The City of Cape Town and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) have signed an Implementation Protocol that paves the way for closer cooperation and mutual support in the fight against illegal marine resource extraction along the City of Cape Town’s 300 km coastline.

Through the Implementation Protocol with DAFF, City Law Enforcement officers have been trained and appointed as fishery control officers in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998, with full powers.

 

 

The City of Cape Town established a specialised Marine and Environmental Law Enforcement Unit in 2013. The focus of the unit has been marine and coastal law enforcement, including inshore boat patrols.

 

Recent successes by the unit are a testament to the tireless efforts of the members of the unit. These efforts have included the arrest of a shop owner in Glencairn for illegal possession of over 800 West Coast rock lobsters and the arrest of nine suspects in Gordon’s Bay for the illegal possession of 200 abalone.

 

‘Marine resource abuse is an issue that our local economy and marine environment cannot afford, therefore it is vital for us to establish effective ways of collaborating with partners such as DAFF to fight against marine-related transgressions taking place across the city.

 

 

‘DAFF has proven to be an invaluable partner and the expertise that they are bringing to the table is most welcome. It is very clear that increased partnerships between agencies from different government spheres are key. We urge members of the public to support us and our partners in our renewed efforts to tackle the scourge of illegal marine resource extraction. The Implementation Protocol is a steady step towards greater protection through cooperation,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee member for Energy, Environmental and Spatial Planning, Councillor Johan van der Merwe.

 

Commenting on the signature of the Protocol, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, said: ‘the Protocol will pave the way for more integrated law enforcement operations between the City and DAFF. It will also significantly increase the resources, capacity and effort available for enforcement and policing of the coastal and marine environment. Hopefully we will be able to procure a second large patrol boat soon, also to combat the stripping of our scarce and valuable marine resources.’