Algoa Bay hosts the principal breeding colonies of the African penguin, the population of which has decreased to just two percent of historic population levels. As one of the largest bays in South Africa, Algoa lies at the interface of two oceanic systems: the Cape Agulhas and the nutrient-rich currents of the Benguela upwelling system – one of the most fertile on Earth. Algoa Bay is also home to the largest Cape gannet breeding area and a large Cape fur seal colony. Bottlenose, common and humpback dolphins also frequent the bay, and humpback and Southern right whales migrate north through the region each winter. Baitfish including sardines support populations of Bryde’s and minke whales, as well as albatross, petrels, skuas and other seabirds that pass through between May and September.
