Who will protect the Dolphin Coast once Ezemvelo is removed?

It was recently decided by the Department of Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) that KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife will no longer handle coastal monitoring and compliance responsibilities as of the end of June.

While D-day is fast approaching the reason for dropping Ezemvelo remains a mystery and although there are rumours about budget cuts being the cause, neither DAFF nor Ezemvelo have confirmed this.

Losing Ezemvelo, may mean losing the honorary officers, who have spent their lives protecting our coastline.

Their recent success of the crayfish poacher who was sentenced for poaching is one example of the value of having eyes and ears on the ground.

Ezemvelo spokesperson, Musa Mthambo said: “The Honourary Officers role is very critical and it helps Ezemvelo do more work than it would have done without them, considering Ezemvelo’s limited budget. They use their resources to voluntary do the work that we would have paid to do. We have not discussed the Honourary Officers as yet. Their work is voluntary, so maybe they will still volunteer for whichever structure DAFF will introduce, I am just speculating here,” said Mthambo.

Coastwatch committee member and Dolphin Coast conservancy chairman, Di Jones said she is very concerned about this situation.

“DAFF do not have people on the ground with training. We have a lot of trained honorary officers who are passionate about conservation. Besides poaching, the breaching of estuaries are also of concern, which currently need Ezemvelo’s approval to take place.”

The Dolphin Coast stretch is of particular concern, as it is not a marine protected area and therefore could become a free for all if no authority is in place. While there are talks of creating a protected marien area north of Salt Rock nothing could be confirmed at this point.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.