The government has condemned the “illegal and indiscriminate” harvesting of west coast rock lobster after a vessel was caught offshore with more than 2,600 tails.
The vessel was apprehended on Tuesday in the Overberg region during a joint enforcement operation by the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment in co-operation with SAPS, Overberg law enforcement, CapeNature and SANParks.
It was carrying 2,679 west coast rock lobster tails, including 125 tails from egg-bearing females. Authorities suspect additional suspects and vessels are involved.
West coast rock lobster, also known as Jasus lalandii, has suffered from historical overfishing, decrease in growth and environmental changes.
“The illegal and indiscriminate harvesting of the west coast rock lobster resource is threatening the sustainability of the resource and the communities who depend on it,” said forestry, fisheries and environment minister Dion George.
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