Bazley Joins Forces with the Coastal Marine Task Force
Illegal fishing, gillnetting and marine poaching pose a serious threat to the life along our coastline. The damage can extend well beyond the animals taken: illegal gillnets can trap and kill marine species indiscriminately. Protecting this environment requires vigilance, reliable reporting and cooperation with those equipped to respond.
The Coastal Marine Task Force (CMTF) is a volunteer organisation that supports the protection of South Africa’s coastal biodiversity. Its work includes coastal patrols, removing illegal gillnets and responding to reports of suspected poaching. CMTF works alongside environmental and law enforcement authorities across the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
The Bazley Residents Association is committed to working with CMTF to help protect our coastline and marine life. Several homeowners from the Bazley Poaching and Beach Incident team recently met with CMTF members to discuss how we can work together. Since that meeting, a number of homeowners have joined CMTF, strengthening the link between our community and the team working to address marine crime.
Our role is to observe and report, not to confront anyone. If you witness suspected illegal fishing, gillnetting or poaching, please keep a safe distance and report what you have seen to CMTF via WhatsApp on +27 67 962 5680. Their team has the experience to assess the situation and respond appropriately.
We will keep the community updated as our relationship with CMTF develops. We are also planning to put up signs at the entrances to Bazley’s beaches, so visitors know that our community supports CMTF’s work and takes marine crime seriously.
REPORT POACHING NOW
Witness illegal fishing, gillnetting or poaching? Report it to CMTF here. Tap the WhatsApp button on their contact page to send an alert with your GPS location.
