Issued by: The Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
20 August 1997
CABINET APPROVES JOINT OPERATION TO ENFORCE SOUTH AFRICA'S EEZ AROUND PRINCE EDWARD ISLANDS
On 20 August 1997, the Cabinet approved plans to mount a joint operation by the Department of Environmental Affairs, the South African Defence Force (Navy ad Airforce), Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Justice, to enforce South Africa's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around the Prince Edward Islands. The primary objective of this operation is to counteract high levels of illegal fishing which have been reported in the Zone. Such illegal fishing prejudices South Africa's economic rights and is likely to severely reduce available fish resources around the Islands.
Over the past two years, there has been a growing interest in the fishing of the Patagonian Toothfish in the south Atlantic anc Antarctica, including the South African EEZ around the Prince Edward Islands. Reports indicate that it is the Patagonian Toothfish that is being specifically targeted by the illegal fishing vessels, due to the high prices the fish fetches in international markets. South America had in the past, also experienced a great interest in the fishing of the Patagonian Toothfish in their waters. Their stocks of the fish are now practically non-existent - hence the apprehension of the South African government with regard to the illegal fishing in the Prince Edward Islands EEZ and the decision to implement urgent steps to curb these illegal activities.
Since 1996, there have been numerous sightings, reports and observations of illegal vessels in the EEZ of the Prince Edward Islands, operating without any authorisation from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. It is calculated that these vessels could have removed as much as 5 000 tonnes of Toothfish from the EEZ, valued at about $US 20 million (R90 million).
Since 1996, there have been numerous sightings, reports and observations of illegal vessels in the EEZ of the Prince Edward Islands, operating without any authorisation from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. It is calculated that these vessels could have removed as much as 5 000 tonnes of Toothfish from the EEZ, valued at about $US 20 million (R90 million).
In contrast, legitimate South African operators have only been permitted to remove 2 400 tonnes of Toothfish in the interests of ensuring the sustainable utilisation of the resource. The illegal fishing of the Toothfish is prejudicing South Africa's economic opportunities and is contrary to South Africa's national interest. The Cabinet has therefore decided that the formation of a joint operation between the relevant departments will be established as a matter of top priority, to enforce legislation and to deter the high levels of illegal fishing.
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM
For further information contact:
Cassandra Gabriel, Public Relations Officer - (021) 457 240 / 082 573 4168