The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) welcomes the decision of the Western Cape High Court to dismiss the application, brought before it by Scott Russell and 34 others, that sought to prevent 31 abalone right-holders in Zone C (Hermanus) and Zone D (Betty’s Bay) to fish abalone in Zone F (Robben Island) and Zone G (Cape Columbine).
The Western Cape High Court was satisfied with the case presented by DAFF’s legal team and therefore dismissed the application.
The judgment also means that all permit-holders can continue with their activities uninterrupted and that those who agreed to cease fishing operations under a court order issued last week, can now again earn a living from the sea.
The practice of allowing those from a particular zone to harvest abalone in other zones started in 2004 and, looking back on the last seven years, DAFF still maintains that it was the right decision and that it is worth defending.
We call on all coastal communities to join the department in our efforts to manage and protect our marine resources, to report any illegal activity and to work with our law enforcement agencies to bring any criminals to book.
Enquiries:
Lionel Adendorf
Tel: 021 402 3702
Cell: 076 267 5838
