Issue 57
July 2025
Have you spotted our new signs in the Witsand Nature Reserve?
Together with a local artist, Elize Bruwer, the LBRCT designed and installed educational sign boards in the Witsand Nature Reserve. The boards display a few of the common birds and animals that frequent the reserve, including the Speckled mousebird, Bar-throated apalis, Cape bulbul, Southern double-collared sunbird, Cape grysbok, and the Carpenter bee. The reserve is beautiful at this time of year, with the fynbos flowering, pleasant aromas are in the air.
Funding is required to maintain the foot paths and remove alien vegetation. Please consider donating to the Witsand Nature Reserve Trust via EFT or SnapScan here.
On the road with the LBRCT Rangers
Our rangers headed to Vermaaklikheid at the end of April, where they visited Tiny Treasures preschool and Brakfontein Primary School. Our rangers spoke to the Tiny Treasures about littering and looking after the environment. The LBRCT donated colouring books and art sets to each learner. At Brakfontein Primary, the rangers educated the students on the importance of estuaries (including the Duivenhoks) and the role we play in protecting our environment. Netball and rugby balls were donated for the learners to enjoy, along with cleaning supplies for the school. Roosterkoeks, sponsored by the Witsand Market / Koffie 'n Kletz / WJ Crafts, and ice tea were also given to every learner to enjoy during break time.
In May the LBRCT visited Molensrivier Primary School situated in Riversdale. Our rangers gave an educational talk on the importance of estuaries and the work we do to protect our environment. Netball and rugby balls were donated by the Trust as well as vetkoeks and cool drinks by Nella Se Winkel and Ellie's on Main, which the students enjoyed after the talk.
In June, the rangers visited Vondeling Primary School just outside of Witsand. We were pleased to engage with the Gr. R to Gr. 6 learners on the topic of environmental protection as it complimented their recent education on erosion, littering, and ecosystems. It is always a pleasure interacting with the youth and we look forward to our next visit.
Thank you so much to Engen 1stop / Wimpy - Heidelberg for sponsoring a food packet for every child! The LBRCT also donated printing and toilet paper. The food kitchen at Vondeling Primary School is looking for an hot water urn.
Should anyone wish to donate towards this or future school visits, please get in contact with our office on 028 537 1296 or email info@breede-river.org.
Spotted eagle-owl returned to the wild
A disorientated Spotted eagle-owl was picked up on Kadie Street in Witsand during May. The bird was treated for fleas and mites, given some water and food, and monitored for a few days. Fortunately, it made a wonderful recovery and was released back into the wilderness.
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!
Look out for our LBRCT Communications App!
Signs displaying scannable QR codes for Day Permits and the new Mobile Communications App have been installed underneath the existing Malgas area signs.
With the LBRCT added as a community on the GLO CMS app, you can explore the content for useful information relating to fishing, boating and important regulations. Be sure to click on the more button for additional links.
The app has many features which will be used to keep you informed and up to date with special events, stakeholder engagements, annual meetings, and important notices.
Apple App Store - https://apple.co/4cgCLeF
Google Play Store - https://bit.ly/3Egtgj7
Huawei App Gallery - https://bit.ly/429FORq
Fishing line is a death trap for coastal wildlife!
Discarded or improperly used fishing line poses several dangers to marine life and the environment. Entanglement can cause injury, infection, and even death in animals like birds, seals, dolphins, and fish. Fishing line is also a source of pollution, accumulating in the ocean for decades due to its non-biodegradable nature. Please dispose of your fishing line responsibly.
Ranger Rolbal Fun Day
Our rangers competed in the annual SSK Marketing Bowls Day in Witsand. We greatly enjoyed spending time with the local community and engaging with other organisations. Our rangers placed 6th overall out of 14 teams. Better luck next time!
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 on 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 2025.
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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