NCOP act against illegal fishers
Illegal net fishing at the Nigel Dam was stopped early on July 8.
Nigel Community On Patrol (NCOP) members apprehended perpetrators around 07:00 on July 8 for illegal net fishing.
The men were apprehended at the Nigel Dam near the Nigel Golf Club.
Pirate fishing operators break the law designed to conserve and manage fish stocks and protect biodiversity.
In addition to fishing in closed or unlicensed areas, they often engage in destructive fishing practices that can damage fish habitats and deplete fish stocks.
Illegal net fishing at the Nigel Dam has been ongoing for some time, according to NCOP member Quinten Joubert.
“Nets often stay behind in the dam,” Joubert explained. “This can cause other fish to get trapped and die. We need to protect our local dams and rivers, as illegal fishers like these could potentially ruin our biodiversity and the future of the fishing industry.”
Members of the EMPD issued a warning to the perpetrators before letting them go.
“I am grateful to the community and all members of NCOP for their hard work and continued support,” said Shaun Bamford, head patroller of NCOP.
For more information or to join NCOP contact Bamford on 082 880 0221.
