Bazley welcomes new Marine Warden
This week, our newly appointed Marine Warden begins his training — a vital step in protecting our coastline. Funded by the Bazley Residents Association, this initiative marks a significant move towards preserving our marine environment and promoting sustainable fishing practices for future generations.
Our warden, Patrick Cele, will be trained under the guidance of Bazley resident Peter Bollaert, who is spearheading the project in partnership with the Bazley Conservancy team.
Patrick’s training will cover local marine ecology, fisheries regulations, species identification, conflict resolution, and effective public engagement. His mission? To be the eyes, ears, and voice of conservation along our stretch of the coast.
Why a Marine Warden?
As part of our ongoing commitment to conservation, the Bazley Residents Association has become increasingly concerned by the damage being done to our rocky shoreline – often through the use of destructive, illegal bait-collection methods. Mussels and other crustaceans are being ripped from the rocks, and entire ecosystems are being disturbed.
Ifafa’s once-thriving intertidal zone has already almost been stripped bare – and we are determined not to let the same thing happen in Bazley. This is why we’ve chosen to trial a Marine Warden, who will patrol the coastline during spring tides, when the most damage is done. His presence, we hope, will serve as both a deterrent and a source of education.
• STRICTLY NO SALE: It is illegal to buy or sell any “Red – Do Not Buy” species
• Daily Bag Limit: Maximum of 10 fish in total (all species combined)
• Permit Required: A valid recreational fishing permit is required at all times
• Report poaching: Notify the Bazley Emergency WhatsApp group
Useful links:
SASSI – Find information and inspiration to make sustainable seafood choices that drive positive change throughout the local seafood industry.
SAAMBR’s Oceanographic Research Institute – based at uShaka Marine World in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Much of the work of the institute is focused on the coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
Marine Recreational
Fishing Regulations
in South Africa – This document simplifies and summarises the regulations that apply to recreational line-fishing in South Africa’s
marine and estuarine environments.
Education: The first line of defence
One of Patrick’s key responsibilities will be education. He’ll actively engage with anglers, beachgoers, and residents – sharing clear, practical information about responsible fishing and, importantly, the protected status of many of our local fish species.
Friendly and approachable, Patrick will help ensure everyone understands not just the rules, but the reasons behind them.
Key species under protection
He will focus on educating the public about specific fish species that are either protected or subject to strict catch limits due to overfishing concerns. Some important regulations include:
| Fish Species | Min Size (cm) | Max Limit | SASSI Status | Conservation Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baardman | 40 | 5 | Red – Do Not Buy | |
| Galjoen | 35 | 5 | Red – Do Not Buy | |
| Zebra | 30 | 5 | Red – Do Not Buy | Least Concern |
| Bronze Bream | 30 | 2 | Red – Do Not Buy | Near Threatened |
| Blacktail | 20 | 5 | Red – Do Not Buy | Least Concern |
| Stonebream | No limit | 5 | Red – Do Not Buy | |
| Karanteen / Strepie | 15 | 10 | Red – Do Not Buy | Least Concern |
| Dusky Cob / Dagga Salmon | 60 | 1 | Red – Do Not Buy | Endangered |
| Shad / Elf | 30 | 4 | Red – Do Not Buy | Protected in KZN |
| Catface Rockcod | 50 | 5 | Yellow – Think Twice | Near Threatened |
| Yellowbelly Rockcod | 60 | 1 | Yellow – Think Twice | Vulnerable |
Crustacean Rules
The Marine Warden will also keep an eye on the following:
• Crayfish (East Coast Rock Lobster): Minimum carapace length 65mm. Max 8 per person. Closed season: 1 November – end of February
• Octopus: Max 2 per person
• Sealice: Max 30 per person
Bait Collection
Strict rules apply:
• Red bait/rock bait: Only cut pods in half — removal of entire pods is illegal
• Mussels: Max 30, collected by hand or knife only
• Worms and other bait: No habitat destruction permitted
A community effort
We urge everyone to welcome Patrick, cooperate with him, ask questions, and report any concerns about illegal fishing or environmental damage. Together, we can ensure Bazley’s marine life thrives.
Welcome aboard, Marine Warden! Bazley’s coastline is in better hands today.
