A new joint private-public initiative aimed at tackling escalating poaching is already yielding results since its formation last year.

The Dolphin Coast Anti-Poaching Forum (DCAPF) officially launched in November 2025 as a collaboration between the director of Snare Aware and the Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers’ Association (Docrra). The move came in response to a surge in illegal hunting and poaching across inland farms and the coastal belt.

In December, the conservation group responded to 15 poaching-related incidents, including illegal harvesting of mussels, shellfish and suspected crayfish poaching. There was also one case of gillnetting, reports of undersized fish catches and six incidents of illegal dog hunting. The group also removed snares found throughout the region.

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“We decided to create a forum that could leverage the resources of private security companies and act as a bridge between the public and authorities,” said DCAPF spokesperson Jeff Spiers* (name changed for safety reasons).

“It’s been a team effort. Everyone has worked hard to get this project off the ground.”

The DCAPF operates across an extensive 52 000-hectare region, covering coastline between the Tongaat and uMvoti rivers and extending inland towards Glendale Heights.

A key focus is creating a strong network of environmentalists and residents. The public is encouraged to report suspicious activity via a dedicated hotline, which is manned by IPSS Electronic Security. Participating security companies act as first responders, securing scenes, collecting information and co-ordinating with authorities.

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Poaching is not confined to remote farms. Areas like Ballito, Salt Rock, Sheffield Beach and surrounds are also affected.

To launch the initiative, Snare Aware and Docrra convened a meeting with local security companies, law enforcement agencies, environmental groups and farming associations.

The forum has received the support of Saps, local CPFs, IPSS, Chapman Security Solutions, Alpha Security, Watergate Security Solutions, Marshall Security North Coast, the SPCA, KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Coastal Marine Task Force, Ihawu Lethu Association and Hawks Protection Services. All incidents are logged and documented for future analysis.

“We hope this data will eventually convince government to allocate more resources to combat poaching. We know it is a long road, but we have to start somewhere. With time and teamwork, we will see results,” said Spiers.

Report poaching to 076 686 0176 or visit @DCantipoachingforum on Facebook for more information.

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