Issue 43
December 2022
Mission Statement
The mission of the LBRCT is to conserve and protect in a sustainable manner, the natural resources and living species in the biological and ecologically sensitive Breede River Estuary and the adjoining land areas while at the same time promoting safe and lawful recreational use.
If you take an active interest in, or use, the Breede River Estuary we hope that you will consider becoming a member of the LBRCT and support our endeavours by contributing to these efforts.
Animal Rescues and Snake Removals
Over the last two months the LBRCT has responded to many callouts for animals and residents in need of assistance. A total of 12 snakes were removed from residential properties, including:
- 1 Boomslang
- 1 Cape Cobra
- 3 Puff Adders
Other animal rescues included:
- 1 Barn Owl
- 1 Rock Pigeon
Here's a short video of some of the animal rescues and snake releases →
Day Permits now available at the Slipways
We are pleased to announce that Day Permits are now available at the public launch sites in Witsand and Infanta. Sign boards have been installed at Government Slipway, Kraaltjie and Moddergat which inform boat operators of the requirement to be in possession of a valid Municipal Boat Licence. We have linked up with SnapScan to allow you to purchase a day permit directly from the slipways.
Day permit fee: A flat rate of R 155 per day irrespective of the size of engine(s).
Here’s what you need to do:
- Download the SnapScan app on your smartphone.
- Sign up and link to your account.
- Scan the QR code on the sign board at the slipway. Alternatively, scan the QR code alongside to pay now.
- Payment calculation: Number of days x rate per day
Do you know your boating basics?
Monthly Monitoring
Water Quality and Bird Counts
The LBRCT conducts a monthly bird count and water quality run on the Breede River. Both operations are conducted at spring low tide (full moon or new moon). On the water quality run this is to account for the pushing tide increasing the salinity of the water upriver as we travel and test. Whereas the bird count takes place at low tide to observe and record the different species as they forage on the exposed mudflats.
For the latest results please click here.
Is all your paperwork in order?
Municipal Boat Licence
Recreational boat licences for the Breede River are available from any of our six outlets as well as online (link below). In accordance with the Municipal Financial Year, all licences are valid from the 1st of July 2022 until the 30th of June 2023.
We are happy to announce that Nella se Winkel has reopened as a boat licence sales outlet in Witsand. Their shop has been revamped and is looking great - go and have a look for yourself!
Certificate of Fitness
All boats need to be surveyed annually by an accredited SAMSA surveyor. Here is a list of local surveyors where you can to get your COF renewed:
INTERNALLY APPOINTED SAMSA SURVEYORS:
Mosselbay
- Paul Vieira 072 587 2963
EXTERNALLY APPOINTED SAMSA SURVEYORS:
Swellendam
- Trevor Walters 082 758 0467
- Kevin Castleman 072 672 8900
Stilbaai
- Jonathan Taylor 082 849 5063
Witsand
- Johan de Lange 072 201 3195
Fishing Permits
Fishing permits are only available from a Post Office. We recommend that you purchase your fishing permit before visiting the Breede River as there is often a shortage of forms.
Please remember that Post Offices are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. If you intend to collect bait or fish from a vessel you are required to tick the relevant boxes.
SWELLENDAM:
Swellendam Post Office
Phone: 028 514 1220
Open: Mon – Fri 08:00 – 16:30, Sat 08:00 – 12:00
WITSAND:
The Sands Supermarket
Phone: 028 537 1800
Open: Mon – Sun 07:30 – 16:30
HEIDELBERG:
Heidelberg Post Office
Phone: 028 722 1931
Open: Mon – Fri 08:00 – 16:30, Sat 08:00 – 12:00
We need your help!
Be on the lookout for Water Hyacinth and Parrot Feather
The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has tasked the LBRCT with identifying hotspot areas of invasive aquatic weeds, specifically Water Hyacinth and Parrot's Feather.
If you know of any large clumps of Water Hyacinth or Parrot's Feather, please take photographs and foward them to the LBRCT together with the location:
028 537 1296 / 064 774 3862 conservation@breede-river.org
This information will be used to determine whether biological control measures (bugs) are appropriate as eradication tools.
Parrot's Feather
(Myriophyllum aquaticum)
Water Hyacinth
(Pontederia crassipes)
Parrot's Feather mat
Water Hyacinth mat