KLIPFONTEIN Dam was once a magnificently popular fishing spot for anglers from across the country.
Several factors have since tarnished the once acclaimed recreational site’s reputation, such as the unabated contamination of the water and vandalised facilities. However, the one main attraction for fishermen when deciding where to cast their rods is the actual fish and the population of fish in Klipfontein is under threat as illegal netting has become commonplace.
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Locals who are going about fishing in the correct and legal manner, purchasing their equipment locally and taking into account the necessary balance of the ecosystem present in the dam, are up in arms as illegal fishermen are depleting the number of fish in Klipfontein and slaughtering the fish right under their noses
Hundreds of meters of illegal nets were recovered from the dam recently after avid angler, Robbie Price received a tip off from an informant that the criminal activity was taking place at Klipfontein.
Rounding up the assistance of Vryheid SAPS and members of the community who were willing to assist, Price proceeded to the dam, where the recovery of the nets took place. Two of the suspects fled when they saw the police. However, one of the suspects was caught and issued a warning. The illegal nets were burned.
“This is an ongoing thing that needs to be stopped,” states Mr Price. “They are decimating the numbers and catches at the dam are dropping for the guys who fish legally and take part in fishing competitions. At this time of year, the fish are spawning, but if these guys keep netting, the population will take a massive knock as spawning won’t take place…”
The fish population is not the only thing taking a knock either. If visiting anglers stop coming to Klipfontein Dam, the local tourism industry will be directly affected, as will local business.
Asked what he feels would be a plausible solution to this dilemma, Price states, “The municipality must give us the power to arrest. While others are not prepared to accept the responsibility of dealing with these guys, we, as the local fishermen, are prepared to be watchdogs for the municipality. But our hands are tied… We need the authority.”
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Robbie Price suggests that a concerted effort must be made by members of local fishing clubs, and bank anglers to meet with the mayor, tourism members and the Department of Parks and Recreation to come up with a plan.
“Fishing is one of the biggest industries in the country at the moment,” he adds. “These illegal activities cannot be allowed to continue. The effects thereof can be devastating…”
Warrant Officer Chris van Eck, who assisted in the recovery, confirms that, barely a week later more nets were discovered in a dam in Vryheid East.
