Save African Penguins

The African Penguin has lost 99 per cent of its population in the past century, and is at risk of extinction in the wild within the next 10 years. Less than 50,000 survive, of which there are less than 10,000 breeding pairs. 

As stocks of the sardine and anchovy on which the birds live are reduced by climate change and commercial purse-seine fishing, food deprivation and starvation is contributing to a dramatic decline in African Penguin numbers. 

Blue Marine supported partners SANCCOB and BirdLife SA in the #SaveAfricanPenguins campaign that persuaded the government of South Africa to protect this uniquely loveable seabird. 

In March 2025 a settlement was reached in South Africa, where Blue Marine was supporting the #SaveAfricanPenguins campaign. After months of mounting pressure, a set of highly ambitious terms set out by the conservation NGOs was agreed to by the fishing industry. The South African government will implement closures to commercial fishery around six of the last major breeding colonies of this Critically Endangered species.   

Your support played an important role in this campaign: the petition, hosted by OnlyOne, to ‘Save African Penguins from Extinction’ received more than 40,000 signatures. To everyone who signed and shared we extend our deepest thanks.