THE sardines have arrived on KZN’s coast and with them, hordes of people hoping to score big.
But whether catching the fish for personal or commercial gain, there are rules and regulations to follow.
The South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) recently published some guidelines on what the law states.
‘Fishermen with a commercial licence can obtain a licence to catch fish with a net,’ said the association.
‘The Durban seine netters operate on Durban’s South Beach and are permitted to net all year long.
‘The other netting licence is only for netting sardines.’
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It said licence holders may access the beach at designated access points, or launch sites, with their vehicles and boats.
‘They may drive on the beach with their crates and catch.
‘They are not, however, permitted to drive on the beach in search or sardines or to fish for other species, including garrick.
‘They may also not net other shoaling species such as shad, mackerel or yellowtail.
‘Licence holders must display their permits at all times, and only licence holders may sell sardines.
‘Please support legal fishermen and buy your fresh sardines from those who have a licence.
‘Let us all enjoy this bounty from the sea responsibly.’
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