Champions of the Environment Foundation

12/10/2024

22/02/2023

S i s t e r h o o d 🌿

08/02/2023

Yes we must Sa “no” to FADs

🐟🌊Proposal for better tuna management in the Indian Ocean adopted! BirdLife South Africa supported a recent proposal to the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission for better management of tuna fisheries by reducing the number of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) in use. These FADs make fish easier to catch but also result in a high catch of juvenile fish (contributing to overfishing) and high bycatch of sharks, turtles, and marine mammals. See the statement below from International Pole & Line Foundation:

"The Sixth Special Session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) concluded on Sunday, with two resolutions on Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) successfully adopted.

A proposal on drifting FADs – used by industrial purse seine fleets, including those of the EU – was put forward by 11 coastal states and was adopted by a two-thirds majority following a vote by secret ballot in the final hours of the three-day meeting in Mombasa, Kenya.

The proposal, which will come into effect on 1 January 2024, included a phased reduction in the number of drifting FADs permitted per vessel, from 300 to 250 in the first year and to 200 in 2025. It also mandated the creation of a drifting FAD registry, allowing for increased transparency and monitoring of the controversial man-made devices used to attract tuna – a large proportion of which are juveniles, impacting the already-overfished yellowfin and bigeye tuna stocks. Most importantly, the adopted proposal put in place a 72-day closure period for drifting FADs. This aspect of the proposal received the most opposition from the EU, who have threatened to object to the proposal in its entirety. Another proposal on anchored FADs, put forward by Maldives and Kenya, was adopted by consensus."

📷International Pole and Line Foundation

08/02/2023

Let’s do it!

We're so excited to be celebrating Rare Disease Day 2023!
Please join us for an early evening Denim Walk in the picturesque Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens.
We would love to spend the afternoon with you as you with our RARE community and your loved ones. We'll have activities for kids to enjoy, snacks and beverages from various vendors available as well as a beautiful 3km walk for us to do together.

When: Saturday, 4 March
Where: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
Time: 16:00 - 20:00
Price: R70 per person

Please wear jeans if possible and white shirt (preferably not brand new as we have a bit of colourful fun planned).
We can't wait to see you!

Please click on link to purchase tickets https://www.rarediseases.co.za/event-details/shareyourcolours-denim-walk