Revisiting Westdene Dam’s no fishing policy
WESTDENE – Residents and their residents' association engaged in talks about the state of fishing at Westdene Dam.
Residents have taken to social media to express their concerns about the fishing situation at Westdene Dam Park.
There is currently no fishing at the park as indicated by signs found at the main entrance of the park and along the walkways.
Despite the signage, families still visit the park to fish in the dam in plain sight.
When a team from Northcliff Melville Times visited the park, a man was found illegally fishing on the west side of the dam.
Residents expressed their concerns about parasites found in the fish and harmful chemicals found in the water.
Westdene-Sophiatown Residents’ Association chairperson, Dauw Steyn explained that quite a lot of people would like to fish at the dam, however, a fine of R1 500 is payable if a person is found fishing at the dam and their fishing equipment will be confiscated.
Residents brought up the possibility of a catch-and-release policy which has been implemented at other dams as well as a call for an official fishing club.
Steyn has since inquired about fishing at the dam with City Parks; why it is not permitted and why a catch-and-release policy has not been established. Steyn is currently awaiting a reply.
He said one of the reasons fishing is not allowed could be after the bus tragedy where children lost their lives and is out of respect for their families.
Northcliff Melville Times has since contacted the area’s ward councillor to inquire about the fishing situation and is currently awaiting a reply.
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