Issue 44
February 2023
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.
Turtle Stranding Season is Here!
Loggerhead turtles nest along the northern KwaZulu-Natal coast during the summer months, with thousands of hatchlings entering the warm and fast flowing Agulhas current during January and February. These hatchlings face a number of threats during their first dash to the ocean (ghost crabs and seabirds) as well as while drifting out at sea (fish, plastic and intense weather).
Drifting with the warm Agulhas current, many of these hatchlings are carried too far south and enter cooler currents. These harsher conditions result in hatchlings washing up on our beaches after becoming weak and suffering from dehydration.
As the winter months approach the likelihood of strandings increase. The LBRCT is a proud partner of the Turtle Rescue Network, used to ensure transport for hatchlings to the rehab facility in Cape Town where they receive appropriate treatment.
Once at the Two Oceans Aquarium, the turtles are kept until after winter, giving them enough time to heal and grow in size and strength to be released back into the ocean when our waters are warmer.
What to do if you discover a stranded turtle:
- DO NOT PUT IT BACK IN THE WATER!
- Place the turtle in a small container on something soft and dry with plenty of air holes (an ice cream container or lunch box is perfect)
- Do not remove any barnacles or external growths
- Get it to a Rescue Network Partner organisation ASAP
The LBRCT is a Rescue Network Partner
028 537 1296 / 064 774 3862
Day Permits now available at the Slipways
We are pleased to announce that Day Permits are 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. SnapScan is available 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
Conservancy Caps for Sale
For just R200, you can be a proud ambassador of the Lower Breede River Conservancy Trust. Our embroidered peak caps are durable and come in a variety of colours, namely green, sand, charcoal and grey.
If you would like to order one or more caps, please send an email to info@breede-river.org
Green
Sand
Charcoal
Grey
We need your help!
Be on the lookout for Water Hyacinth and Parrot's 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
A few safety reminders
By-law Transgressions
December 2022- February 2023
Transgression | Warnings | Fines |
|---|---|---|
While not registered or licensed | 16 | 3 |
Towing a skier without an observer | 3 | 2 |
Fishing without a permit | 1 |
The LBRCT is pleased to inform you that by-law compliance on the Breede River Estuary was good throughout the festive season, with the majority of boats and fishers being licensed and law-abiding.
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. 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.
Results from January
Results from February
Is all your paperwork in order?
Municipal Boat Licence
Recreational boat licences for the Breede River are available from any of the 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 see for yourself!
Certificate of Fitness
All boats are required to be surveyed annually by an accredited SAMSA surveyor. Here is a list of local surveyors where you can 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.
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
Are you measuring your catch?
Come and visit our office in Witsand to pick up a free fish measuring sticker for your boat! Thank you very much to Tucker's Tackle for sponsoring these great conservation tools to ensure that your fish catch exceeds its minimum required length. If you are interested but reside on the west bank, give us a call on 028 537 1296 / 064 774 3862 for us to arrange to make one available for you.
