8 June 2006
This week, police at the Johannesburg International Airport (JIA) have
seized tens of thousands of rock lobster tails valued at just under a million
rand. Close to 11 000 lobster tails from five species viz. East Coast Rock
Lobsters, Long leg Rock Lobsters, Ornate Rock Lobsters, Painted Rock Lobsters
and Pronghorn Rock Lobsters were contained in 75 polystyrene boxes.
As part of the preliminary investigation detectives have engaged Doctor
Kerry Sink of the Endangered Wildlife Trust in Johannesburg, as there is a
contravention of Marine Living Resource Act 18 of 1998. "The East Coast Rock
Lobster, which forms approximately 90% of the consignment, cannot be sold in
South Africa, there is neither a permit to sell nor is there import and export
permits so there is clearly a contravention here", said Dr Sink. "There is also
significant number of animals in berry, i.e. carrying eggs," she added.
While one may be able to sell the remaining species of the lobsters there is,
however, strict laws in place governing this.
Individuals must be in possession of permits and they would have to adhere
strictly to sizes, quotas, etc. Many of these four species of lobsters were
undersize.
In this case a paper trail was done but detectives were unable to detect at
this stage who should be accountable for these lobsters. We appeal to anyone
who can assist us in this investigation to contact constable Andrew Gomba from
the JIA Detective Services on either 082 5727 675 or 011-977 5621 or Crime Stop
on 086 00 10111.
Issued by: South African Police Service
8 June 2006
