South Africa: Commercial Fishing Under Way In Protected Areas

Commercial fishing is being carried out within five of South Africa's declared marine protected areas (MPAs), the department of environmental affairs conceded. "Commercial fishing is allowed in parts of five MPAs... The areas include parts of the West Coast MPAs, the Table Mountain MPA and Aliwal Shoal," the department's marine and coastal management (MCM) branch said. It also noted the figure of five MPAs had yet "to be verified". MCM could not immediately give full details of what species were being targeted, and what tonnage caught, saying only key species "do include West Coast rock lobster and linefish (i.e. inshore species)". On the types and scale of commercial activities within MPAs, and whether or not rights had been issued, it said "checking is needed and details cannot be provided here at short notice"...