Residents and tourists in coastal areas are asked to help curb the exploitation of the country’s marine resources.
In an appeal today the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) said the period from October to December has the highest number of poaching incidences reported plus the highest number of abalone and rock-lobsters consignments confiscated by department officials and other law enforcement agencies. During the Christmas and Easter breaks more people are in coastal towns and cities and activities on the country’s beaches also increase.
“This means more eyes and ears that can be useful in our anti-poaching drive. We therefore encourage everyone who notices any suspicious fishing activities to call our Fisheries Tip-off line on +27 28 313 2703 or +27 28 312 2609,” the department said.
The public can also contact the nearest police station or CrimeStop on 08600 10111.
In October and November, 143 391 units of abalone (around 16-tons) were confiscated.
The department also assured the public that itttakes all poaching-related tip-offs seriously. “At times we might not act within the time limit that an informer expects us to but a delay in their eyes does not necessarily mean we are not attending to the reported incident. Once all relevant factors are considered we will determine the best course of action,” said departmental spokesperson Lionel Adendorf.
News courtesy of SAnews.gov.za
(edited)
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