St. Croix Island (Algoa Bay)

The islands are of critical importance to sea bird populations, including the endangered African penguin.

[1] The BirdLife fact sheet states the 12 ha (30 acres) island is only 58 m (190 ft) above sea level.

[2] The population is in decline, following the national and species' trend despite the best efforts of conservation group SANCCOB.

[3] In 2019, the penguins of St. Croix island were impacted by an oil spill at the Port of Ngqura.

[4] As of 2022 there has been no environmental impact assessment of the ship to shore bunkering with further spills leading to the collapse of the breading colonies.

St. Croix Island seen from the nearest landfall at Hougham Park, just east of the Coega harbour development. From here the island is about 4 km to sea. Two disused stone bungalows, used by guano collectors and then by the University of Port Elizabeth for research purposes are visible.