Seekoei Estuary Forum
What is an Estuary?
The word “estuary” is derived from the Latin word aestuarium meaning tidal inlet of the sea, which in itself is derived from the term aestus, meaning tide. There have been many definitions proposed to describe an estuary. The most widely accepted definition is: “a semi-enclosed coastal body of water, which has a free connection with the open sea, and within which seawater is measurably diluted with freshwater derived from land drainage“.
Where is the Seekoei Estuary?
The Seekoei (Afrikaans for hippo) Estuary is situated between the suburbs of Aston Bay and Paradise Beach in the Eastern Cape town of Jeffreys Bay.
Jeffreys Bay is a world renowned surfing town and is host to a world-famous international surfing competition. As a seaside holiday town, Jeffreys Bay and surrounding suburbs is a sought after holiday destination for both South African and international visitors.
What are the issues?
The following are, but not limited to, the main issues with the Seekoei Estuary:
* alien vegetation
* illegal dams
* nutrient rich water entering the tributaries from farms and the sewage works
* algae blooms
* high salinity levels
* causeway preventing the mixing of water
* car park and buildings built at the mouth
LATEST FEEDBACK
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Report Back – 2023 to July 2024
Here is a short feedback report on where we are with the Seekoei Estuary. We all remember the lowest point in the Seekoei River Estuary history when in early 2023, the stench emanating from the estuary was unbearable with schools of fish dying. And let’s not forget the denial of the obvious from Kouga Municipality…
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Kouga Local Municipality and the 2023 Green Drop Watch Report – a summary
In the latest Green Drop Watch Report for 2023, Kouga Local Municipality (LM) finds itself under the scrutinizing lens once again. A historical journey through the previous reports reveals a roller-coaster of improvements and persistent challenges in the realm of water management. 1. Historical Performance:Kouga LM’s performance in the Green Drop Watch Report has been…
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The Seekoei Estuary Mouth Remains Open, For Now
January Feedback 2024 The open Seekoei Estuary mouth The Seekoei Estuary mouth was very well received by the holidaymakers who seemed to have enjoyed the open river mouth and beach area. Moving part of the parking area combined with the heavy winter rains, seems to have helped keep the mouth open. This was our saving…