Important Information for Fishermen Visiting Our Shores
Welcome to Bazley. To ensure the sustainable utilization of our fish resources, it’s essential to comply with effective fisheries regulations based on sound scientific advice and ecological information.
Click here to download the Fisheries Regulations Guide
This document simplifies and summarizes the regulations that apply to recreational line-fishing in South Africa’s marine and estuarine environments.
Closed Seasons
- Shad/Elf: 1st October – 30th November
- Red Steenbras: 1st October – 30th November
- Galjoen: 15th October – Last day of February
General Regulations
- Other than a facemask and snorkel, no person shall use any artificial breathing apparatus for fishing.
- No person shall engage in fishing, collection or disturbance of any fish by means of a gaff, spear, club, flail, stick, stone or similar instruments, although with the right permit one may spear up to five sole per day.
- Except when fishing for octopus, cuttlefish or squid, no person shall engage in fishing by the jerking of a hook or jig in the sea.
- No person shall disturb, catch or kill dolphins or whales and must not approach closer than 300 metres from whales.
- Unless in possession of the correct permit, no person shall engage in the collection or removal of any aquatic plants, shells or shell grit from the sea or seashore.
Online Recreational Fishing Permit Application Now Live
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has launched an online platform for recreational fishing permits. Fishers can now apply for monthly and annual permits easily from anywhere.
Key Benefits:
- No need to travel to a post office.
- Choose your permit type and validity period.
- Process payments and download your permit online.
Background: The online solution was developed to address challenges in issuing permits through the South African Post Office (SAPO). Despite the closure of several SAPO branches, this platform ensures public accessibility to purchase permits electronically. It complements the existing SAPO-issued permits for those without internet access.
Access the online solution here:
- Link to access the online platform: https://www.fishing.dffe.gov.za
- Download » a detailed user guide explaining how to navigate the platform [PDF – 1,206 kb]
