An Overstrand man has been busted on the R44 Clarence Drive with nearly 6000 West Coast Rock Lobster tails and 100 whole rock lobsters.
The municipality’s law enforcement officers arrested the man in Betty’s Bay on Thursday 20 June during a stop-and-search operation.
Rock lobster populations are very low, and only limited numbers of the crayfish may be caught. Those who are found with more than four crayfish 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.
According to the Department of Fisheries, a maximum of 20 West Coast Rock lobsters may be transported per day, on condition that all the persons who caught such rock lobsters are present in the vehicle, vessel or aircraft during transportation and that such persons are in possession of valid recreational permits.
The confiscated crayfish was handed in at the Kleinmond Police Station.
The Overstrand area is no stranger to illegal fishing operations.
In May 2024, several incidents of abalone poaching was also logged.
On 15 May, a law enforcement chase on the R43 / 7th Street in Voëlklip ended when a suspect ploughed his car into the Voëlklip circle in the early part of the evening.
About 5 262 units of abalone, packed in clear bags, were found inside the Nissan X-trail SUV, with an estimated street value of R1.27 million.
Alleged poachers are regularly targeted in the Hawston area.
