Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
With regard to abalone poaching in the province:
(a) What measures is his Department taking to curb abalone poaching, (b) how has his Department engaged with the national government to address this issue and (c) to what extent has the support received from the national government been sufficient?
- Departmental officials together with members of other enforcement units such as the national Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) lead operational planning and implementation based on the Five Pillar Approach (Intelligence generation, Pro-active operations, Reactive operations, Investigations and Awareness). Planning meetings take place on a weekly basis in order to address ever changing poaching tactics.
The Western Cape is making good progress with regards to anti-poaching as well as investigating alternative income generation opportunities for those or the families of those involved in the sector.
- Departmental officials work together with officials from National, Provincial and Local Government within the auspices of Phakisa Operations. National Government supports Phakisa Operations by providing human resources and equipment.
Departmental officials have recently participated in a process aimed at developing an Abalone Strategy for South Africa. This is linked to improved enforcement but also to the creation of alternative income generation opportunities for the sector such as Aquaculture which will include ranching. Inclusive decision-making processes will also be created by National Government.
- The National Government has provided specialised human resources that are deployed in the Western Cape as well as specialised equipment or enforcement platforms such as helicopters, specialised camera systems and drones. In addition to this, National Government together with all role-players has prioritised the development of an Abalone Strategy.
