Fishermen who use vehicles on beaches during the annual sardine run in KwaZulu-Natal in June without permits will be arrested and have their vehicles seized.
Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Valli Moosa has warned vehicles will not be allowed on beaches during the annual sardine run in KwaZulu-Natal in June.
reported the minister said failure to heed his warning would result in the users being arrested and their vehicles seized.
Department spokesman Phindile Makwakwa said Moosa had received numerous applications from beach seine holders in KwaZulu-Natal wanting to use their vehicles on beaches during the annual sardine run in June.
“Net-fish right holders are hereby informed that only persons who have an exemption granted to them in terms of regulation 22 that control vehicle use in the coastal zone will be allowed to use vehicles on beaches,” said the minister.
Moosa said he noted that most applicants did not satisfy basic requirements of the regulations controlling vehicle use in the coastal zone.
Regulation 22 states that the applicant must show that the environment will not be harmed and the rights of the public to enjoy the beach will not be affected. The applicant must also prove that granting the exemption is in public interest.
The minister said right holders who use vehicles without an exemption would prejudice any future right allocation for beach seine.
