Responsible fishing encouraged this World Fisheries Day
World Fisheries Day is an Environmental Calendar Day celebrated every year on the 21st of November to highlight the importance of a sustainable means to maintain fish stocks. It highlights the critical importance of fish and the role it plays in job creation and economic impact.
Fishing is central to the livelihoods and food security of over 200 million people worldwide. This is especially so in the developing world. One of five people on this planet depends on fish as their primary source of protein. Looking closer to home, the fishing industry provides approximately 5 000 jobs in the Western Cape.
It is therefore vital that we conserve fish stocks as a primary resource. Currently less than two percent of the world’s oceans are protected. This makes the six Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) that are managed by CapeNature on behalf of the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries even more significant. These MPAs, i.e. Robberg, Goukamma, Stilbaai, De Hoop, Betty’s Bay and Rocherpan, aim to conserve marine life and promote the conservation and effective management of biodiverse marine areas.
Not only do MPAs conserve marine life and promote conservation, but it is also popular tourist destinations with angling as one of the favourite on the list of things to do. Recreational fishing is an extremely popular past time in the Western Cape, and it is therefore important that recreational fishermen also play their part to ensure that fish stocks are conserved and that they fish in a responsible manner. Fishing using rod and line is permitted in several of CapeNature’s reserves and the public are encouraged to always first check with the reserve if fishing is allowed and if so, ensure that they have the required permit. Anglers require recreational fishing licences to fish in public waters (sea, estuary, river). For inland waters a CapeNature angling permit is required, whereas a marine angling licence is needed to fish estuaries and the sea.
Being a responsible fisher also includes adherence to the rules and regulations that guide the type of fish caught. Catch and release is required for indigenous freshwater fishes. There is generally no bag or size limits for most alien fish species, but in some rivers, there are restrictions imposed by angling clubs. Information on bag limits and fish sizes can be obtained by visiting the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries website. Wherever you fish, know the relevant rules and regulations and have your permit on hand.
Fishermen aside, there is still a variety of ways in which the general public can help conserve fish stocks. Making more sustainable seafood choices is an easy way for everyone. When we choose to eat fish that are not under threat, the demand for species that are under threat becomes less. Another way in which the public can play their part is by reducing waste and litter or taking part in a beach clean ups. This will help minimise pollution, ensuring the overall health of our ecosystems including our fish stocks.
CapeNature would like to urge the public to play their part in the protection of our fish stocks and overall health of our fisheries.
Related News
Stewardship practitioners tackle mining, municipal and agricultural interfaces at annual CapeNature Stewardship Workshop
The 23rd Annual CapeNature Stewardship Peer Learning Workshop was held between 29 and 30 October 2026 under the theme "Stewardship Interface: Connecting with Key Stakeholders – Where, How and Why." The workshop brought together 75 delegates representing 26 organisations and provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and capacity building among stewardship practitioners. Designed to strengthen practitioners' understanding of
Relax and explore another day on us this Black Friday
Make the most of the season with our Black Friday 3-for-2 accommodation promotion at select nature reserves. It's the perfect excuse to slow down, unwind, and enjoy everything our unique accommodation and on-site amenities have to offer - ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends. Spend your evening beneath starry skies in the Cape Karoo, soak up the warm weather and mountain pools of the Overberg, or take a scenic drive along the West Coast, where blue skies, vibrant landscapes, nearby beaches, or a private pool awaits.
Green Noise named SA Podcast Awards finalist
Green Noise, CapeNature's podcast, has been named a finalist in the Best Education category at the 2026 South African Podcast Awards. The podcast is one of five finalists in the category, competing alongside Pippa Hudson's Curriculum Bootcamp and Dr Carra's The Paws & Effect Podcast, among others. Finalists are scored across six criteria: concept and originality, content quality, host performance, structure and pacing, audience connection and production quality. Each entry is scored blind by an independent panel of judges.
CapeNature to phase out trade in California kingsnakes
CapeNature is phasing out trade in California kingsnakes (Lampropeltis californiae) in the Western Cape over a two-year transition period that began on 1 April 2026, after a risk assessment classified the species as high risk for invasion. Animals already lawfully held may remain in captivity for the remainder of their natural lives. The assessment, which used the Bomford (2008) rapid risk assessment model, identified the potential for ecological disruption and competition with indigenous species should
HeliHack volunteers clear 5 334 invasive pines from Boosmansbos
Twenty-three volunteers were flown by helicopter into the remote upper slopes of the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area from 23–25 October 2026, where they cut down 5 334 invasive alien pine trees across 904 hectares. The operation, led by the HeliHack Initiative in partnership with CapeNature, comes as the region is still recovering from the wildfires of 2025. With the South African Weather Service forecasting a strong El Niño and warmer, drier conditions through the 2026/27 summer, the fire risk in the months
CapeNature welcomes conviction of Cape Town woman in case involving 145 reptiles
CapeNature welcomes the successful conviction of Mrs Jacqueline Hewett of Woodstock, Cape Town, on all six charges relating to the unlawful acquisition, possession and keeping in captivity of 145 reptiles. The offences involved snakes, geckos and lizards, including protected, endangered, alien invasive and prohibited species, kept at a shop in Lower Main Road, Observatory and her residence in Woodstock in March 2023.