Latest news with #CattleEgrets
IOL News
29-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
Community urged to protect Rosendal Dam from Illegal fishing practices
Egyptian geese swim in the Rosendal Dam in Durbanville, which is currently under threat from unlawful fishing practices Image: City of Cape Town The City of Cape Town's Recreation and Parks Department has issued a heartfelt plea to the community to help safeguard Rosendal Dam in Durbanville, which is currently under threat from unlawful fishing practices. Despite the clear signage and consistent patrols aimed at enforcing no-fishing regulations, illegal angling continues to wreak havoc on the local wildlife and undermines the city's efforts to rehabilitate this vital natural resource. Despite clear signage prohibiting fishing in the Rosendal Dam in Durbanville, unlawful fishing practices continue Image: City of Cape Town Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ A disturbing incident involving a Cormorant found dead and entangled in fishing line serves as a grim testament to the dangerous impact of unregulated fishing on local ecosystems. This incident underscores the immediate need for collective action among community members to respect and uphold existing regulations that protect the delicate balance of Rosendal's aquatic life. Rosendal Dam is home to a variety of indigenous bird species, including Cormorants, Cattle Egrets, and Egyptian Geese, alongside numerous indigenous plant types critical to the larger aquatic ecosystem. The conservation of this biodiversity is essential to achieving the city's broader environmental objectives and enhancing the well-being of the local community. It is crucial to note that fishing without a valid permit is illegal. Under the policies established by the City and CapeNature, all anglers must obtain a CapeNature recreational fishing licence to ensure the protection of both fish populations and other species dependent on the ecosystem. Another alarming episode was reported over the weekend at Sonstraal Dam, where an Egyptian Goose was found trapped with its legs ensnared in fishing line. Although attempts were made to assist the distressed bird, it returned to the water, exposing itself to further danger. This incident has been escalated to the appropriate channels for urgent attention. A dead Cormorant caught in fishing line from illegal fishing in the Rosendal dam in Durbanville Image: City of Cape Town 'The incidents at Rosendal and Sonstraal Dams are heartbreaking for our local wildlife and reflect a blatant disregard for public space and environmental responsibility. These dams are sensitive natural areas, and the City will not hesitate to enforce no-fishing rules to protect our natural heritage. Together, we can protect indigenous birdlife and aquatic ecosystems, ensuring these spaces remain safe and vibrant for both wildlife and residents,' said Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health. 'Our community deserves safe, healthy, and thriving green spaces. Reports of illegal fishing—and the harm it causes to birds and other wildlife at Rosendal and Sonstraal Dams—are deeply concerning. We urge residents to report any illegal activity and support the City's efforts to safeguard these important areas,' added Ward 21 Councillor Hendri Terblanche. Maintaining the protection of public spaces remains a key priority for the city. Recently, Law Enforcement officers patrolled the Vierlanden Dam Dog Park, issuing fines to individuals who were fishing illegally. Community members interested in fishing legally in the greater Durbanville region are encouraged to obtain a permit and fish exclusively at designated City sites, such as Door De Kraal Dam in Bellville. As efforts to restore Rosendal Dam continue, the focus remains on addressing environmental challenges while preserving the area as a safe habitat for local wildlife and a welcoming public space for residents. If you witness illegal fishing or discover injured or deceased animals at any of the local dams within this region, or if you require more information regarding the permitting process, please contact the City's Recreation and Parks Department at or report directly to Law Enforcement at 021 480 7700.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sheppard AFB tackles aviation safety with bird control measures
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — To ensure aviation safety, Sheppard Air Force Base (SAFB), in collaboration with the City of Wichita Falls and the United States Department of Agriculture, will soon implement non-lethal methods to disperse a large flock of birds. According to a release from SAFB, the Cattle Egrets have begun roosting on private land just west of the base, but their flights passing over the SAFB airfield present strike threats to aviation safety. Community generosity fuels Stamp Out Hunger Drive success SAFB said that while strikes are usually rare, in July 2013, a single Cattle egret strike over the AFB airfield resulted in the ejection of two pilots and complete loss of a T-38 Aircraft, valued at $8,000,000. The dispersal methods are pyrotechnics and propane cannons, which will sound similar to gunfire and will take place during daylight hours, ending at sunset. For any questions, contact the 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs Office at (940) 676-1500. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
