On the recommendation of the Department of Nature Conservation, the founding meeting of the Fransmanshoek Conservancy was held on the 29 August 1994. Mr H.G. van Rensburg chaired the meeting at which the decision was taken to establish the conservancy and a committee for the conservancy was elected.

Since then the conservancy has grown from strength to strength. The continued support of the Eden District Municipality and the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board (CapeNature) has facilitated the ongoing contribution that the Conservancy has made to the conservation of the Fransmanshoek peninsula and surrounding areas.

The conservancy has implemented several conservation projects over the years. The most noteworthy being the erosion control and management of the Fransmanshoek peninsula. The results of all the hard work are clearly evident today when one drives up to Fransmanshoek. The visitor facilities have been improved, toilets, braai places and refuse bins have been provided. The “Punt Huisie” has been converted into an information centre. Severe erosion of the paths leading to the main fishing areas have been replaced with wooden boardwalks and several areas have been rehabilitated with indigenous vegetation. Information boards have been erected and various signs indicate the presence of erosion control measures. Comfortable wooden benches have been placed at strategic points.

More recently, the conservancy has embarked on a more ambitious project to involve all the local landowners and stakeholders in a conservation initiative aimedat improving biodiversity protection and conservation awareness raising. The initiative involved the collection of funds used to employ conservancy rangers to work in the area. The fundsare administered by the Fransmanshoek conservancy and the rangers are overseen by CapeNature. The successfull implementation of the initiative in 2005 has not only contributed to the conservation of the area, but also to the successfull completion of two National Diplomas in Nature Conservation by the rangers, and to an improved level of environmental education at the local schools. The initiative has also facilitated an improved working relationship between the various agencies responsible for the implementationand compliance enforcement ofvarious environmental legislations. Marine and Coastal Management, CapeNature, Eden District Municipality and the Department of Justice are all represented.

The year 2005 has seen a major increase in the activities of the conservancy. The appointment ofthe two conservancy rangers Werner and John, has facilitated a marked increase in conservation projects for the area.

One of their main objectives was to ensure general compliance among recreational fishers, w.r.t permits and prescribed bag limits and minimum sizes. Under rather difficult circumstances and without any official powers, they embarked on an "information sharing" campaign. The resident fishers in the area have become accostomed to producing their permits and have started appreciating the increased control being excersised in the area. The rangers have even befriended some of the local fishers! And through their friendly manner have gained popularity within the community!