Page 15 - KZN Business Sense 8.4

RE-INTRODUCTION OF KZN YELLOWFISH

waZulu-Natal (KZN) and associated independent
yellowfish, or scaly academic research is being
Kyellowfish as they are funded by the Willowton
affectionately known by anglers, Group,” he explained.
are being re-introduced to the
Baynespruit as part of an ongoing The inoculation strategy
environmental rehabilitation has two components – a
project by leading edible oil translocation (re-inoculation)
producer, Willowton Group. activity where KZN yellowfish
numbers will be increased at
Dr Abie Khan, Quality and Food strategic impacted areas, coupled
Safety Manager for Willowton with a monitoring component
Group, explained that this fish, assessing the success of the
which goes by the scientific re-inoculation process as well
name, labeobarbus natalensis, is as real-time water quality
a freshwater fish that is common The KZN yellowfish, which goes by the scientific name, labeobarbus natalensis, is being reintroduced into the Baynespruit monitoring and biomonitoring
throughout eastern South Africa River in Pietermaritzburg. through the deployment of water
and is commonly found in most quality sensors or probes.
rivers in the province. The re-introduction – or bridge in Pietermaritzburg. To Dr Khan confirmed that the
inoculation programme – is date, six clean-ups which include KZN yellowfish inoculation According to Yusuf Raja,
Although not threatened, its a strategic part of a broader the removal of refuse and invasive programme had commenced Environmental Specialist and
numbers have decreased due to commitment by Willowton vegetation from the river and its with the translocation of KZN Project Manager at Global
various anthropogenic pressures Group to help improve the banks, have been conducted. Yellowfish. “It is coupled with Consulting firm Arup, “the
such as increased water usage Baynespruit which is one a monitoring programme project will assist in improving
by growing settlements along of South Africa’s six most Willowton Group has been being undertaken under the the overall aquatic system
the banks of rivers in KZN, polluted rivers. The company working with stakeholders and benefit water users. It also
deteriorating water quality and has committed to monthly including DUCT (Dusi Umgeni independent supervision and demonstrates the commitment
the establishment of barriers and clean-ups of a 1-kilometre-long Conservation Trust) as a fellow guidance of Dr Mark Graham of the Willowton Group to
dams that stop migration. It has stretch of the Baynespruit River founder of the Baynespruit of Groundtruth as well as make a meaningful and
been chosen as the species is an between the bridge at New Conservancy in 2020 to clean the studies undertaken by the sustainable difference within
ideal indicator species for general Greytown Road (Bambatha river and make environmental University of Kwa-Zulu-Natal. the environment in which
river health. Road) and Manning Avenue improvement efforts. The re-inoculation programme they operate”. 

TO ADVERTISE HERE

Contact Tracy Engelbrecht on:
WHATSAPP:
+27 82 877 7906
E-MAIL:
tracy@topbusiness.co.za

HAVE YOU COMMENCED WITH EMPLOYMENT EQUITY REPORTING 2022/23?

CONTACT
� We are passionate about
DRG Outsourcing is Level 4 contributor to NIKITA PILLAY
helping you meet your
Compliance and Reporting B-BBEE and supports the intention of the Our HR & Compliance Manager,
Responsibilities. South African B-BBEE Legislation. to arrange a free consultation.

Phone:
� We also specialise in
+27 31 767 0625
advising organisations from
Email: info@drg.co.za
a Best-Practice Perspective.
Website: www.drg.co.za

15