AFTER recently expanding its operational reach from Richards Bay in the North Coast to Sezela in the South Coast, the Coastal Marine Task Force (CMTF) revealed plans to expand its coverage across the entire South African coastline, aiming to strengthen efforts to protect marine life and promote lawful fishing practices nationwide.

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CMTF’s Isipingo team were joined by officials from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on August 14 for early morning patrols across key local fishing spots, including Isipingo Beach river mouth, Tiger Rocks and Amanzimtoti Main Beach.

PRO Kevin Govender said the focus of the patrol was to check fishing licences, ensuring compliance with bag limits for various fish species. At Isipingo Beach, 14 licensed fisherman were inspected, one of whom abandoned his catch and fled the scene. The fish were confiscated to prevent illegal sale or consumption. Amanzimtoti Main Beach saw 33 fishing licences checked, and while no major violations were found, four verbal warnings were issued for minor infractions.

“These patrols form part of CMTF’s ongoing mission to promote responsible fishing practices, safeguard marine resources, and educate the public on the importance of adhering to licence regulations and daily catch limits,” said Govender.

CMTF encourages all fishermen to ensure they carry angling permits, respect bag limits, and play their part in sustaining healthy fish populations for future generations.

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How to ensure you comply with fishing laws:

Every recreational fisherman is required to pay for the right to fish in marine waters by buying an annual or temporary permit. Alternatively, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment launched an online application solution, which can be accessed at www.fishing.dffe.gov.za. For queries, contact 021 402 3680 or email epenquiries@dffe.gov.za.

• A recreational fishing permit entitles the holder to catch fish for your own use only and not to sell or trade.
• The holder or a recreational angling permit is entitled to catch fish of Class Pisces, which includes bony fish, sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras, only with a rod, reel and line, to which no more than 10 hooks are attached.
• The holder of a recreational spearfishing permit is entitled to catch fish of Class Pisces only with a speargun.
• The holder of a recreational fishing permit is authorised to fish within a Marine Protected Area, but must adhere to the conditions specific to it.

More information regarding fishing laws can be found at www.dffe.gov.za or saambr.org.za.

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