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11 April 2018

Media Release: Kruger National Park hosts World Fish Migration Day on behalf of Africa

The Park will broadcast the activities of the day via live stream media; sharing footage with other African countries taking part in the celebrations. Visitors will have an opportunity to view displays and videos on migrating fish with their families; whilst also taking part in competitions, games as well as observe live demonstrations by scientists.

“As KNP, we are excited to be the headquarters of Africa’s event in line with the WFMD and to mark the day; an official launch involving all the role players (both local and international experts) for this event will take place. We would like to proudly showcase the Park’s unique elements such as how we have successfully removed 21 obsolete dams to improve connectivity and health of rivers, how our fish ways are designed and plans to further improve current connectivity in KNP; said SANParks Freshwater Ecologist, Robin Petersen.

The programme is as follows:

  • 10:00 -12:30 Stand/ videos/ games/ family activities
  • 12:30 – 13:00 The official launch
  • A new book titled “from sea to source 2.0” which will provide a practical guide to tackling the threat of dams and promoting the protection and restoration of fish migration will be launched
  • 14:00 -16:00 Field excursion with the key stakeholders

As a prelude to the celebrations, there will be a pre-event aimed at the primary school learners coming from the communities bordering the Park to expose them to the fish research work conducted in the Park on Thursday, 19 April 2018.

“We will host a group of learners, taking them on a field excursion along the major rivers we have in the Park such as the Sabie. The idea is to create an environment for the learners to have one on one interaction with the experts on the relation between rivers, fish, ecology and the wildlife in their natural environment. Education is an incredibly important way to improve awareness of these future leaders as well as the general public; concluded Petersen.

Fish face a number of threats; and physical barriers such as dams and weirs are one of the challenges for these species. These structures also have a potential to disrupt the natural flow of rivers, which is critical for fish procreation. Free-flowing rivers help with water purification, food mitigation, and pollution control whilst protecting against storm surges and rising sea levels.

For visuals and more information on the KNP World Fish Migration Day event, visit the links below.

Background information and downloads


The 2016 WFMD celebrations in the KNP took place at Engelhardt Dam Fish way near Letaba Rest Camp, showcasing fish ladders to the tourists.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks) – Kruger National Park, Communications & Marketing Department.

Media enquiries either:
William Mabasa
GM: Communications & Marketing, Kruger National Park
Tel: 013 735 4363, cell: 082 807 3919
Email: [email protected]

Isaac Phaahla
Media Specialist – SANParks
Tel: 012 426 5315, cell 083 673 6974
Email: [email protected]