3 poachers convicted

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM
MEDIA STATEMENT
Immediate release
5 March 2008
Contact : Mava Scott 0824119821
Carol Moses 0828293917
3 poachers convicted for catching prohibited line fish species, Seventy-four
Three men were convicted in the East London magistrates court today, Wednesday 4 March 2008 for illegally fishing a prohibited line fish species, Sevent-four, a collapsed line fish species currently battling to recover since 1998.
Seventy-four is a line fish species which is endemic to South African waters only. It was one of the primary line fish targeted catches from the 50's to the 70's and is the only line fish species for which a complete moratorium has been declared since 1998 after complete commercial collapse. This was even before the line fish sector has been declared to be in a state of emergency by the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism in 2000.
The complete moratorium means no fishing is allowed of the species, whether recreationally or commercially.
For the past decade the Seventy-four has shown no significant signs of recovery as it takes generations to rebuild stocks to sustainable levels.
From a total of 50 commercially exploitable line fish species in South Africa nineteen have collapsed. South Africa has over 200 species with a substantial
number of species endemic, which places even greater responsibility in order to ensure the sustainability and survival of the species.
Scientists estimate that globally 75% of global fish stocks are either exploited at maximum levels or are over exploited. It takes up to 10 years for a single fish to mature reproductively.
The three men were found with 7 units of reasonably matured Seventy-four in their possession. The men were fined R1000 each or 100 days imprisonment, suspended for four years. Commenting about the outcome, Mr Mava Scott, the Spokesperson for the department welcomed the conviction but was cautious about minor sentences for such serious criminal acts:
"Although we are very happy that these criminals were convicted, we believe that stronger sentences should be meted out to send clear powerful messages that we will not tolerate the plundering of our natural heritage which is already under such severe pressure." he said.
He added that capacity building collaborations with the Justice College which falls under the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, will further be strengthened this year, with training efforts being intensified for magistrates and prosecutors on environmental crime in South Africa".
Issued by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism on 5 March 2008
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