FISHERMAN Christiaan Brits from La Lucia, who was photographed from an aircraft fishing in the ‘no-take’ sanctuary area of the Pondoland Marine Protected Area during this year’s Hibberdene Couta Classic, paid an admission of guilt fine of R2500.
Shortly after he was caught fishing in the reserve, Mr Brits was banned from entering any fishing competition hosted by the Hibberdene Ski-boat Club.
Club chairman Lyle Fraser welcomed the fine. “This is a great victory for conservation on the coast. It will send out a message to all fishermen who fish illegally in the reserve,” he said.
He said the reserve is beneficial for all fishermen, as there has been an increase of fish stocks, which are now spilling out of the reserve into the fishing area.
The Hibberdene Ski-boat Club also banned Jacques Olivier from launching a ski-boat for 12 months after he was caught with seven black musselcrackers in Port Edward earlier this year.
