September 2014 MONTHLY REPORT

Compliance Management

Throughout September a total of 10 recreational fishing and bait collecting permits were checked. Nevertheless five foot patrols were still carried out by the rangers. Of the 10 permits checked, two fishermen did not have a valid permit in their possession and were issued friendly warnings.

One-Day Fire Suppression Training

On the 2nd of September a one-day fire suppression training course was presented by two members of the Eden District Fire department at Riekies camp site above . The course was organized by the South Cape Fire Protection Association for its members. A total of 16 candidates participated in the course with individuals representing Boggomsbaai, Fransmanshoek Conservancy, Nautilus bay, Kleinbos, the Oystercatcher Trail and Springerbaai.

The theory part of the course was slightly disappointing as the presenters read every line of the module in not the best English. The day was also a scorcher making concentration even harder. Nonetheless, some very relevant questions from the course attendees steered the theory session into a discussion that was more constructive. After close to three hours of theory and discussion the group took a break for lunch, which Roland had ready on the coals. A couple of wors roles later and some more informal discussion, the group moved from the camp site to the pile of garden refuse further down on Riekie’s farm.

The practical session commenced with smaller piles being set a light on the side so as to demonstrate the use of fire beaters and the best technique when using the water hose from the ‘bakkie-sakkies’. A ‘bakkie-sakkie’ is the limit to equipment most of the estates and towns in the area have at their disposal. They are designed to be mobile units useful when encountering a fire in its very early stages and for those who work on the ground that are likely to arrive on the scene first. The hope is that one can contain the fire when still small using a ‘bakkie-sakkie’ preventing it from getting out of control.

So despite the slightly disappointing theory session of the morning, the day still turned out to be informative to those who attended. Some useful tips were taken home and equipment that was lacking at some of the estates was put on the shopping list.

Phillip from the SCFPA lighting a small fire with a drip torch, in order to carry out the demonstrations.

The Garden Route Initiative Forum

On the 26th of September Ruan attended the Garden Route Initiative Forum held at the George Civic Centre. Vernon Gibbs-Hall from Eden District Municipality opened and chaired the meeting as usual. Some of the interesting topics are discussed below.

Dr. Mark Brown outlined the vision and mission of marine and coastal Hope Spots that the GRI are involved in setting up for the Garden Route. Hope Spots are areas identified that have significant marine conservation value and that will hopefully enjoy stricter local legislation at some point in the future. At the moment 52 Hope spots exist in the entire world, the coast of will receive five Hope Spots in the month of December 2014 which would be a first for South Africa concluded Dr Brown.

Caren George from the Provincial Coastal Unit introduced coastal setback lines to the Eden District. The coastal setback lines referred to as coastal management lines are re-established boundaries which indicate safe areas of development. The coastal management lines are not yet enforced by law but rather an indicator for developers. Ms George further focused on the methodology used to determine these boundaries and the practical application of it.

The award winning presentation of Ms Maretha Alant from SANParks was presented. The presentation focused on the functional connectivity of mammal species in the buffer zone through the monitoring of camera traps. Ms. Alant focused on the movement of small game through different types of habitat in order to determine which species have adapted or are under pressure as a result of habitat change and destruction.

Tri-Sport Trail Run Through Fransmanshoek

From the 20th to the 22nd of September, for the third consecutive year the Oyster Catcher trail run took place along the beautiful stretch of coast between Reins Private Nature Reserve and the point. After having two very successful years the race has been lengthened with a 3rd day added. The new and improved version allowed the runner a suitable option to choose from one to three days of racing according to their preference and fitness.

Tri-Sport this year offered to donate R10 for every participant of the 2nd day (Fransmanshoek Section) to the Fransmanshoek Conservancy. The money will go straight back into maintaining the coastline in such a pristine state.

The trail run is starting to gain popularity amongst the trail running community it seems, as this year’s event saw more participants than ever before. The Conservancy extends its thanks to Tri-Sport and the Oystercatcher Trail for their support and look forward to seeing everyone next year.

Some of the participants just above Malbaai on the second day of the event.

Progress With New Accommodation

The construction of the new accommodation continued through September and took up most of the rangers’ attention for the remainder of the month (hence the slightly shorter monthly report). By the end of September the basic building was complete however as anyone who has ever built anything knows, the finishing off can take forever. A large portion of time was dedicated to rehabilitating the second window frames donated by Johan Menderoi. The rangers sanded and scraped every bit of old white paint off the old frames revealing the wood. The frames were then smoothed with finer sandpaper and given coat after coat of thinned down varnish. The glass was then put back with new beading and putty.

By the end of September things were looking good, with the inside floor and inside customization still to take place.

The Conservancy would like to thank Johan Menderoi and Pieter Linde for their generous contribution of second hand windows. We would also like to thank Pierre Le Roux and Hoekbaai (Vleesbaai) for their financial contributions which allowed the Conservancy to finish the project.

This photo from the 22nd of September showing Ruan finishing off the deck planks and Petro chipping away at the paint on the window frames.

Monthly Species Profile

As we come to the end of winter the season for Galjoen angling is coming to an end (15 October). Nevertheless, good catches can still be made in spring of this hugely sought after fish. The Galjoen is South Africa’s national fish, and many anglers target nothing else packing their fishing equipment away in summer and only dusting off their rods when the season re-opens on the 1st of March. Common name: Galjoen Scientific name: Dichistius capensis Class: Actinopterygii Order: Perciformes Family: Dichistiidae Conservation status: Not evaluated

Description: The basic color of this robust, deep-bodied fish is variable, and can range from silver-bronze to almost completely black. Viewed underwater, these specimens appear lighter and may have 7-9 vertical bars on each flank. It can grow to be 80cm in full length (although this is very rare). Small, tough, ctenoid scales are arranged in 60-65 series along the distinct lateral line. The fins are well developed and have prominent spines. The forward section of the dorsal fin consists of ten spines and is almost separated from the hind section of 1 or 19 rays. The soft dorsal and anal fins both taper towards the tail. The stout caudal fin is slightly emarginated. Fleshy lips surround the small terminal mouth, and the jaws are set with a row of large, curved incisors in front and smaller teeth further back. There are 17-20 rakes on the first gill arch.

Habitat: Shallow reefs and sandy areas and with strong wave action. The galjoen is the first species recognized as being endemic to southern African coastal waters. While enormous migrations have been documented between Namibia and the southern Cape, most individuals within the species appear to be resident

Life History: Small groups normally congregate in turbulent water off rocky shores, gullies and kelp beds. Though it consumes a fair amount of red and coralline seaweed, about 75% of its diet consists of ascidians (red bait), small mussels and barnacles. Sexual maturity is reached at a length of about 34 cm and, in the Cape, spawning occurs during the summer. The distribution of juveniles remains obscure, although they are thought to mature in deeper kelp beds.

Reference: Van der elst, R., 1993. A Guide to the common sea fishes of the southern Africa, Struik Publishers, Cape Town.

Roland Scholtz RuanMatthee Petro Rossouw FRANSMANSHOEK CONSERVANCY 082 084 2791 [email protected]