Fishing at Modderfontein Reserve a cause for concern
“The reserve is a special place where you can hear the haunting calls of the pair of fish eagles."
Human activities have had a serious impact on the environment and this has led to devastation in some dams and rivers around the country.
Mr Sean Byrne, who is an honorary ranger at the Modderfontein Reserve, said he has seen the changes that are happening in the Modderfontein area.
Fire at Modderfontein Nature Reserve
“I have been an honorary ranger at the Modderfontein Reserve for some years now. Having recently relocated to the other side of the curtain, further on the East Rand towards Benoni, I could not help but notice the changes that are fast occurring right on your doorstep,” said Mr Byrne.
Mr Byrne said while performing numerous duties in the nature reserve, they are continuously asked about the fishing activities within the reserve boundaries.
He said they are attempting to keep the park as nature intended.
“This is for the benefit of the all who frequent the reserve. We are desperately trying to keep the park pristine for everybody to enjoy. We have come to notice the impacts of human activity on the wildlife and in particular, the bird life in the area,” said Mr Byrne.
He said there is no problem with the fishing fraternity as a whole as he actually enjoys to drop a line in the water himself, every now and again.
“However, we are trying hard, under voluntary circumstances, to create and uphold the beauty of the nature reserve,” he said.
He urged the community to support them where ever they can.
“The park is a beautiful place for all to enjoy. It is technically the last little bit of wilderness, grassland paradise left on the East Rand,” he said.
Mr Byrne invited people to look around places on the East Rand, to see to what extent fishing activity can impact on the natural settings.
He said over the past few years, he has been monitoring the fish eagles that reside at Dam 3, also known as Fish Eagle Dam, within the Modderfontein Reserve.
“The reserve is a special place where you can hear the haunting calls of the pair of fish eagles. The early mornings are best to catch a glimpse of the soaring eagle as it flies over its forage zones.
“The call of the eagle is precious to hear. The breeding pair continue as they soar together over the forever changing horizons. I do believe that if you are honoured to still hear the cries and take the time to listen to the guiding voices of this spectacular specie of raptor, you will walk away from the nature reserve with the most beautiful, uplifting sense of self,” said Mr Byrne.
“The fish eagle is very much an indicator specie, being at the top of the ecological food chain. I can only imagine the day when we do not hear the hauntingly beautiful cry of these eagles,” he said.
