Image: Unsplash /William Daigneault
South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal has upheld a ban on using drones, bait-carrying remote-controlled boats, and other remotely operated devices in fishing operations.
This decision reinforces the regulations under the Marine Living Resources Act of 1988.
Minister of SA’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), Dr. Dion George, welcomed a ruling crucial for protecting marine ecosystems.
“This ruling is a significant victory for the protection of our marine ecosystems and the enforcement of regulations designed to safeguard our natural resources,” he said.
The Supreme Court of Appeal also stated that lawful fishing requires a valid permit, strict adherence to daily bag limits, and specified methods. Any deviation is deemed unlawful.
Historically, business entities involved in the manufacture, import, and sale of angling equipment, including drones, have challenged the prohibition.
These applications were dismissed by The Gauteng Division of the High Court under the regulation of the Marine Living Resources Act of 1988.
However, In February 2022, a public notification about the illegal use of these devices was issued, stating that recreational fishers had been using bait-carrying drones, bait-carrying remote-controlled boats and remotely operated vehicles to catch fish and sharks illegally.
As per the DFFE, the use of drones and similar equipment for fishing has been illegal since 2005 and several warnings have been issued to recreational fishers who have evaded the law.
“We believe that the ban on drones and remote-controlled devices in marine environments is crucial in preserving the delicate balance of our oceans and protecting vulnerable species,” states the DFFE.
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