OPINION: ‘Our sardines need protection’
Sardines have been on the orange list for the past year because there are concerns over the future of the species.
DEAR Editor,-
On August 29, endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh thrilled conservationists and others the world over by completing ‘The Long Swim’ – swimming the length of the English Channel – in support of cleaning up the oceans.
The environmental campaigner and UN Patron of the Oceans began the challenge on July 12, swimming 10 to 20km every day.
What really shocked Lewis is what he didn’t see. He saw few fish – a few dolphins, some birds, lots of jellyfish, but virtually nothing else and is concerned that the oceans around the UK are so badly over-fished.
He says, “We have this one opportunity now to protect the waters around the UK. If we don’t do that, there simply won’t be any fish left for our generation. Forget about future generations if we don’t take action right now.”
These words are ominous. They brought to mind the worrying fact that our sardines may be in trouble if we don’t act responsibly.
The ‘Sardine Run’ this year was exciting. However, it was concerning to see boats coming in loaded with thousands of fish netted during the run.
The Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (Sassi) has a list comprising three categories: green, orange and red – which indicate the sustainability of various seafoods.
Sardines have been on the orange list for the past year because there are concerns over the future of the species.
Although environmental factors play a part in the declining numbers, sardine netting is possibly contributing to this decline.
Yet, in spite of scientists and scientific evidence suggesting, for the past ten years, that we should be concerned, the KZN Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has allowed sardine netting to continue.
To add insult to injury, this year permits were extended to September. The facts, as well as the opinions of scientists in general, suggest that this decision is unsustainable.
The Sardine Run is so exciting because, among other things, it boosts our tourism industry and brings with it a host of predators… sharks, dolphins, game fish, birds… And, sadly, fishing boats.
The seas have literally been bursting with activity since this year’s relatively good run. Visitors and locals alike have been thrilled by daily sightings of whales and dolphins for the past three months.
This bodes well for the future of KZN tourism. But how long will it last if we don’t heed the evidence that numbers are steadily declining?
At the end, Lewis said, “I’ve just touched Dover harbour wall. That’s the end – 530kms in 49 days. I’ve done my bit, now it’s time for government to do theirs.”
JANE FRANZ
Marina Beach
