Power to the penguins as Samrec forced to go green

HIGH electricity costs have led to the SA Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre (Samrec) in Port Elizabeth going green.

The facility, an environmental and educational centre based at Cape Recife that cares for sick or injured African penguins and other sea birds, is considering going off the electricity grid completely, but needs help doing so.

Samrec co-founder and trustee Libby Sharwood said large amounts of power were needed to run the water pumps, with a great deal of water used due to the need for a hygienic and clean environment for the sick birds. This included clean towels and food storage.

“Our monthly electricity account is astronomical, probably equal to that of six households,” she said.

Sharwood said they were looking to install about 120 solar panel kits, with the public’s help.

“We would appreciate any offer, advice or sponsorships from any person or company that would like to see us sustain the important work done by Samrec,” she said.

Sharwood said companies and individuals would, as part of their “go green” campaign, be able to sponsor solar panel kits valued at R5 000 each in exchange for marketing opportunities.

The islands of Algoa Bay, just off the coast of Port Elizabeth, are home to 35 of the 91 recorded Southern African seabird species, of which six of the 14 resident species breed in this area.

About half of the world’s population of Cape gannets and the endangered African penguin live

‘ Ships entering or leaving the harbour pass close to the island

here. It is expected, that at the current rate of decline in the population, the African penguin may disappear in less than five years’ time.

The deep water harbour at Coega has added a new threat to the birds as it is situated right next to St Croix Island, which is now the largest breeding colony of the African penguin.

“Ships entering or leaving the harbour pass close to the island and this inevitably poses a threat of pollution, and with the proposal of an oil refinery to be established here, an even greater threat of pollution now exists,” Sharwood said. “One of the biggest problems is starvation due to over-fishing and global warming. This has pushed the cold current further away, which is where the food source is found and therefore the food is pushed further out, beyond the penguins’ limits.”

It costs about R1 000 to rehabilitate a single bird after oiling.

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) said Samrec had proved to be an exciting and attractive tourist attraction, recently being named the top tourist attraction in Port Elizabeth by the popular TripAdvisor website since opening in September 2009.

Tourism chief executive officer Mandlakazi Skefile said they would support Samrec in its efforts to stay afloat. “The important work Samrec does for the penguin is commendable and necessary for the sustainability of the marine environment and the impact it has on the destination’s valuable assets,” she said.

Details for sponsorships or support can be obtained from NMBT on (041) 582-2575 or Samrec on (041) 583-2004.