Cape town: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has taken firm action against a shark longline vessel found to have breached permit conditions, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting South Africa’s shark populations and restoring integrity in fisheries. Following an inspection on 25 June 2025, Fishery Control Officers confirmed that the vessel had failed to comply with permit condition 5.1(h), which requires that all sharks, including skates and St Joseph, be landed with heads and fins naturally attached to allow for proper species monitoring. The skipper was issued with an administrative fine for the offence.
According to South African Government News Agency, the department is now finalising further administrative consideration and may take additional measures under section 28 of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998), including suspension or revocation of permits. This enforcement action forms part of the department’s broader effort to strengthen ocean governance and restore accountability within the sector.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, emphasized that the health of oceans depends on the rule of law being upheld at sea. The enforcement of the law protects not only sharks and marine ecosystems but also the livelihoods of honest fishers and the future of coastal communities. He stated that there can be no sustainable economy without accountability and highlighted the importance of South Africa’s shark populations to ocean health and the resilience of coastal communities.
Dr George also mentioned that DFFE is strengthening compliance patrols, investing in enforcement capacity, and collaborating with law-enforcement agencies to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illegal fishing to the Environmental Crimes and Incidents Hotline at 0800 205 005 or their nearest Fisheries Compliance Office.