MARINE
PROTECTION REINFORCED - South Africa introduces
speed chase vessel as part of 14th World Oceans
Day Celebrations
Department of Environmental Affairs and
Tourism
THURSDAY, 8 JUNE 2006: “The
increasing levels of poaching have been aided
by the use of high tech equipment and skilled
divers on the part of those robbing us of our
natural resources. We are determined to turn this
around and the introduction of the Florence Mkhize
speed chase vessel is yet another indication of
our determination to succeed”, said Minister of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Marthinus van
Schalkwyk as he launched the new vessel in Cape
Town today.
Drawing attention that it was
both National Environment Week and World Oceans
Day with events taking place across the country,
the Minister stated that "The world’s oceans
cover more than 70% of the planet’s surface. Pollution,
over-fishing, poaching, habitat loss, invasive
species, global warming are all elements that
impact negatively on our worlds oceans and we
have a responsibility to be innovative about combating
these anomalies. Today’s event should be seen
as but part of our various efforts to respond
to all these challenges”.
Talking about the vessel in
relation to the new technology employed by the
poachers, the Minister boasted the prowess that
the vessel was bringing to the anti-poaching campaign.
“The vessel is one of its kind and extremely fast
(Speeds in excess of 60 knots) and consists of
twin SeaTek 820 Kilo Watt engines” he said. It
is certified as less than 25 ton and is 14 meters
in length; the total cost of the vessel was R
3, 8 million.
Since there were no South Africans
able to operate the new vessel, a human resource
capacity boost programme was implemented. Its
result is that five (5) skippers completed a training
programme on how to handle the chase boat at high
speeds (In excess of 60 knots). Training included
throttle responses when going over a wave at 60
knots and what the effects are if it is not done
properly and all other high speed manoeuvring
of the vessel. It further involved planning a
navigation passage for a patrol and how to collate
this information into the Global Positioning System
(GPS). Training on other electrical equipment
was also included.
“The choice of name for the
vessel fits the description and the competence
of the strong and dedicated struggle icon, Florence
Mkhize” said the Minister as he likened the task
of the vessel to the role that Florence Mkhize
played in the fight against discrimination in
South Africa. “Alongside her sister vessels, the
Florence Mkhize will take up the fight against
poaching to ensure a better future for the people
of South Africa and especially those who rely
on fishing as a resource” said the Minister.
“New global efforts by scientists
and government officials are bringing attention
to the value of the world's oceans, the resources
they provide, and the need for ecosystem-based
management to address these threats” further added
the Minister.
The Overstrand Marines
The Overberg is considered as
one of the hot-spot areas for abalone poaching
along our coastline. The Department has committed
itself to cracking down on the poaching crisis
hence we had an agreement with the Overstrand
Municipality, funded by the Department over the
past three years to assist us in dealing with
the abalone poaching in this region.
However, the legal contract
between the DEAT and the Overstrand comes to an
end at the end of June 2006. The Municipality
has also indicated to DEAT that it can no longer
continue with the project due to its own operational
needs and functions. DEAT has acknowledged the
commitment and skills which has been acquired
and good work which has been done by the MARINES
over the recent years.
In its continuous endeavours
to improve compliance along our coast, DEAT has
decided to absorb the MARINES into its structures
- thereby increasing its own resources and capacity.
It is envisaged that the MARINES will be offered
a contract with the Department within the next
two weeks.
The MARINES will go through
the same screening process that our MCM officials
are subjected too - so as to ensure that all members
employed by the department will be beyond reproach.
This process is near completion.
Recent compliance stats
Statistics were also released
on recent enforcement and compliance operations.
During the past 3 months, three illegal abalone
warehouses were raided, resulting in 11 arrests,
7 of whom are Chinese nationals. Resources, technical
equipment and five vehicles confiscated valued
at more than R3m were seized and approximate 3
tons of abalone were confiscated during these
raids.
Increased tip-offs from community members have
further contributed to success in various parts
of the coastal areas.
East Coast: 118 arrests; assets:
46 vehicles; 6 vessels; 41 freezers; 73258 units
of abalone; 292 units of shark fins.
West Coast: 101 arrests; assets:
3 boats; 961 units; 2170 rock lobster
South West Coast ( Cape Town
and surrounds) : 99 arrests; 11 vehicles; 6 freezers;
86866 units; 2166 rock lobster;
Overberg: 329 arrests; 32 vehicles;
60126 abalone; 1737 west coast rock lobster
The departments’ special investigation
unit has further made 29 arrests, confiscated
10 vehicles; 2 vessels; 14 freezers; 2 firearms
and 10035 units abalone. The unit has also launched
an investigation involving restaurants after arrests
were made of suspects trading with illegal harvested
marine resources. A trail is expected to commence
in July.
In separate incidents the Hermanus
Court in the Western Cape has sentenced 3 accused
to direct imprisonment during April 2006. A total
of 24 770 abalone units were seized.
