Recreational divers and fishermen have this season been given 13 designated days spanning December to March to bag West Coast Rock Lobster.
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has announced the official recreational fishing dates for the 2025/26 season.
The designated fishing days are 20, 21, 27 and 28 December, followed by 3, 4, 24, 25 and 31 January, 1 February, and concluding with 21 and 22 March. This season sees only one additional day compared to the previous season.
“These dates have been finalised following a thorough and science-based assessment to ensure that recreational opportunities are balanced with the long-term sustainability of our marine resources,” Aucamp said in the official announcement.
“The timing of these dates reflects careful consideration of several critical factors affecting both marine conservation and recreational access,” Aucamp said. “The Department has aligned the fishing periods with the West Coast Rock Lobster breeding season to avoid disrupting crucial reproductive cycles that are essential for species recovery.”
The selected dates also strategically coincide with weekends, public holidays and the festive season when most South Africans traditionally head to the coast for their annual holidays. Additionally, the timing has been coordinated with low tide periods to maximise safe and responsible harvesting opportunities for recreational fishers.
This scientific approach represents a significant shift toward evidence-based fisheries management, as the West Coast Rock Lobster population continues its recovery from historical overfishing pressures.
Despite the expanded access during holiday periods, strict regulations continue to govern recreational rock lobster harvesting. Fishing remains prohibited on all days not specifically included in the announced schedule, and all recreational fishers must possess valid permits before participating in any harvesting activities.
The Department said that adherence to established bag and size limits remains mandatory.
Recreational fishers are limited to a maximum of four rock lobsters per day, while transporting 20 lobsters at a time with a permit, on condition all permit holders are present.
To keep the crayfish population at a normal level, certain size restrictions must be adhered to. The minimum size is 80mm, which is measured from the tip of the centre horn to the end of the body (where the tail starts).
Violations of these regulations can result in substantial fines and potential criminal charges, as authorities maintain increased enforcement during the designated fishing periods.
Recognising the increased demand during the holiday season, the Department has made recreational West Coast Rock Lobster permits available through multiple channels. Fishers can purchase permits at any South African Post Office branch or through the Department’s official e-permitting platform at fishing.dffe.gov.za.
The online platform has been specifically designed to handle increased traffic during peak holiday periods, allowing families to secure their permits well in advance of their coastal trips.
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