Estuary Care

About us

An Overview

Who are we?

We care for our Estuaries
– the heart of our community

Our Mission

The Boesmans–Kariega Estuary Care Forum (Estuary Care) is a non-profit organization registered as a Public Benefit Organization in terms of Section 18A of the Income Tax Act. We are a voluntary group dedicated to actively caring for this beautiful part of the environment, with its magnificent estuaries and natural surroundings. Guided by basic conservation principles, we are committed to making a difference in our community.

Our Environment

The Estuary Care environment encompasses the Kariega Estuary and the Bushmans Estuary, as well as their river systems from their sources to the sea, including the adjacent coastal areas. Our estuaries are two of the nine estuaries within the Ndlambe Municipal region.

Biodiversity and Conservation

The Kariega and Bushmans estuaries provide vital habitats for many types of fish, birds, mammals, crustaceans, and diverse flora and fauna. The Albany Thicket is a unique biome that is irreplaceable and needs the protection that we as humans can provide. Equally, the critically endangered Pipefish (Syngnathus watermeyeri) relies on our efforts for survival.

Our Goals

Our goal is to manage these unique assets for the benefit of our local community and to promote tourism based on the sustainable use of natural resources.

What we do



Work with the Municipality in our joint efforts to care for and manage our estuaries and their environment.



Engage the community in our work and either initiate projects or assist with projects which have a bearing and impact on our estuaries and their environment.



Work with the Municipality to help deal with water and sewage matters pro-actively.



Initiate maintenance, repairs and upgrading work for the authorised jetties, slipways, towpaths and paths and clean up after storm damage.



Maintain signage in both estuaries in co-operation with the Municipality and arrange for new signage as necessary.



Promote boat licensing and river safety.



Keep a watching brief on property developments and issues such as the sand dune issue at Westbourne Road/Boesmans Mouth which potentially impact the estuaries and their environment.



Clear alien vegetation.



Measure and document benchmark conditions (e.g. river flow, sand movement, water quality) to provide valuable data for management and rehabilitation work to establish a healthy environment for all.



Assist with and advise on the formulation and implementation of Government Policy regarding coastal and estuarine environmental management in our beautiful South Africa, with particular reference to our Boesmans and Kariega estuaries and their environment.



Liaise and work with other organisations such as Local and Provincial Government bodies, Local Nature Reserves, Parks and Conservancies, Local Service organisations, NGO’s, Ratepayer Associations, Chamber of Business and actively engage with Universities in research projects.



Estuary Care is a ready conduit for academics and specialists in this field and we are able, not only to be guided by these specialists, but also to link these specialists with our Municipality and other organisations which strive for the care and protection of our beautiful environment and all its nature that it holds.

Please become a member or supporter and make a difference

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