cross-posted from: mander.xyz/post/49259658
Four Chinese-flagged fishing vessels that entered South Africa’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and territorial waters without the required authorisation have been intercepted and fined.
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The vessels repeatedly switched their Automatic Identification System (AIS) on and off. “This is a violation of South African regulations requiring foreign vessels to keep AIS active while transiting national waters. AIS is a critical safety system used to ensure navigational awareness and prevent collisions at sea,” the DFFE noted.
The vessels – Zhong Yang 231, Zhong Yang 232, Zhong Yang 233, and Zhong Yang 239 – were placed under guard by South African Police Service (SAPS) Tactical Team members and Fishery Control Officers at the Port of Cape Town anchorage while compliance processes were finalised between DFFE and the vessel owner, Shenzhen Shuiwan Pelagic Fisheries Co. Ltd.
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Based on the available evidence, there were reasonable grounds to suspect non-compliance with the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998, the DFFE said. The Masters of the vessels were charged and an administrative penalty of R400 000 was imposed. The vessel owner subsequently paid the fine, after which the vessels were released and have departed South African waters.
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, welcomed the swift … “South Africa will not tolerate the unlawful use of its maritime zones,” said Aucamp. “We remain resolute in safeguarding our marine resources and ensuring that our ports are not perceived as ports of convenience. Compliance with our laws is non-negotiable.”
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Andrew de Blocq, Democratic Alliance (DA) Spokesperson for Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, welcomes the interception and fining of the vessels. “For years, concerns have been raised that foreign fishing fleets may be operating illegally in South African waters by switching off AIS transponders while inside the EEZ. Although illegal fishing could not be proven in this instance, the behaviour observed in this case underscores the importance of vigilant maritime monitoring and enforcement,” he said.
“Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing remains one of the most serious threats to the sustainability of South Africa’s marine resources. It undermines fisheries management, threatens marine ecosystems, and jeopardises the livelihoods of South Africans who depend on the ocean economy for jobs, food security, and cultural heritage,” Blocq said in a statement.
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