FISHING is still going on at the Durban Harbour despite an oil spill into the uMbilo River, which feeds into the Durban Harbour.
Last week the oil spill infuriated environmentalists and Transnet who said the spill came as a result of the tampering with and underground pipeline.
At the time Nomusa Dube-Ncube, MEC for Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs, she said due to health concerns there won’t be any fishing at the river or harbour.
“There is a huge impact to the biodiversity right now that we are seeing, the birds that are here, the fish, this area here is bound by the estuary, the estuary carry very important biodiversity for our city and for our province and it is one of those protected areas that we need to guide very seriously,” she said.
“We have also further advised that at least for seven days the fishing will have to stop, because of this it is not safe.”
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Kyle Singh who was fishing with his father, Kim Singh, on Tuesday said they had not heard of any oil spill or fishing not being allowed at the harbour.
“We have been fishing here everyday and no one has told us anything. The fish look fine and the water is normal so there’s nothing to worry about,” said Kyle.
Nathi Oliphant, EDTEA spokesperson, said he could not comment on the issue as it was up to the municipality to set fishing regulations.
Clean up operations are currently being wrapped up at the river while a group of scientists are trying to determine the damage to marine life caused by the oil spill.
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