Tsitsikamma fishing debate continues

While local fishermen have welcomed the decision to open sections of South Africa’s oldest marine protected area for fishing, marine conservationists are calling for an explanation for the decision, reports the Knysna-Plett Herald.

Fishermen said this week – after national government gave the final green light to open 20% of the Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area for recreational fishing on December 19 – that they were relieved that 20 years of debating the issue had finally come to an end and that they could once again fish in the area without fear of prosecution.

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While the fishermen celebrated the decision, marine conservationists and other roleplayers said they would, in accordance with the Public Access to Information Act, request that government explain the rationale behind the decision.

Tsitsikamma fisherman Clive Elmo shows a section of the Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area (MPA) which is now open for recreational fishing after more than 50 years. Picture: Supplied

– Caxton News Service

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