No less than 5 989 West Coast Rock Lobster (WCRL) tails and 100 whole ones were found in a white Toyota Etios with a CEM registration on the R44, Clarence Drive, Betty’s Bay during a stop-and-search operation.
Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’ Neill said Law Enforcement officers arrested the man on 20 June for possession of crayfish. “Rock lobster populations are low, and only limited numbers of the crayfish may be caught.
“Those found with more than four may face fines or arrest, as this is the maximum number any permit holder is allowed to fish for. Recreational fishermen are also not allowed to sell their catch.”
A press release from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) said no person catching WCRL with a recreational permit may sell his/her catch and any WCRL caught, collected or transported must be kept in a whole state. “Twenty WCRLs, maximum, may be transported per day on condition the people catching them are present in the vehicle, vessel or aircraft and have their recreational WCRL permits.”
