The Southbroom Conservancy is urging the public to refrain from buying crayfish (East Coast Rock Lobster) illegally.
In a recent statement, the conservancy said after many reports from residents about suspicious activity, it went to investigate with the assistance of the Southbroom Community Policing Forum and Wolf Security where they found bags of crayfish poaching gear.
The conservancy said the gear used by poachers was evidence that crayfish poaching has been rife along the Southbroom shoreline.
“If there is no demand for it then there is no need to supply it. Please remember that in KwaZulu-Natal there is a no sale policy in place, only recreational. It is illegal to sell or buy species listed as no-sale anywhere in South Africa. Only recreational fishermen with a valid permit may catch them, but they are not allowed to sell their catch,” said the conservancy.
It added that the minimum legal size limit is 65mm measured in a straight line from the point where the tail meets the body to the tip of the spine between the rock lobster’s eyes.
“Closed season is now, November 1 to the last day of February of the following year, both dates inclusive. Breeding occurs in summer and that is why we have a closed season from November 1 to the end of February.
This is to protect the lobsters while they are brooding their eggs so these can hatch and replenish our stocks. It is also illegal to possess any rock lobster carrying eggs,” said the conservancy, adding that it urges residents and visitors to keep Southbroom safe and free from unwanted and unnecessary illegal activities.
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