Fishing ban remains in Umdloti

A Durban High Court judge ruled that Umdloti’s ban on fishing at certain beaches will remain in place, after it was first imposed nearly thirty years ago.

This came after KZNFishing.com, a fishing website aiming at uplifting and promoting angling, wanted an order against the local ratepayers’ association and the Ethekwini municipality calling for the removal of the ‘no fishing’ signs at two Umdloti beaches.

Judge Johan Ploos van Amstel said in the absence of the official records from the then Umdloti Beach Town Board and the North Local Council, he was happy to rely on the memories of those who attended the meetings approving a total fishing ban in two areas in the late 80’s.

Umdloti UIP manager and environmental activist, Terry Rens said she is really pleased that the fishing ban has been upheld in the courts.

“Umdloti is a pilot blue flag beach, so this continued ban coupled with our mussel conservation project, will go a long way to ensuring water quality is kept at a premium. It is a win for conservation and a start towards a form of Marine Protected Area (MPA). We have been warned by marine scientists that if we do not increase our MPA’s there will be no more fishing in the future,” said Rens.

She said fishing is not entirely banned in Umdloti, as there are areas where fishing is permitted.

“Leaving baited hooks on the beaches for children and animals to fall victim to is just not acceptable at a major tourist destination like Umdloti. Recreational fishermen need to up their game, or this privilege may also come to an end. All recreational fishermen should be doing their bit towards conservation.”

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