Fishermen in KwaZulu-Natal are sounding the alarm over the dwindling stocks of shad, urging anglers to practice responsible fishing amid concerns the closed season is not being respected.

This comes after the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) clarified the closure period for shad (Elf/Pomatomus saltatrix) fishing in South Africa on Friday.

The department aimed to clarify conflicting provisions in the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA) 1998 Regulations’ annexures, specifically for recreational fishing.

In January 2024, the department withdrew the Recreational Fishing Brochure, confirming the MLRA Regulations as the sole legal instrument for recreational fishing.

However, department spokesperson Thobile Zulu-Molobi said the department has since noted inconsistencies between Annexure 2 and Annexure 7 of the MLRA Regulations in respect of the closed season for shad.

Annexure 2 states that the closed season for shad is from September 1 to November 30 in any year, both dates inclusive, while Annexure 7 states that the closed season is from October 1 to November 30.

According to Zulu-Molobi, both provisions are currently in force, creating uncertainty for recreational fishers.

After careful consideration, the department has confirmed that the closed season will be interpreted and enforced based on Annexure 7 to ensure fair implementation and legal certainty.

“The closed season for shad (elf) is from 1 October to 30 November each year. This interpretation is supported by the fact that Regulation 22 (Recreational Fishing) refers directly to Annexure 7, and that Annexure 7 was introduced later (by Government Notice R329 in Government Gazette 27453 of 6 April 2005), and the two-month closure has been consistently applied in practice,” said Zulu-Molobi.

The department will initiate a process to formally align and rectify the conflicting provisions in the MLRA Regulations to avoid further confusion, she stated.

Veer Hiramun, administrator of the Facebook group Fishing DBN-South Africa, with a membership of more than 120,000, said everyone is confused about the closure period.

Hiramun said generally, the closure is from October 1 to November 30, but there has been hearsay on social media that some people have been fined.

“I know along the South Coast some officials were wanting to fine fishermen, saying that it was closed,” he said.

He said they all follow the MLRA regulations, and whatever it states will stand in a court of law.

One fisherman in the group asked for confirmation about the closure period: “For the sake of public awareness, does anyone know that the closed season for shad has been extended to three months (1 September – 30 November)?”

Hiramun added: “When we contacted the department, they didn’t know anything about it.” 

Zulu-Molobi highlighted that shad is a highly popular but vulnerable species among recreational fishers.

She said the closed season is a critical measure to protect adult breeding, prevent further resource depletion, and ensure stock recovery.

“The closure prohibits any person from catching, possessing, transporting, or selling shad during the closed season. Non-compliance undermines conservation measures and could result in stricter rules in future,” she said.

Hiramun said the closure period is important because shad, which carry between 1 – 2 million eggs, are most vulnerable while spawning.

“If the guys continue catching them during this period, the stocks will be depleted for future generations,” he said.

Angler Jace Govender issued a warning regarding the depletion of shad stocks.

He noted that four decades ago, shad were abundant and easily caught from any part of the beach, often in considerable sizes.

He stated that finding shad is difficult, even on good days, which indicates a depleted fish stock.

“The closed season is very important. It gives the shad a break to spawn so that we can replenish those fish stocks,” said Govender.

Govender, unfortunately, reported that some anglers fish during the closed season, while others take a large quantity of shad during the open season.

“We’re talking numbers like 20 to 30 shad per angler. Anglers need to practice more responsible fishing, catch and take what you need. Not take everything. Unfortunately, that is generally the practice by some anglers, not all. They do take more than the legal bag limit of four,” he said.

Govender called for more enforcement and policing, which is currently lacking, and more education on the shad and the shared stocks.

“The shad is very important in the ecosystem of the ocean. Shad are not only predators but also preyed on by other bigger fish. So, they are also a food source for a lot of other species,” he said.

Govender welcomed the closure, urging anglers to behave responsibly.

“Anglers need to act responsibly both inside and outside the ban and keep to four shad per person,” he urged.

Minister Dion George called on all resource users to respect the seasonal ban and act as ambassadors for compliance.

“Protecting shad now ensures that future generations will also enjoy the benefits of this iconic species,” said George.

karen.singh@inl.co.za

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