confiscated Abalone numbers decline and poachers from diving
6 March 2006
Following the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism's national
enforcement conference aimed at strengthening environmental enforcement in
South Africa, marine enforcement partners gathered at a two-day anti-poaching
summit to assess the success of its preventative enforcement strategy launched
in November last year ahead of the busiest fishing season during the year.
In the Eastern Cape for example the number of abalone confiscated declined
dramatically during the period October 2005 to January 2006. In October 2005 a
total of 52336 abalone were confiscated at the end of November this figure
dropped to 6926 almost 600 percent decrease. The figure for December 2005 and
January 2006 combined is 3216 which represents a further 100 percent decrease.
This indicates less abalone poaching occurred from the period October 2005 -
January 2006. In addition a total number of 1200 alleged poachers were
prevented from diving.
The deployment of the environmental protection vessels resulted in one fine
of R200 0000 issued for contravention of maritime laws. In addition 130 on
board inspections were carried out; a total of 334 permits checked and a total
of 26 fines were issued. Vessels and equipment to the value of R1.5m were
confiscated and R1.5 m illegally caught fish stock was revered. The visibility
of the environmental protection vessels and the deployment of navy divers in
'hotspot' poaching areas have contributed to substantial reduced number of
divers and alleged poachers in the areas.
In Cape Town, Overberg, East Coast and Borders a total of 202 arrests were
made 33 vehicles confiscated and a total value R240 0000 of fines were issued
for the period Nov - Jan 2006.
Other inspections carried out included restaurants, fish factories and
shops, and commercial fishing boats at landing sites and beach inspections.
The summit consolidated working relations between the department, South
African Police Service, South African Navy and the Scorpions.
The challenges identified include the intensification of such operations
throughout the year strengthening engagements with communities to fight
poaching and the need for continued consolidated co-ordination and cooperation
between the different law enforcement agencies.
Contact:
JP Louw
Chief Director: Communications
Tel: (012) 310 3594
Cell: 082 569 3340
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
6 March 2006
