Cape Town’s sea life has had a trying time this week, as an eight-metre long Bryde’s Whale was discovered floating in the waters near Glencairn in Simon’s Town.
According to Wayne Dyason, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement spokesperson, the whale was dead on discovery. “The cause of death is unknown but an autopsy will be done to determine the cause of death,” he said.
Law Enforcement officers in Melkbos Strand were also successful in foiling the plans of illegal fishers.
Two men were observed entering the waters of Melkbos in full diving equipment, and officers suspected that they were fishing illegally. This hunch proved to be right as they were found to be in possession of undersized West Coast Rock Lobsters, as well as abalone.
The West Coast Rock Lobster, or colloquially referred to as ‘kreef’, is an endangered lobster species as a result of overfishing.
The illegal fishers, both natives of the Melkbos Strand area, were charged with fishing or possession of abalone without a permit, fishing or possession of undersized abalone, and fishing or possession of undersized west coast rock lobster.
They were also charged with the possession or transport of rock lobster without a permit.
Picture: Supplied/City of Cape Town