Restricting access for recreational WCRL fishers

Recreational fishing dates announced

SOUTH AFRICA: Recreational fishers need to plan smartly this summer if they want to stay on the right side of the law as the announced dates for catching West Coast Rock Lobster restrict opportunities to only 12 days.

Announcing the dates, the new Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp said that the dates had been determined taking into account the breeding season; alignment with weekends, public holidays and the festive season; and the timing of the low tide periods to maximise safe and responsible harvesting opportunities.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is expecting fishers to act responsibly and adhere to all applicable regulations. These include, but are not limited to, that fishing is prohibited on the days that are not included in the above list.

Furthermore, fishers must hold a valid recreational permit and follow the bag and size limits. These measures collectively support stock recovery trajectories and contribute to ensuring that utilisation remains within sustainable thresholds.

12 PERMITTED FISHING DATES:

◼︎ DECEMBER 2025: 20, 21, 27 and 28
◼︎ JANUARY 2026: 3, 4, 24, 25 and 31
◼︎ FEBRUARY 2026: 1
◼︎ MARCH 2026: 21, 22

Recreational West Coast Rock Lobster Permits can be purchased at any South African Post Office or online via the Department’s official e-permitting platform at the link below.

PHOTO: Adobe Photo Stock Licence

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