During a sting operation, law enforcement officers joined forces and swiftly arrested an angler at the Strandfontein caught using a drone to cast his bait behind the surf zone.
The arrest follows reports from the public regarding illegal drone fishing activities in False Bay. The accused holds a valid permit endorsed for recreational angling that only allows the operation of a rod, reel, and line as defined in the Marine Living Resources Act 18/1998, and the use of a drone is not authorized as stipulated in the conditions of the permit. Officers confiscated the drone, which will be used as evidence in court proceedings.
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Dr Dion George, praised the rapid and coordinated efforts of the department’s Fishery Control Officers, in collaboration with the City of Cape Town Marine Unit, which resulted in the successful arrest of a fisherman using drone technology.
“This is the kind of zero-tolerance approach that will enhance our enforcement efforts,” he said.
According to the department, the enforcement action follows the Supreme Court of Appeal’s ruling on 16 July 2024, upholding the ban on the use of drones, bait-carrying remote-controlled boats, and other remotely operated devices in fishing operations. The department explained that the use of drones for fishing has been illegal since 2005. Recreational anglers and members of the public have previously been warned that they could face enforcement action should they be caught using such devices.
The department stated that it remains committed to the conservation and sustainable management of South Africa’s marine resources. “We believe that the ban on drones and remote-controlled devices in marine environments is crucial in preserving the delicate balance of our oceans and protecting vulnerable species.”
The Minister has emphasised that enforcement capabilities and partnerships will continue to be strengthened to ensure that those who exploit natural resources face the full consequences of the law. He added his thanks to those offices and partners involved in the operation.
Edited article, Source: DFFE
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