"South Africa Takes Strong Stand Against Illegal Shark Longline Fishing"

South Africas Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has taken decisive action against illegal shark longline fishing, emphasizing its commitment to ocean conservation and shark species protection.

On June 25, 2025, Fishery Control Officers in South Africa inspected a longline fishing vessel and found it in violation of permit condition 5.1(h) regarding shark catch.
The inspection revealed that the vessel failed to properly manage its catch of sharks, including skates and St Joseph, threatening the sustainability of these species.
The decisive action taken by the DFFE underscores South Africas dedication to protecting shark populations and maintaining the integrity of its fisheries in the ocean.

Why It Matters

This event highlights the ongoing struggle against illegal fishing practices that jeopardize marine biodiversity. Protecting sharks and other ocean species is crucial for ecological balance and the health of fisheries.