City of uMhlathuze relents on boat and shore angling fishing ban – for now

AFTER being inundated with queries relating to the fishing ban in Richards Bay, the City of uMhlathuze today (Wednesday) announced that it would seek further clarity from the relevant national department.

While doing so, the municipality has allowed boat and shore angling, giving anglers the green light until such time as final clarity of the regulations is obtained.

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There has been much confusion among the angling fraternity over the fishing ban that was implemented following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 28 December announcement of a total closure of beaches in hot spot areas.

Falling within the King Cetshwayo hot spot area, the City of uMhlathuze adhered to the beach closure regulations, but the gazetted regulations, most notably regulation 36.9 and 36.10(b) are open to interpretation.

‘The city is cognizant of the dire need for food security in the country and fishing for subsistence purposes. It is also critical to ensure that national regulations are adhered to, noting that their objectives are to save a number of lives that might be affected by the pandemic,’ said the uMhlathuze Municipality.

The city is engaging with the provincial and national COGTA (Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs) departments, as well as the Department of Environmental Affairs, and Forestry and Fisheries to further clarify these regulations.

‘Regulation 36.9 states that: All beaches, dams, lakes and rivers inclusive of all recreational facilities at these places, are closed to the public in all the areas declared as hot spots.

‘Regulation 36.10 deals with all beaches in areas declared as non-hot spots such as the Northern Cape province and its provisions, and sub-section 36.10(b) reads: The closure of beaches and restrictions on times of operation does not apply to fishermen for fishing purposes, who are in possession of a permit or exemption granted in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act no. 18 of 1998).

‘The city fully supports all economic activities and would not at any given time prejudice licensed and approved fishermen who are embarking on their economic activity rights without any valid reason, while it also wants to ensure compliance with the regulations as set out by the national government.’

Until such time as the city gains final clarification on the matter, fishing will be allowed, provided all anglers have valid fishing permits and exemptions, and upon satisfaction that they adhere to all health and safety protocols, including the 9pm – 6am curfew.

‘The city will continue to enforce compliance at all times and ensure that permits and exemptions are utilised for the purposes of fishing only, and are not abused by its holders as was the case before.

‘Fishermen are also urged to produce valid permits at the entrance points of all beaches under our jurisdiction.’

All Covid-19 health and safety protocols apply to all anglers utilising the beaches for fishing purposes.

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