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Date : 08/06/2006
Source: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Title: van Schalkwyk: World Oceans Day


  Marine Protection Reinforced; South Africa introduces speed chase vessel as part of 14th World Oceans Day Celebrations

"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 kilowatt engines," he said. It is certified as less than 25 ton and is 14 metres in length; the total cost of the vessel was R3, 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 Department of Environmental Affairs Tourism (DEAT) and the Overstrand comes to an end at the end of June 2006. The Municipality has also indicated to Department of Environmental Affairs Tourism that it can no longer continue with the project due to its own operational needs and functions. Department of Environmental Affairs Tourism 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, Department of Environmental Affairs Tourism 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 Marine and Coastal Management (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 three months, three illegal abalone warehouses were raided, resulting in 11 arrests, seven of whom are Chinese nationals. Resources, technical equipment and five vehicles confiscated valued at more than R3 m 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; 73 258 units of abalone; 292 units of shark fins.
West Coast: 101 arrests; assets: 3 boats; 961 units; 2 170 rock lobster
South West Coast (Cape Town and surrounds): 99 arrests; 11 vehicles; 6 freezers; 86 866 units; 2 166 rock lobster;
Overberg: 329 arrests; 32 vehicles; 60 126 abalone; 1 737 west coast rock lobster

The Department’s special investigation unit has further made 29 arrests, confiscated 10 vehicles; 2 vessels; 14 freezers; 2 firearms and 10 035 units abalone. The unit has also launched an investigation involving restaurants after arrests were made of suspects trading with illegal harvested marine resources. A trial 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.

For more information on vessels statistics, please visit our website at http://www.deat.gov.za

Enquiries:
JP Louw
Chief Director Communications
Cell: 082 569 3340

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
8 June 2006
   

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