Our research investigates how environmental change and human activities influence marine ecosystem conditions around key seabird colonies in the Benguela Upwelling Ecosystem. We focus on three endemic species (African Penguin, Cape Gannet, and Cape Cormorant) which rely on small pelagic fish such as anchovy and sardine. Because these seabirds respond rapidly to changes in prey availability and ocean conditions, they provide powerful indicators of ecosystem health.
This work addresses the urgent need to reduce pressures on threatened seabirds, particularly competition with purse-seine fisheries targeting the same prey resources. By linking seabird condition and foraging behaviour to prey availability and fishing activity, we are working towards providing evidence to support Ecosystem-based Approaches to Fisheries and help inform catch limits that accounts for predator needs. Our mapping of core foraging areas also contributes directly to marine spatial planning and the Critical Seabird Habitat Report.
We combine field research, biologging technology, and automated monitoring systems to measure how seabirds respond to changing marine conditions. At major breeding colonies we deploy tracking devices on African Penguin, Cape Gannet, and Cape Cormorant to record movements, diving behaviour, and foraging effort at sea. These data are complemented by fine-scale hydroacoustic fish surveys that estimate prey availability, particularly for key species such as anchovy and sardine.
African Penguin crossing a weighbridge on Bird Island
To monitor African Penguin breeding colonies, we have deployed five Automated Penguin Monitoring Systems (APMSs) at Dassen Island, Robben Island, Stony Point, Dyer Island, and Bird Island, with several systems operating since 2022. These solar-powered stations transmit data via secure internet connections, allowing near-real-time monitoring and remote troubleshooting. We are also developing the first Automated Video Monitoring System for cormorants to expand automated monitoring across additional seabird species.
Coastal Seabird Technician Kyle Maurer conducting fine-scale hydroacoustic fish survey off Dyer Island African Penguin colony
BirdLife South Africa conducts hydroacoustic surveys to assess the abundance and distribution of small pelagic fish, including sardine and anchovy, within fishing closures along South Africa’s south coast. These surveys estimate prey availability around African penguin colonies, helping to determine whether fishing closures are improving foraging conditions for the Critically Endangered African Penguin. The findings provide vital scientific evidence to support the sustainable management of forage fish and, in turn, the conservation of one of the world’s most threatened penguin species.
Hydroacoustic survey area showing African penguin colonies at Stony Point and Dyer Island, fishing closure boundaries, and survey transects used to assess small pelagic fish abundance.
