Issue 56
March 2025
Look out for our LBRCT Communications App!
We are excited to introduce the Lower Breede River Conservancy Trust cell-phone app! GLOVent Solutions has enabled us to bring you a cell phone to access important and relevant information relating to the Breede River Estuary and the work that we do.
On Monday, the 31st of March, we will send you an invitation email detailing how to download the app and join our community. There are many useful features of the app that can be explored, including adding personal details to your profile, a help desk, viewing calendar events, and answering surveys.
Educating our youth at Ouplaas Primary School
The LBRCT rangers visited Ouplaas Primary School during March to educate their learners on the importance of the Breede River Estuary, what they are able to do and see at the river, and the work we perform to safeguard our environment. We donated stationery to the school and pencils to all the learners, as well as juice boxes and treats for the start of their school holidays.
WATCH: Here's what we've rescued over the last few months
It's been a busy start to the year with a number of snakes caught and relocated. Other animals that needed our assistance too. The video below includes venomous snakes such as the boomslang and puff adder, as well as a non-venomous egg-eater. We attempted to rescue a black-headed heron, but unfortunately the young juvenile did not survive. A leopard tortoise was also relocated to a safer area after being trapped in a garden.
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 accounts 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.
INVITATION FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
Draft Revised Breede River Estuary Management Plan
You are hereby invited to submit written representations on or objections
to the draft revised Breede River Estuary Management Plan (Breede River EMP).
The draft revised Breede River EMP may be viewed at https://www.westerncape.gov.za/deadp/article/invitation-public-comment-draft-revised-breede-river-estuarine-management-plan
Alternatively, you may download it here.
Enquiries may be directed to Ms Caren George at 021 483 2724/3092 or to Mrs Carmen van Uys at 021 483 2811 on weekdays between 09:00 and 12:00.
Written representations on and objections to the draft revised Breede River EMP must be submitted on or before 4 April 2025 by emailing the representations or objections to DEADP.EMPComments@westerncape.gov.za.
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U word hiermee uitgenooi om skriftelike vertoë oor of besware teen die konsep hersiende Breede River Estuary Management Plan (Breede River EMP) in te dien.
Die konsep hersiende Breede River EMP kan by https://www.westerncape.gov.za/deadp/article/invitation-public-comment-draft-revised-breede-river-estuarine-management-plan gevind word.
Dit kan ook by die volgende skakel afgelaai word - Breede River EMP.
Navrae kan weeksdae tussen 09:00 en 12:00 gerig word aan Mej Caren George by
021 483 2724/3092 of aan Mev Carmen van Uys by 021 483 2811.
Skriftelike vertoë oor of besware teen die konsep- hersiende Breede River EMP moet voor of op 4 April 2025 ingedien word deur die vertoë of besware per e-pos te stuur na DEADP.EMPComments@westerncape.gov.za.
Cleaning up the Kraaltjie Harbour
Tyres have been used as fenders in the Kraaltjie Harbour for many years. Over time, some of these tyres have broken off and have been left to lie at the bottom of the harbour. During times of flooding a thick layer of mud has been deposited over them. The LBRCT rangers removed five tyres from the Kraaltjie harbour during March.
Breede River Locations Map
Click here to view a map of the Breede River Estuary containing the locations of popular spots, attractions, restaurants & pubs, accommodation, boat licence sales outlets, public slipways, and more!
Remember to look out for sea turtle hatchlings!
🐢 If you find a turtle on the beach, NEVER return it to the water.
☎ Contact the Turtle Rescue Hotline (083 300 1663) or the LBRCT (064 774 3862)
💙 Stay with the turtle and shield it from the sun and wind
🙌 Share this information with your beachgoing friends and family
Let’s work together to protect these endangered species.
Buy your Recreational Fishing Permit online:
We are pleased to announce that Recreational Fishing Permits are available online! Please visit https://www.fishing.dffe.gov.za/ to purchase your permit.
Please remember that should you intend fishing from a vessel, at least one crew member requires the permit condition for an "additional fee per vessel for recreational fishing from such vessel" to be selected.
Should you have any environmental concerns relating to the Breede River Estuary, please click here to complete a short questionnaire.
Grab your Fish Measuring Sticker for Free!
Visit our office in Witsand to collect a free fish measuring sticker for checking minimum size and bag limits of common fish and bait species.
Legal Size Red Flags for Water Sports
As per the municipal by-law, the operator of a boat towing a skier must display a red flag measuring a minimum of 500mm by 500mm to indicate when:
(a) a skier is down in the water, or preparing to ski;
(b) a tow line extends from the boat;
(c) a ski is in the water in the vicinity of the boat.
To purchase a legal size LBRCT red flag for only R130 please contact info@breede-river.org or WhatsApp 064 774 3862 to place an order.
Buy a Conservancy Cap
Are you a member of the LBRCT?
If you take an active interest in, or use the Breede River Estuary, we encourage you to become a member of the LBRCT and support our worthwhile endeavours on your behalf by way of contributing to these efforts. Memberships are due for renewal from the 1st of July 2024.
If you are interested in receiving news updates and other interesting information join our 'LBRCT Communications' WhatsApp group.
Click here to join the group.
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