Provincial angling regulations introduced

KZN Wildlife has announced the following angling regulations, placed on the Tourism KwaZulu Natal website: The new fish size and bag limits still allow the angler to catch a diversity of fish while minimising the exploitation of any species. The closed season for crayfish is from 1 November to the last day in February the following year. Galjoen may not be kept if caught from 15 October to 22 November. The Marine Living Resources Act, introduced in September, 1998, by the Department of Sea Fisheries, consolidates the Sea Fisheries Act and provincial nature conservation ordinances which previously regulated marine resource use, as well as providing for a number of new regulations. The Marine Living Resources Act conserves South Africa's marine life, controlling fishing so that stocks may be sustainably used. The Act ensures that any person harvesting any marine source needs a permit to do so. The harvesting of intertidal resources in KZN requires a specific permit issued by the KZN Wildlife. Permits are valid for 365 days from date of issue. Types of permits available are: National permits - general angling, spearfishing, marine aquaria, cast/throw net, mud crab, East and West Coast rock lobster, abalone, recreational fishing from a vessel. KZN invertebrate permits - mussel, octopus, oyster, sand/mud prawn, sea lice (mole crab), drag and hoop net. Permits are available from: South Coast - Mpenjati Nature Reserve, Shelley Beach and Scottburgh permit offices Durban - KZN Marine Permits Office, Stellawood Road North Coast - Umlalazi Nature Reserve, Richards Bay Game Reserve Zululand - Mapelane Nature Reserve, all camps at the St Lucia Wetland Park, Cape Vidal Nature Reserve, Kosi bay Nature Reserve Permits may also be obtained by writing to the KZN Marine Permits Office, PB X15, Congella, 4015. National permits are available at all South African post offices. Popular destinations include Cape Vidal, Kosi Bay, Mapelane, St Lucia estuary and Sodwana. The warm water coastline offers ski-boat launches at most beaches. KZN Wildlife staff are stationed along the entire coastline and in protected areas. Information pertaining to angling activities can be obtained from and KZN Wildlife officer. (Adéle Mackenzie)