SANParks officials were monitoring the TMNP protected areas last Friday when their helicopter team detected potential poachers in the sea near the 12 Apostles Hotel in Camps Bay.
According to mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith, three suspects were arrested for poaching.
Mr Smith adds that SANParks was also holding an integrated operation within the area of Olifantsbos inspecting various commercial-styled fishing vessels.
“When one vessel was approached, crew were seen to be hurriedly disposing of a heavily laden sack. After boarding the vessel and inspecting the remaining contents, 1 382 lobster tails and 112 fish were discovered. The vessel and marine resources were seized and the six crew members arrested at Simon’s Town SAPS,” said Mr Smith.
“Our heritage of our rich coastal reserves need to be protected for our future generations to enjoy and our Law Enforcement teams will always support SANParks and related agencies as they undertake the daunting task of protecting our environment. As much as we need to protect our coastal waters, we also need to respect the power of the ocean,” he said.
