SANParks to start registering local anglers for Coastal Controlled Zones
SANParks’ team in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park (GRNP) has put temporary measures in place to kick-start the registration of local anglers to access 3 Coastal Controlled Zones (TCCZs).
This follows the approval of the rezoning of Africa’s oldest Marine Protected Area (MPA). Regulations were published in the Government Gazette on Monday, the 19th of December 2016. Limited access of about 20% of the coastline is open and 80% of the MPA remains a no-take zone.
‘We are introducing measures to allow responsible angling starting with the registration process which kick-starts on the 24th December 2016.’ Only those local Tsitsikamma community residents living between Covie and the Bloukrans River or within the Koukamma Municipal area qualify as Tsitsikamma residents as specified in the regulations. Prospective Tsitsikamma anglers must provide the following documents:
- a certified copy of the applicant’s valid identity document / card,
- municipal proof of residency in these aforementioned areas,
- a copy of a valid recreational angling and / or bait permit issued to the applicant in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA), and
- an ID photo.
A central registration point will be established at the SANParks Offices at Storms River Village and will be open for registration from 09h00-16h00 during weekdays and 09h00- 15h00 during weekends. Applicants will also be required, on registration, to sign a declaration stating that they are bona fide residents as defined in the regulations.
The registration card enables access solely for registered Tsitsikamma anglers for recreational fishing within the TCCZs within the specifications of the regulations and park rules as defined by the Protected Areas Act. Access to the park for other recreational purposes and/or members of the community requires access through normal park entry gates.
All internal rules governing access and use of the TCCZs, once established must be followed by all persons accessing the Park.
Park Rangers will be monitoring and patrolling the TCCZs referred to in the Gazette regulations. Registered Tsitsikamma anglers are requested to adhere to the regulations as stipulated in the Gazette. These include:
- No fishing is allowed outside the demarcated areas and fishing within the TCCZs is not allowed without a valid SANParks registration card.
- Bona fide registered Tsitsikamma anglers may only be within the park during normal gate times as specified in the Protected Areas Act. No fishing is allowed outside the specified times
- Only access routes and pathways specified by SANParks may be used to access and exit the MPA
- All litter and waste must be removed from the park
- Anglers must stick to bag limits as per the regulations for both bait and fish species
- Anglers must have valid permits and registration cards available with them at all times should these be requested by SANParks officials
- Fishing may only take place from the shore and only using a rod and reel or handline.
- Only registered Tsitsikamma anglers may collect bait and only using bait-collecting implements as specified in the MLRA bait-collecting permits.
- Various monitoring initiatives will be implemented to evaluate the social and ecological outcomes of recreational resource use as specified in these regulations. Registered Tsitsikamma anglers are requested to support these initiatives.
‘All regulations as published in the Gazette must be adhered to. In addition, SANParks will erect signage and posters to guide and aid anglers.’
Boilerplate: All five of South Africa’s MPAs with a coastal boundary declared since 2003 when South Africa hosted the World Parks Congress which contributed to a new vision for MPAs, have allowed recreational line fishing from at least part of the coastline, in the knowledge that this access often catered for poorer communities.
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