Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
- What steps have his Department and CapeNature taken to assist in combating the poaching of crayfish and abalone along the Western Cape coast and (b) what additional measures can be implemented in collaboration with other spheres of government to enhance these efforts?
(a) CapeNature and Departmental officials, together with members of other enforcement units such as the national Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the South African Police Service (SAPS) and local Municipal Enforcement units, lead operational planning and implementation based on the Five Pillar Approach (Intelligence generation, Pro-active operations, Reactive operations, Investigations and Awareness). Planning meetings occur weekly to address ever changing poaching tactics. While poaching, an organised crime, continues, the levels specifically along the Overberg coastline, an Abalone and MPA hotspot, appear to have reduced with many of the poachers moving to the Eastern Cape.
- Departmental officials work together with officials from CapeNature, National, Provincial and Local Government within the auspices of Phakisa Operations. National Government supports Phakisa Operations by providing human resources and equipment.
Departmental officials and CapeNature participated in a process aimed at developing an Abalone Strategy for South Africa. This is linked to improved enforcement but also to the creation of alternative income generation opportunities for the sector such as aquaculture, which will include ranching. Inclusive decision-making processes will also be created by National Government. This strategy was approved in March 2025.
