Protecting our oceans

The warm Agulhas current that sweeps down the east coast, combined with the cold Benguela current that flows up the west coast, creates an incredibly rich and varied marine life. Whether you fish for profit or for pleasure, there are specific rules and regulations that you must follow which protect marine life.

Recreational marine fishing permits

Recreational fishing includes any fishing that is done for pleasure or sport. Whether the waters are public or private, you have to have the correct permits and permission if you intend to fish in and around the city.

Fishing permits can be obtained from the South African Post Office as well as at the Fisheries Customer Services Office of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).

Please take note of the following general regulations:

• Get a fishing permit from an office authorised by the DFFE.
• Selling and trading of fish is not permitted.
• You can only use a rod, reel and line when fishing.
• Your cast net can’t be larger than 6 metres in diameter. If you are endorsed for spear fishing, you are allowed to catch fish of Class Pisces (that is bony fish, sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras) with a spear gun only.
• You are allowed to fish from a vessel, such as a boat, provided you are endorsed to fish from a vessel.

Commercial marine fishing

Commercial fishing rights are given to full-time line fishermen who depend on line fishing for their livelihood. Applications and the Fishing Rights Allocation Process (FRAP) for commercial fishing are managed by the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. You will need to visit their website for all information related to permits and allocations.

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