With horror scenes of a dead cormorant hanging on a fishing line from a tree and an Egyptian goose’s legs entangled in fishing line, the City of Cape Town calls on the public to respect existing no-fishing regulations at Rosendal dam in Bellville and Sonstraal dam in Durbanville.
In a recent incident, a cormorant was found dead, suspended from a tree by fishing line — “a stark and distressing reminder of the damage unregulated angling inflicts on local ecosystems”, according to a media release by the City’s recreation and parks department.
Over the previous weekend, another incident was reported by a resident at Sonstraal dam, where an Egyptian goose was found with its legs entangled in fishing line. Attempts were made to assist the bird, however, it returned to the water at the risk of further harm.
This incident was reported through the appropriate channel for further attention, according to the media release.
“Rosendal dam supports a variety of indigenous bird species such as cormorants, cattle egrets and Egyptian geese, as well as indigenous plants forming part of the larger aquatic ecosystem. Conserving this biodiversity is essential to the City’s broader environmental goals and community well-being.
“The City’s recreation and parks department is calling on the public to help protect Rosendal dam, a site marked for faunal and floral invasive species interventions, by respecting existing no-fishing regulations. Despite clear signage and regular patrols, illegal fishing continues to pose a serious threat to wildlife and undermine ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the area,” the City’s recreation and parks department urges.
Valid permit
“Importantly, fishing without a valid permit is illegal. According to City and CapeNature policy, all anglers must obtain a CapeNature recreational fishing licence. These regulations are in place to protect both fish populations and other dependent species within the ecosystem,” according to the media release.
Francine Higham, Mayco member for community services and health, says the incidents at Rosendal and Sonstraal dams are heartbreaking for local wildlife and reflect a blatant disregard for public space and environmental responsibility.
Report illegal activity
Hendri Terblanche, Ward 21 councillor, urges residents to report any illegal activity and support the City’s efforts to safeguard these important areas. “Our community deserves safe, healthy and thriving green spaces. Reports of illegal fishing – and the harm it causes to birds and other wildlife at Rosendal and Sonstraal dams – are deeply concerning,” he says.
The protection of public spaces remains a priority. Recently, law enforcement officers were on patrol at the Vierlanden dam Dog Park, and issued fines to individuals fishing illegally.
The public wishing to fish legally in the greater Durbanville region are encouraged to obtain a permit and fish only at designated City sites where angling is allowed, such as Door De Kraal dam in Bellville.
. If you witness illegal fishing or come across injured or deceased animals at any of the local dams within this region, or require more information regarding the permitting process, contact the City’s recreation and parks department at rp.enquiries@capetown.gov.za or report directly to law enforcement on 021 480 7700.
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