A recreational angler was arrested on Friday, October 24, at the Strandfontein pavilion for using a drone to cast bait behind the surf zone, in violation of South Africa’s fishing regulations.
Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that a 32-year-old man was arrested for contravention of the Marine Resources Act. On Friday, October 24, the incident happened at 10.46pm at Strandfontein Pavilion Beach.
He was released and warned to appear in the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrates' court on Saturday, October 25, for the mentioned charge.
Law enforcement officers from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment’s Fishery Control unit, in collaboration with the City of Cape Town Marine Unit, conducted a sting operation that led to the swift apprehension.
The accused holds a valid recreational angling permit, which only authorises the manual use of a rod, reel, and line as defined in the Marine Living Resources Act 18/1998. Use of drones is strictly prohibited under these permit conditions. The drone was confiscated and will be presented as evidence in court.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment of South Africa, Dion George, said: “It is encouraging that this arrest followed reports from concerned members of the public regarding illegal drone fishing in False Bay. This zero-tolerance approach strengthens our enforcement efforts.”
He said: “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every officer and partner involved in these operations. Their dedication is vital in safeguarding South Africa’s marine biodiversity.”
Drone fishing and the use of other remote-operated fishing devices have been illegal since 2005, he said.
Related Topics: