scientists warn the penguins could vanish by 2035 without urgent action.
The deal comes after years of debate between conservationists and the fishing industry, with both sides now embracing the agreement as a balanced path forward. While the closures are a significant step, experts emphasize that the birds still face multiple threats, including climate change and habitat disruption. Researchers will monitor the impact of the fishing restrictions and continue studying how best to protect remaining colonies. For now, the agreement offers a rare win for wildlife—and a chance to reverse a century of steep decline.