Shark longlining vessel fined
Inspection highlights permit breaches
SOUTH AFRICA: A shark longline vessel has been fined following an inspection that revealed breaches to their fishing permits.
Following an inspection on 25 June 2025, Fishery Control Officers confirmed that the vessel had failed to comply with a permit condition which requires that all sharks, including skates and St Joseph, be landed with heads and fins naturally attached to allow for proper species monitoring.
The skipper was issued with an administrative fine for the offence. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is now finalising further administrative consideration and may take additional measures under section 28 of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998), including suspension or revocation of permits.
This enforcement action forms part of DFFE’s broader effort to strengthen ocean governance and restore accountability within the sector.
“The health of our oceans depends on the rule of law being upheld at sea. When we enforce the law, we protect not only sharks and marine ecosystems, but also the livelihoods of honest fishers and the future of our coastal communities. There can be no sustainable economy without accountability,” said Minister Dr Dion George.
South Africa’s shark populations are vital to the health of our oceans and the resilience of coastal communities. DFFE is strengthening compliance patrols, investing in enforcement capacity, and working with law-enforcement agencies to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
PHOTO: Shark meat for sale without fins – for illustrative purposes. (Source: Adobe Photo Stock Licence)
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