Zwartkops Conservancy

19/10/2026

12/10/2026

Bronze bream, also known as copper bream, is a common inshore species found along the east coast of South Africa. In the Eastern Cape they are also known as bluefish or JBs, which can cause confusion with other species. They are omnivorous and graze on algae and small invertebrates. They have a particularly long gut to help them digest the tough seaweeds. Interestingly, research has shown that these fish are eating the seaweed to get at the tiny animals living in amongst the fronds of the seaweed (called epiphytes). Bronze bream grow very slowly and only reach maturity at 5-6 years and at a length of 30cm. They reach an incredible maximum age of over 38 years! Because of their slow growth rate, bronze bream are susceptible to overexploitation. The population appears to be healthy, largely because they are herbivores and because they are found from surf zone reefs to depths of at least 25m. The current bag limit is 2 per person per day and the minimum size limit is 30cm total length. The ORI Fish App https://www.saambr.org.za/marine-fish-guide-for-southern-africa-app/ has more information about this and many other linefish caught in South Africa.

30/09/2026

28/09/2026

Garrick or Leervis, is one of the iconic game fish species found along the South African coast. Reaching a maximum size of 32kg and age of over 10 years, garrick is an estuarine dependent species. They enter into estuaries at about 6 months of age (at this age they are yellow with black vertical bars). They spend about 3 years in estuaries along the eastern and southern Cape coast and leave the estuary when they are starting to mature at about 70cm. Mature fish undertake a spawning migration during winter each year from the cooler Cape to the warmer KZN waters. Peak spawning occurs between September and November. After this the adults migrate back to the cool Cape waters, often retunring to their home areas. They feed on small fish such mullet, sardines, karanteen and shad. Adults appear to remain in the near shore zone and are seldom found in waters deeper than 20m. This popular angling species is targeted by all sectors of the recreational line fishery including shore anglers, boat fishers and spearfishers. The garrick population has been heavily depleted and while there is a bag limit of 2 per person per day and a minimum size limit of 70cm total length, anglers are encouraged to release any garrick that they are lucky enough to catch. The ORI Fish App https://www.saambr.org.za/marine-fish-guide-for-southern-africa-app/ has more information about this and many other linefish caught in South Africa. Photo: D King

25/09/2026

⚠️ EVENT CANCELLED ⚠️

Please note that the Zwartkops Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup scheduled for Saturday, 26 September 2026, at Bluewater Bay Swimming Beach has been cancelled due to the expected rain.

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. Please share this notice with anyone who planned to attend. 💙🌊

25/09/2026

⚠️ INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP EVENT CANCELLED ⚠️

Unfortunately, due to the rain expected on Saturday, 26 September 2026, the Zwartkops Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup event at Bluewater Bay Swimming Beach has been cancelled.

The safety and wellbeing of our volunteers, staff and participating organisations remains our priority.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience and thank everyone who planned to participate or support the event. Please help us spread the word by sharing this notice.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support of the Zwartkops Conservancy. 💙🌊

24/09/2026

22/09/2026

22/09/2026

🌊💙 LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE, ONE BAG AT A TIME! 💙🌊

Join us for our BIGGEST beach clean-up of the year as we celebrate International Coastal Cleanup Day! 🐚🌍

📅 Saturday, 26 September 2026
⏰ 09:00 – 11:30
📍 Bluewater Bay Swimming Beach
(bottom of Weinronk Way)

Bring your friends, family & colleagues and let’s give our coastline the love it deserves! 🏖️✨

🧤 Bags & gloves provided at the starting point.
👥 Businesses, sponsors & organisations — get your team involved!

🌊 Cleaner Coasts. Brighter Futures. 🌊

📞 Femke: 079 520 6401 for queries or to get involved.