The recreational West Coast Rock Lobster (WCRL) season opened on Sunday 15 November 2015 and closes on 28 March 2016. A total of 21 days have been designated for fishing this season.
The City’s Marine and Environmental Law Enforcement Unit is ready to clamp down on any illegal activity during the recreational West Coast rock lobster (WCRL) 2015/2016 season.
During this period, recreational fishermen are permitted 21 designated days to catch a quota of four WCRL per day. Fishermen are encouraged to comply with the Marine Living Resources Act regulations to avoid being on the wrong side of the law.
‘We strongly urge all recreational fishermen to obtain the necessary permit to fish and to ensure that they are familiar with the regulations, restricted areas and daily bag and size limits for all recreational fishing species, in order to avoid facing prosecution. Members of the public are also reminded that they are required to comply with the Small Vessel Regulations when launching a vessel from the City’s slipways. It is critically important that skippers ensure that all safety equipment is on board, up to standard and operational,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Survey certificates, buoyancy certificates and skippers tickets must be available for inspection at all times. All vessels must have the required safety equipment on board for the class of vessel before launching. Those who plan on diving or fishing from a paddle craft are urged to take note of the prevailing wind and sea conditions and the state of the tides.
The slipways at Kommetjie, Witsands and Millers Point will be monitored during the season and permits and catches will be checked and recorded. Vehicle and foot patrols will be conducted along the coastline and vessel patrols will cover the inshore coastal areas.
Members of the public need to be aware of the following bag limits and restrictions for the season:
• Recreational WCRL fishermen require a permit to fish. These are obtainable from their nearest South African Post Office. Only persons over the age of 12 years may obtain a permit
• There is daily bag limit of four West Coast rock lobsters per person per day for the duration of the fishing season. The size restriction is 80 mm carapace length
• Fishing times for WCRL will be from 08:00 until 16:00. Catches must be landed before 16:00
• No person catching WCRL with a recreational fishing permit may sell their catch and any WCRL caught, collected or transported must be kept in a whole state
Fishing is only allowed on the following dates:
• 15 November 2015 (1 day)
• 21 – 22 November 2015 (2 days)
• 28 – 29 November 2015 (2 days)
• 5 – 6 December 2015 (2 days)
• 12 – 13 December 2015 (2 days)
• 19 – 20 December 2015 (2 days)
• 26 – 27 December 2015 (2 days)
• 2 – 3 January 2016 (2 days)
• 9 – 10 January 2016 (2 days)
• 25 – 28 March 2016 (4 days)
The City’s Marine and Environmental Law Enforcement Unit will be conducting joint operations with other agencies in the coming weeks to ensure compliance with the gazetted regulations. The Unit will cooperate with, amongst others, Table Mountain National Park’s Marine Unit, the South African Police Service’s Border Police, and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
‘It is critical for fishermen and the various spheres of government to work together and to take responsibility for preserving and protecting our marine heritage. For this reason, it is of utmost importance that fishermen adhere to the gazetted regulations stipulated for the season. Law enforcement units will be out in their numbers to patrol and conduct joint operations throughout the season to ensure that fishermen are complying with regulations. The City is calling on members of the public to report any illegal activity to the City’s Law Enforcement control room so that together we can clamp down on unlawful behaviour and protect and preserve our marine life,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Environmental and Spatial Planning, Councillor Johan van der Merwe.
Reports of any illegal activity during the season can be directed to the City’s Law Enforcement control room on 021 596 1999.
