In a remote corner of the Cederberg, efforts are underway to save the Clanwilliam sandfish from the brink of extinction.
According to News24, over the past four years, dedicated conservationists have been conducting a vital rescue operation, plucking thousands of these unique fish from the Biedouw River before they fall victim to invasive species or drying pools.
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The sandfish, recognisable by its distinctive overbite, is an iconic species found only in the Olifants-Doring River basin. However, its numbers have been dwindling for years, threatened by the encroachment of non-native bass and bluegill.
The rescue operation involves carefully netting juvenile sandfish from the river and relocating them to farm dam ‘nurseries’ where they can grow safely away from predators.
Thanks to the generosity of local landowners who have volunteered their dams for this purpose, the rescued fish are given a chance to reach maturity without the threat of predation.
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Recently, hundreds of rescued sandfish have returned to the Biedouw River to spawn. This encouraging sign suggests that the population of this rare species may finally be on the path to recovery.
Cecilia Cerrilla, a PhD candidate involved in the project, describes it as one of the most extensive freshwater fish rescue programmes ever undertaken outside of the United States.
The success of the operation owes much to the collaboration of local farmers and community members who have provided support and resources.
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Despite the challenges posed by invasive species like bass and bluegill, researchers remain optimistic about the future of the sandfish.
Efforts are underway to remove these threats from critical habitats, allowing indigenous species like the sandfish to thrive once again.
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Picture: Biedouw Vallei Wegbreek
