STOP ILLEGAL GILL-NETTING IN SOUTH AFRICA AND ENFORCE THE LAW
Illegal gill-netting is wiping out fish species at Jozini Dam (aka Pongolapoort Dam), in particular tiger fish and their primary food sources -- bream and barbel. Recreational angling, mainly for tiger fish, is the single biggest tourism drawcard to the area and the dramatic reduction or loss of these freshwater game fish is already showing signs of impacting negatively on visitors and ultimately jobs in the area.
Tiger fish are a protected species and jozini dam is the furthest south they are to be found in any impoundment in South Africa.
Gill-nets, and the possession and use of them without permits, is illegal in South Africa, but they are still being widely used in many, many inland river, dam, and lake systems and also estuarine, coastal and port marine systems (in particular the richard's bay harbour and canal system).
As recreational anglers (many of whom practice catch and release) and concerned environmentalist, we demand that the authorities -– DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW), SAPS (South African Police Services) and the Department of Environmental Affairs enforce the law! They must act immediately to stop the commercialised wanton slaughter and plundering of this country's natural fish resources.
To all anglers and concerned parties,
This is a call by us to mobilise against the widespread illegal gill-netting that has reached unprecedented proportions in South Africa. All waters are being commercially targeted - the inland river, dam and lake systems and also the estuarine, coastal and port marine systems.
Of huge concern are the Tiger Fish and other fish species at Jozini Dam that is also in the throes of the worst drought seen in the last 22 years. This is the furthest south and only impoundment in South Africa where this freshwater game-fish appears naturally. The Tiger Fish (Hydrocynus vittatus) is also a listed protected species and is arguably the single biggest contributor to tourism at Jozini Dam and surrounding areas. The decimation and loss of this species will ultimately lead to a drop in tourism and the ensuing job losses may well be significant.
We earnestly request that you join us and demand that the relevent authorities, tasked with protecting our inland fisheries and marine natural resources, do their job and enforce the law - commercial gill-netting without a permit is illegal!
Update #27 years ago
Many thanks to all for your support.
3 x successful South African Police Service operations have, to date, resulted in a significant drop in Tiger Fish carrying pieces of netting in their gills and wrapped around their bodies and also displaying gill-net associated injuries and damage.
The fish appear to be much healthier and with recent increases in the water level of Jozini Dam the fish will hopefully get to spawn with the diminished threat of being netted.
Update #18 years ago
Jozini Dam Update:-
Over the last month 2 SAPS (South African Police Service), operations have been carried out, with DAFF support, resulting in:-
10 Arrests.
10 Boats confiscated.
+- 13 Kms of Illegal Gill-Nets seized and destroyed.
The refusal by EKZNW to get involved continues and this inaction is the catalyst that has allowed the illegal gill-netting to grow and flourish over the past 20 years.
