KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna Municipality and Working for the Coast have joined hands to preserve one of Knysna's greatest natural treasures: its estuary.

"Ours is one of the top estuaries in the country for biodiversity," said Acting Municipal Manager Dawid Adonis. "This partnership will help us in protecting one of our region's most distinctive and important natural features."

According to a municipal press release last week, the joint venture has already seen the replacement of the damaged grid at the Long Street channel. 

"The next step will be to place nets in the channels at the industrial area, Food Lovers' Market, Queen Street and the Knysna Angling and Diving Association to capture plastic and other forms of litter before they enter the estuary," said Adonis. 

"Working for the Coast has committed to clean these nets and channels."

The Knysna Estuary is one of the most important in the country in terms of conservation, with 42% of South Africa's estuarine biodiversity found in its system. The estuary is home to South Africa's largest eelgrass beds and is a vital habitat and breeding ground for the endangered Knysna seahorse, the Hippocampus capensis. 

Aside from its ecological importance it is also an important tourist and recreational destination that supports the local economy. Many locals rely on the fishing and bait-making opportunities associated with the estuary.

"I encourage all locals to join us in taking active steps to keep our town and estuary clean," Adonis said. "We are always open to discuss potential partnerships with individuals or organisations who share our vision of creating an inclusive, innovative and inspired Knysna where we share the responsibility of preserving the appearance of the greater Knysna area."

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