chase vessel as part of 14th World Oceans Day Celebrations
8 June 2006
"The increasing levels of poaching have been aided by the use of high tech
equipment and skilled divers on the part of those robbing us of our natural
resources. We are determined to turn this around and the introduction of the
Florence Mkhize speed chase vessel is yet another indication of our
determination to succeed", said Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism,
Marthinus van Schalkwyk as he launched the new vessel in Cape Town today.
Drawing attention that it was both National Environment Week and World
Oceans Day with events taking place across the country, the Minister stated
that "The world's oceans cover more than 70% of the planet's surface.
Pollution, over-fishing, poaching, habitat loss, invasive species, global
warming are all elements that impact negatively on our worlds oceans and we
have a responsibility to be innovative about combating these anomalies. Today's
event should be seen as but part of our various efforts to respond to all these
challenges".
Talking about the vessel in relation to the new technology employed by the
poachers, the Minister boasted the prowess that the vessel was bringing to the
anti-poaching campaign. "The vessel is one of its kind and extremely fast
(speeds in excess of 60 knots) and consists of twin SeaTek 820 kilowatt
engines," he said. It is certified as less than 25 ton and is 14 metres in
length; the total cost of the vessel was R3, 8 million.
Since there were no South Africans able to operate the new vessel, a human
resource capacity boost programme was implemented. Its result is that five (5)
skippers completed a training programme on how to handle the chase boat at high
speeds (in excess of 60 knots). Training included throttle responses when going
over a wave at 60 knots and what the effects are if it is not done properly and
all other high speed manoeuvring of the vessel. It further involved planning a
navigation passage for a patrol and how to collate this information into the
Global Positioning System (GPS). Training on other electrical equipment was
also included.
"The choice of name for the vessel fits the description and the competence
of the strong and dedicated struggle icon, Florence Mkhize," said the Minister
as he likened the task of the vessel to the role that Florence Mkhize played in
the fight against discrimination in South Africa. "Alongside her sister
vessels, the Florence Mkhize will take up the fight against poaching to ensure
a better future for the people of South Africa and especially those who rely on
fishing as a resource," said the Minister.
"New global efforts by scientists and government officials are bringing
attention to the value of the world's oceans, the resources they provide, and
the need for ecosystem-based management to address these threats," further
added the Minister.
The Overstrand Marines
The Overberg is considered as one of the hot-spot areas for abalone poaching
along our coastline. The Department has committed itself to cracking down on
the poaching crisis hence we had an agreement with the Overstrand Municipality,
funded by the Department over the past three years to assist us in dealing with
the abalone poaching in this region.
However, the legal contract between the Department of Environmental Affairs
Tourism (DEAT) and the Overstrand comes to an end at the end of June 2006. The
Municipality has also indicated to Department of Environmental Affairs Tourism
that it can no longer continue with the project due to its own operational
needs and functions. Department of Environmental Affairs Tourism has
acknowledged the commitment and skills which has been acquired and good work
which has been done by the Marines over the recent years.
In its continuous endeavours to improve compliance along our coast,
Department of Environmental Affairs Tourism has decided to absorb the Marines
into its structures thereby increasing its own resources and capacity. It is
envisaged that the Marines will be offered a contract with the Department
within the next two weeks.
The Marines will go through the same screening process that our Marine and
Coastal Management (MCM) officials are subjected too so as to ensure that all
members employed by the department will be beyond reproach. This process is
near completion.
Recent compliance stats
Statistics were also released on recent enforcement and compliance
operations. During the past three months, three illegal abalone warehouses were
raided, resulting in 11 arrests, seven of whom are Chinese nationals.
Resources, technical equipment and five vehicles confiscated valued at more
than R3 m were seized and approximate 3 tons of abalone were confiscated during
these raids.
Increased tip-offs from community members have further contributed to success
in various parts of the coastal areas.
East Coast: 118 arrests; assets: 46 vehicles; 6 vessels; 41 freezers; 73 258
units of abalone; 292 units of shark fins.
West Coast: 101 arrests; assets: 3 boats; 961 units; 2 170 rock lobster
South West Coast (Cape Town and surrounds): 99 arrests; 11 vehicles; 6
freezers; 86 866 units; 2 166 rock lobster;
Overberg: 329 arrests; 32 vehicles; 60 126 abalone; 1 737 west coast rock
lobster
The Departmentâs special investigation unit has further made 29 arrests,
confiscated 10 vehicles; 2 vessels; 14 freezers; 2 firearms and 10 035 units
abalone. The unit has also launched an investigation involving restaurants
after arrests were made of suspects trading with illegal harvested marine
resources. A trial is expected to commence in July.
In separate incidents the Hermanus Court in the Western Cape has sentenced 3
accused to direct imprisonment during April 2006. A total of 24 770 abalone
units were seized.
For more information on vessels statistics, please visit our website at
http://www.deat.gov.za
Enquiries:
JP Louw
Chief Director Communications
Cell: 082 569 3340
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
8 June 2006
