Today the Democratic Alliance (DA) will write to the MEC for Limpopo Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (LEDET) Thabo Mokone, to implement stricter measures to curb illegal fishing at the Flag Boshielo dam outside Marble Hall.
Regular visitors to the dam informed the DA that they regularly find illegal fishing nets in the dam and river. Over the past weekend, a dead crocodile from the nearby Croc Sanctuary was found with a fishing net in its stomach. (See photo)
Section 54 (1) of the Limpopo Environmental Management Act, 7 OF 2003, is clear that catching fish with a net without a permit is illegal.
It is also illegal for a person to be in possession of fishing nets and traps or a similar device on private property with an aquatic system without written consent of the owner.
The DA believes that illegal fishing is a perennial problem because its effects are not only limited to present, but extend even to future generations.
Fishing permits allow for a balance between recreational activity and the fauna and flora to protect the ecosystem.
The DA will further request MEC Mokone to erect clear signage that fishing is illegal at Flag Boshielo, to deploy regular patrols at the dam and have nets removed regularly.
We will continue to fight for the right to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations.