Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is a South African government body responsible for managing the nation's natural resources. Currently, the DFFE is involved in two significant environmental issues. Firstly, scientists associated with the department are investigating the cause of mass sardine deaths along South Africa's west and south coasts, exploring possibilities such as a herpes virus. Secondly, the DFFE was instrumental in a recent operation where endangered parrot eggs were intercepted at Johannesburg's main airport. A Thai national was arrested in connection with the attempted smuggling of these eggs, many of which have since hatched under care. These events highlight the department's ongoing role in both ecological research and wildlife protection, addressing threats to marine life and combating illegal wildlife trade.