A community-led conservation initiative is helping to restore the rivers and wetlands of Hout Bay while making public areas more accessible and safer for residents and visitors.
In recent months, the organization Friends of the Rivers of Hout Bay (FORHB) has expanded its conservation efforts. The work focuses on combating invasive vegetation, improving access to wetlands, and increasing community involvement in protecting one of Cape Town's vital urban ecosystems.
For years, the rivers and wetlands of Hout Bay have faced increasing pressure from pollution, alien plant species, and urban development. In response, residents established Friends of the Rivers of Hout Bay to rehabilitate and protect the region's freshwater ecosystems. The organization regularly organizes cleanups along the Hout Bay River, nearby wetlands, beaches, and surrounding natural areas.
The group's recent efforts have been bolstered by a series of restoration and infrastructure projects funded through the City of Cape Town's Department of Water and Sanitation grant program. These funds allowed the group to remove invasive alien vegetation from several ecologically significant sites, including Cadotstroom, Hagenden Stream, Longkloof Dam, Bethal public area, as well as parts of the lower river and wetlands.
The work is particularly crucial on Hagenden Stream, which is part of the endangered Cape Fynbos ecosystem. Removing invasive species helps native plants recover, improves water flow, and creates healthier habitats for local wildlife. In addition to clearing alien vegetation, volunteers have installed erosion control measures and planted indigenous species to support long-term ecological recovery.
One of the most noticeable improvements from the project is a new 14-meter boardwalk made from recycled plastic, located along the Hout Bay wetland walking trail. Previously, this section became difficult to navigate in winter, limiting access for pedestrians, runners, and strollers. The newly constructed elevated walkway now provides a safe route year-round and helps protect sensitive vegetation from foot traffic.
The organization continues to encourage public participation through regular cleanup events. During a beach cleanup held on Human Rights Day at Hout Bay Beach, volunteers collected 20 bags of rubbish, raising awareness about the impact of waste entering the rivers and ocean. Educational work also plays a vital role in FORHB's activities. In collaboration with the City of Cape Town's Communications and Partnerships department, the group engages with youth who swim in local water bodies to promote water safety, environmental responsibility, and respectful use of shared public spaces.
Grant funding has also helped the organization acquire specialized transport, improving its ability to move equipment, volunteers, and materials between restoration sites. Jackie Wales from Friends of the Rivers of Hout Bay stated: 'Funding from the City's Water and Sanitation Directorate has allowed us to make a significant impact across three areas of the river corridor and wetlands. We have removed invasive species, installed erosion control measures, and conducted planting. We are pleased with the improved condition of the Hout Bay river catchment thanks to this funding and the work completed.'
As restoration work continues, the organization hopes that its efforts will not only improve the condition of the Hout Bay rivers and wetlands but also create welcoming public spaces where people and nature can thrive together.
A scorpionfish, more specifically a stonefish mimic also known as the devil scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis diabolus), was found on Llandudno beach. The discovery of this unusual marine creature generated significant interest after photos of the strangely-looking sea animal were posted on social media, leading many vacationers to question its nature.
Marine biology experts note that despite its peculiar appearance, this fish is an outstanding master of camouflage. It can almost perfectly blend in with the sandy bottom and rocky reefs. This natural ability allows it to ambush prey unnoticed and protect itself from predators.
Although the fish may appear dead when washed ashore, the public is strongly advised not to touch it. According to Two Oceans Aquarium, stonefish mimics are close relatives of the infamous true stonefish, which is considered one of the most venomous fish in the world. Although often confused, stonefish mimics differ by having a more pronounced hump behind the head, a wider mouth, and a more fish-like body shape.
Like all scorpionfish, the stonefish mimic is equipped with sharp spines on its dorsal fin capable of injecting venom. A bite causes immediate and severe pain, significant swelling, and, in some cases, complications requiring urgent medical intervention. Although bites are rarely fatal, they should always be treated as a medical emergency.
It is worth noting that the discovery of a scorpionfish along the South African coast is not uncommon. This species naturally occurs in the warm tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, with its range extending as far south as South Africa. They typically inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas, spending most of their time motionless, relying on camouflage rather than speed for survival. According to the aquarium, due to their exceptional ability to blend into their surroundings, they often go unnoticed by divers and snorkelers.
Scorpionfish are ambush predators, feeding mainly on small fish, crustaceans, and other marine invertebrates. Instead of pursuing prey, they freeze and then quickly suck the victim into their large mouths. Vacationers on beaches, fishermen, and dog owners are advised to avoid contact with unfamiliar marine animals, even if they appear dead, as the venomous spines can remain dangerous even after the fish has reached the shore.
As part of the 'Hands 2 Ocean' (H2O) project, work continues to clean up the waterways of the Swedish capital, Stockholm. Volunteers are involved in removing trash from the bottom of the bodies of water.
According to Azertaj, during recent underwater cleaning operations in the Liljeholmen area, divers discovered various items, including electric scooters, bicycles, construction rebar, shopping carts, electronics, ammunition, and even a sunken car.
Organizers estimate that over the past years, about 1800 electric scooters have been retrieved from the water, amounting to approximately 48 tons. It is important to note that such devices are made of heavy metals, and when batteries break down, they release toxic substances, posing a serious threat to the environment.
This project, launched in 2018 and involving about 300 volunteers, conducts weekly work to clean underwater sections, sort collected waste, and send it for recycling. Sometimes volunteers manage to recover data from sunken phones or computers and return them to their owners. The searchers hope that such events will draw attention to the problem of water pollution and help reduce the amount of trash in the bodies of water.
An expert warns about the possibility of intensified Iranian pressure through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait following the escalation of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. According to a Reuters analysis, this could create a new threat to the global energy industry and maritime trade.
According to available information, while the US continues to strike Iranian territory, the movement of 'Ansar Allah' in Yemen, near Iran, is also becoming more active. Analysts believe that Tehran seeks to expand its pressure not only on the Persian Gulf but also along the Red Sea route.
Muhammad Al-Farah, a representative of the private individuals political bureau, stated that if military actions against Yemen continue, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could also be closed. The closure of both routes could potentially lead to oil prices rising to $200 per barrel.
Specialists emphasize that the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a crucial strategic tool for Iranian pressure after Hormuz. Expert Andreas Krieg from King's College London believes that if America intensifies attacks on key Iranian infrastructure, Tehran will increase danger in this strait through its allies in Yemen.
Overall, the situation around these two straits represents a major risk to the global oil market and the international freight system.
