Monday, January 9, 2017

Table Bay Nature Reserve Quarterly Report for the period October to December 2016


During this quarter the Table Bay Nature Reserve experienced several highlights, including the publication of articles about the Nature Reserve in the City of Cape Town’s newsletter for staff (CONTACT magazine) as well as the SA Water Research Commission’s online magazine (Water Wheel). A very rare Squacco heron was seen in the Nature Reserve, causing bird watchers to flock to see it. The Rietvlei access control point generated R30,000 more cash revenue by the end of 2016, compared to 2015.


This quarter was not without its challenges however. Several wildfires occurred in the Nature Reserve.

Displaced people, illegal structures, free-running dogs and domestic cattle however impacted the Nature Reserve negatively. The discharge of fireworks at the Table View beachfront during recent festive gatherings fortunately did not spark any wildfires.

The Rietvlei Water Area experienced a fish die-off due to a severe reduction in dissolved oxygen levels in the water. Night-time poaching of fish in the Rietvlei Water Area appeared to continue after a small fishing boat was discovered.

The Nature Reserve staff however faced these challenges while developing their skills and qualifications.

Two Nature Conservation work-integrated learning students based at Table Bay Nature Reserve passed their practical requirements and will graduate with a National Diploma from the CPUT. A graduate intern, who was a former work-integrated learning student at Table Bay, was placed at the Nature Reserve for a year.

One of the field rangers obtained a NQF level-2 certificate in a Field Ranger Skills Development course.

The Nature Reserve’s meeting facilities benefited almost 700 people over no less than 40 event days, and 316 people benefited from environmental and education outreach programmes. The Protected Area Advisory Committee met on 20 October with 28 representatives from 19 organisations in attendance.

The Nature Reserve team was involved in invasive vegetation clearing, fire-fighting, firebreak maintenance, compliance management, repair and maintenance, litter & rubble removal, as well as habitat restoration.

Kind regards,

Koos Retief
Biodiversity Area Manager: Milnerton

Table Bay Nature Reserve, 10 Sandpiper Crescent, Table View



Read the Full Report here