Stricter measures needed to protect seabirds from oil spills

MARINE conservationists have called for stricter measures in protecting seabirds after a new research paper has underscored how ship-to-ship (STS) fuel transfer impacts on aquatic life in Algoa Bay.

- THEOLIN TEMBO

CORE foraging areas for African penguins in Algoa Bay can remain exposed to oil for up to a week after a spill event, the study found.

(IAN LANDSBERG Independent Newspapers)

The maritime bay is located on the east coast in the Eastern Cape, approximately 683km east of the Cape of Good Hope. STS transfer, also referred to as offshore bunkering, is the process of supplying fuel (bunkers) to ships at sea, away from traditional port facilities.

Algoa Bay is currently the only locality in South Africa where STS fuel transfer activities occur off the South African coast, despite the Bay being a hotspot for marine biodiversity.

The study found that from 2016 to 2024, close to 400 oiled seabirds were admitted to Sanccob and other rehabilitation centres, with over half of these linked to ship-to-ship transfer-related spills, mostly African penguins and Cape gannets.

Given the increasing number of threats driving the African penguin population ever closer to extinction, the risk posed by STS transfer is a significant concern for scientists and conservation organisations.