8 Thursday March 13 2014 NEWS Echo The Zandvlei pondweed balancing act

t’s the time of the year when the off altogether. In the absence of Sandra Fowkes, chairperson of team managing Zandvlei have pondweed, algae can grow – espe- the forum, said this time of year is Ito balance its extensive recre- cially if nutrient levels are high. So right in the middle of the season of ational use and the optimum a balance between too much weed growth for plants on land and in growth of pondweed. growth and too much cutting must the water. Zandvlei is the only functioning be found,” he said. “Memories of the bloom of toxic estuary on ’s “During April and May, golden algae, the fish die-off and coast. pondweed dies off. the wanton plundering of fish at “Pondweed management is a “It often becomes detached the mouth of the Sand River two delicate balancing act,” said Zand- from its roots and drifts around years ago will be in the back of vlei Nature Reserve manager Josh while rotting and so reintroduces some people’s minds,” she said. Gericke. “To effectively manage nutrients to the system. This The forum and Zandvlei Trust pondweed, it helps to know that it increases the likelihood of algal have been working in partnership stores the nutrients that could oth- blooms that can be toxic. When with the to look erwise be available to stimulate algae produce such toxins, then at ways to care for – and enhance – growth of algae. trouble can be on the way.” the much-used but often under- “In the nutrient-rich waters of Mr Gericke said this meant that appreciated resource that Zandvlei modern Zandvlei, pondweed ■ This photo,taken from a helicopter by Gavin Lawson,shows Zandvlei their cutting schedule had to be represents, said Ms Fowkes. growth during summer is much – where the balance between recreational needs and the very carefully timed. To find out more about the faster than it would have been nat- management of pondweed,which prevents toxic algae from Ms Fowkes said people who reg- forum’s work, you could attend the urally. blooming,needs to be considered. ularly used the vlei were invaluable feedback meeting at the Imperial “Growth is not restricted by a for checking on the vlei’s health. Yacht Club (Sandvlei Sports Club) summertime dry period, as it would “Too much pondweed may fishing and other uses. This is one of the roles played by on Thursday March 20, at 6pm. have been in a natural system in the restrict water circulation and inter- “Too much early season cutting the Zandvlei Estuary Management For more information call past. fere with paddling and yachting, could cause the pondweed to die Forum. 083 272 2543.

What’s On

Concert Poetry and readings The next Friends of Music Alive Café Creative Hub, 11 Atlantic concert will feature two pianists Road, , will have an from Stellenbosch University play- open mic evening of poetry and ing favourite works from classical readings Thursday March 13, at and modern composers. It will be 7pm. Entry costs R20, but it is free if held at the Fish Hoek civic centre, you read. For information call 021 tomorrow, Friday March 14, 7.30pm. 788 9010. For details call Carole on 021 782 2282. Overeaters Anonymous Overeaters Anonymous meets on Grief programme Wednesdays from 10am to 11am at St Peter’s Church runs a 13-week Planet Kids,Wherry Road, programme for people who are Muizenberg. All who wants to stop grieving the loss of a loved one.The eating compulsively are welcome. group will meet at St Peter’s Call 078 893 3141 for more infor- Church, Fish Hoek, on Tuesdays, at mation. 7.30pm. For details call Ron Hurt on 021 785 3794. Hikes Peninsula Ramblers will have a Talk moderate hike from East Fort to Join the Fish Hoek Valley Historical Vlakkenberg on Saturday March 15. EVER WONDERED ABOUT RETAIL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Association at its next monthly talk, Call leader Lyn Veary on 082 144 AT CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT? today,Thursday March 13, at the 1744 for details or visit www.ram- Fish Hoek library hall at 5.45pm for blers.org.za for more information. 6pm when it will host photogra- ● The Meridian Hiking Club will be pher Evelyn Lyle who will present a doing Dassieskasteel Traverse on photo essay on Fish Hoek’s Steps Kleintuinkop Buttress on Sunday Are you in retail and looking to expand your business? If the answer is yes, and Lanes. Entry is R10. For details March 16. For more information, you need to attend our seminar. call 072 930 4798. email Dave Macé at dreymacede@ telkomsa.net or call We are celebrating 20 years of growth and success. With this in mind, the Chess volunteers 082 569 1111. Entry is R20. Fish Hoek High School’s chessclub For more information, can visit airport is driving a dynamic transformation strategy to make sure that our is looking for volunteers to help www.meridian.org.za business remains relevant for the next 20 years. There are exciting retail keen chess players improve their opportunities that we want to share with you! game.The chess club meets on Concert Mondays, from 3pm to 4pm. For Freshly Ground and Falling Mirror PLEASE JOIN US AT OUR RETAIL SEMINAR TO LEARN MORE: information call Michelle on 078 will perform on the bandstand 312 5927. stage as part of the free summer concert series in De Waal Park on Date: 20 March 2014 Crafters meet Sunday, March 16. Time: The False Bay Handicraft Centre will Falling Mirror will open at 3pm, 09h00 – 12h00 meet in the Fish Hoek civic centre, followed by Freshly Ground at Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton, Cape Town – Upper Eastside Hotel on Mondays, at 9.30am for 10am. 4.15pm. For details call Ada Verlaque on Entry is free. For more information 31 Brickfield Road, Woodstock, Cape Town 021 782 1790. on the concert series, visit RSVP by 16 March 2014 to: http://www.concertsinthepark.co.za [email protected] Japan Day or contact Charles on 082 451 9339. The Japanese Consulate is hosting Please indicate if you have any special dietary requirements. Japan Day on Saturday March 15, at Book launch the Green Point Park Amphitheatre, Author Mark Gevisser will launch from 11.30am to 5pm. his book, Lost and Found in Performances will include Taiko Johannesburg (Jonathan Ball), at drums and Japanese flute, Karate, the Book Lounge, 71 Roeland Kendo, Kenjutsu, Aikido, Cosplay, a Street, today,Thursday March 13, at Japan ultra quiz game and a 5.30pm for 6pm.The author will be www.airports.co.za Japanese food demonstration. in conversation with author and There will also be a Japanese toy playwright, Damon Galgut. For and calligraphy area and Koi and more information, call 021 462 Bonsai exhibitions.Take a picnic 2425, email basket for the day. Entry is free. Call [email protected] or visit 021 4251695 for details. www.booklounge.co.za