The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries cautions everyone against the collection and or consumption of any fish species washing out in the Zandvlei estuary as doing so is both hazardous and illegal.
The washout is a direct result of an algal bloom that has been present in the estuary for the last six weeks. The density of the algal bloom, caused by the high nutrient load that comes from the various sources in the catchment, ranging from storm water runoff from both urban and industrial areas and sewerage overflows, increased dramatically over the last four weeks causing low oxygen levels in the estuary.
It is estimated that, since the first washout was recorded last month, more than 5 tons of harders, which is the most abundant in the system, and other mullet species like kob, white steenbras, garrick (leervis), elf or springers have washed out. Garrick (leervis) and white steenbras are both protected and not to be sold while kob and slingers are biologically vulnerable.
The conditions are expected to remain the same for at least another month and we call on particularly those staying in adjacent communities, not to visit the area or to collect or consume any fish species that wash out as it is not conducive for consumption. The public is also reminded of the fact that it is illegal to collect any of the species that wash out in the estuary without a permit and if found in possession of any fish, they can be fined up to R500 per fish.
For more information and/or comment, contact:
Lionel Adendorf
Cell: 076 267 5838
Tel: 021 402 3702
