Give up the Thompson’s Bay tidal pool poachers, and you’ll get R10 000

A Salt Rock businessman has offered a R10 000 reward to anyone who can provide information that will lead to the arrest of the Thompson’s Bay tidal pool poachers.

The plundering of parrot fish in the marine protected area last Saturday has highlighted the scourge of poaching along the North Coasts marine protected areas where insufficient attention is given to law enforcement.

Conservationists claim that in the last four years, since the disbanding of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife marine coastal monitors, the lack of effective policing along KZN’s coastline has caused an unprecedented spike in illegal fishing and poaching activity which is threatening to overturn decades of conservation gains.

According to environmentalists, humans are removing marine life from the oceans at an unsustainable rate, drastically altering marine ecosystems in the process.

Concerned members of the public have reported numerous sightings of poaching at the local tidal pools in recent months, especially at night when most poaching incidents are taking place.

However despite the strict laws regulating marine living resources the implementation, administration and enforcement of these laws falls woefully short.

“We need to do something as a community,” said Tidal Tao’s Michelle Morris who said the tidal pools were visited by hundreds of bathers each month due to their rich and diverse marine eco-systems and need to be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

While members of the community have had enough of the poor response by the environment, forestry and fisheries department in apprehending the culprits operating with impunity, there are too few fisheries control officers and the understaffed SAPS do not see it as a priority crime.

“Our marine life needs to be protected and that is why I am offering this reward. What happened to these parrot fish is shocking and we need to respond with urgency,” said the local businessman who wished to remain anonymous.

If members of the public have any information that can assist in the arrest of these poachers, email Penny Fourie at The North Coast Courier at penny@northcoastcourier.co.za or call 032 946 0276.

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