Fisheries Minister George welcomes SCA ruling upholding ban on drone fishing
The department said the ruling was a significant victory for the protection of marine ecosystems, and the enforcement of regulations designed to safeguard natural resources.
Small boats dock at the Hout Bay fishing harbour in Cape Town. Picture: Ashraf Hendricks/GroundUp
JOHANNESBURG - Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Minister Dion George has welcomed the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling upholding the ban on drone fishing.
Previously, the Gauteng Division of the High Court dismissed an application brought by business entities that manufacture, import, market, and sell angling equipment, such as drones and other remote-controlled bait-carrying devices.
The SCA has ruled that only manual methods of fishing are allowed.
The department said the ruling was a significant victory for the protection of marine ecosystems, and the enforcement of regulations designed to safeguard natural resources.
"The use of these devices for fishing has been illegal since 2005 and recreational anglers and members of the public have previously been warned that they could face enforcement action should they be caught using such," said department spokesperson Peter Mbelengwa.