Sharkwatch SA Blog

A major win for South African shark species is the newly implemented slot size limits for all species of sharks targeted by line fishermen.

Issued on 14 January 2021 these updated regulations to the Traditional Linefish (Zone A) permit conditions by the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, will help further reduce pressure on declining shark species along the South African coastline. Under the new regulation it is completely illegal to catch and retain any shark species measuring more than 130cm total in length. This is the measured length (straight line) from the tip of the shark’s snout to the tip of its tail. The amendments allow for permitted line fish anglers to catch the more commercially valuable sizes and spare the larger potential breeders, which will ultimately ensure a more sustainable fishery. The penalty for catching oversized sharks will be a large fine, confiscation of the catch and confiscation of the angler’s line fishing permit.

These regulations will go a long way in preventing resource conflict such as the catching of bronze whaler sharks (which are all usually above 200cm TL) in areas designated for cage diving. Marine Dynamics, together with other operators, has been at the forefront of this discussion. “These regulations can be considered a big step forward for shark conservation and the ecological health of South Africa’s marine environment,” said Wilfred Chivell, owner of Marine Dynamics and founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust.



Read more about this topic on the previous blog post: Shark Conflict in Gansbaai - Sign the Petition