# Feeding Grounds Policy Brief

Published: 14 April 2026  
Program: Food Security & Fisheries Advocacy

## Summary

African penguins need reliable access to sardines and anchovies near breeding colonies. When adults travel farther for food, chicks wait longer between feeds and breeding success can fall.

## SAPA Policy Asks

1. Protect feeding zones around key colonies.
2. Strengthen science-based fisheries management.
3. Fund rescue and rehabilitation capacity.
4. Restore safe nesting habitat.
5. Improve monitoring and public reporting.
6. Reduce pollution and shipping risks.

## Evidence Base

This brief synthesizes public materials from BirdLife South Africa, SANCCOB, IUCN/BirdLife species assessments, and 2024-2025 African penguin conservation litigation updates.

## Public Accountability

SAPA recommends annual public reporting on colony trends, prey access, management decisions, and whether protective measures are being adapted when evidence changes.