Young hero saves fish from illegal gill net in Zandvlei Nature Reserve
Eight-year-old Luke Brown from Frogmore Estate has been awarded a certificate of recognition by Ward 71 councillor Carolynne Franklin for his role in uncovering and helping remove an illegal gill net from the Keysers River at Zandvlei Nature Reserve.
According to the Constantiaberg Bulletin community newspaper, while on a neighbourhood watch patrol with his father, Angelo Brown, Luke spotted several fish in distress.
On closer inspection, they discovered a gill net stretched across the river.
With help from resident Dion Coetzee, the trio carefully removed the net, rescuing 18 trapped fish – both indigenous and invasive species.
Gill nets are banned under the City's Recreational Water Use By-law (2018), which allows only rod-and-reel fishing and enforces strict catch-and-release rules to protect native species and habitats, including those of the endangered Western Leopard Toad.
Councillor Franklin praised Luke's actions, calling him 'a shining light for the future of our nation.'
His father noted Luke's passion for wildlife, and that the incident – though distressing – left him proud to have helped.
'It was very distressing for him to see the fish tangled up, with their gills and fins stuck between the nets. One of the Garrick fish was actually dead. But the acknowledgment and certificate from the councillor really made Luke proud. He feels he has played a vital part in saving these fish, and he said, 'At least Mother Nature can breathe now.'' Luke Brown proudly holds his certificate. Image: Constantiaberg Bulletin
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