Recreational Fishing Brochure

Published by Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

This pamphlet summarizes the regulations that apply to recreational fishing in South Africa’s marine and estuarine environments. The information provided here is not complete and may change from time to time. For full details of the Marine Living Resources Act (Act No. 18 of 1998) and regulations promulgated thereunder, contact your local fishery control officer. In terms of the Marine Living Resources Act (Act 18 of 1998), the Department of Environmental Affairs is responsible for the management of marine living resources and their environment. Part of this function is delegated to provincial authorities and statutory bodies. Special regulations may govern some estuaries and river mouths, National Parks, and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park. These can be obtained from the Chief Directorate Environmental Management, Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, Eastern Cape Department of Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism, Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, South African National Parks, and iSimangaliso Wetland Park (Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) as the case may be.

In terms of the abovementioned Act, each recreational fisher and certain other user groups must pay for the right to use marine resources by buying a recreational permit/fishing permit. These funds will be used for research, compliance and management.

The natural marine living resources of South Africa, as well as the marine environment, are national assets and the heritage of our people. Help us to look after our marine resources.

For more information and to download the brochure: http://www.daff.gov.za/daffweb3/Branches/Fisheries-Management/Marine-Resource-Management/Recreational-Fishing