This report is provided to PARRA by the Royal Alfred Marina, dated 5 August 2024:
EAST BEACH
The Multi patrol quad bike has been replaced with an electric bicycle and the patrols are restricted to a shorter distance, not all the way to Rufane’s and usually as an accompaniment for walkers on the beach.
It was brought to our attention that the navigational lights on both East and West piers were not working and we are grateful to Willem Nel for his prompt response to our request to have these attended to. Both lights are now in working order to assist the boating public with access through the river mouth in the dark.
The East pier has areas that are in need of rebuilding to ensure that the water does not break through from the sea into the river and the Royal Alfred Marina are working with Environmental Affairs to ensure that we can get the repair done before it scours out any further.
After an incident of theft at one of East Beach carparks, Multi Security Services and the Royal Alfred Marina plan to erect cameras at both East Beach carpark’s to deter criminal activity. This we hope to have in place before the festive season.
ROYAL ALFRED MARINA
We were very pleased to assist the Rhodes Ichthyology and Fisheries Science Department with their study of dusky kob in the Kowie river estuary and adjacent coastal areas. The aim of the study is to determine the temperature tolerance of dusky kob and to monitor their movements. The study included collection of 30 juvenile kob, 30 to 50cm total length, assessment at the Marine Laboratory in Grahamstown, tag and release to be monitored. It is reassuring to note that the 30 kob were caught in the canals over a short period of time. We look forward to receiving findings and more information from the study which will be shared in our newsletters going forward.
SMALL BOAT HARBOUR
Boat registration stickers are available from the Ndlambe Finance office for all leisure registrations and from Willem Nel’s office at the Fire Station for commercial registrations. Please note that appointments should be made for the commercial registrations to ensure that a River Control Officer(s) is available to address applications.
