BEING A RESPONSIBLE ANGLER

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Important points worth remembering of how to be a responsible angler

In an attempt to create greater angler awareness and custodianship of South Africa’s marine fish resources, WWF South Africa and their Fish4Life initiative partnered with specialists from the South African Shark Conservancy, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Rhodes University and the Oceanographic Research Institute to develop some important points for anglers to consider. This is what they came up with:

The responsible angler not only adheres to recreational permit conditions and regulations but also adopts an ethical code of conduct to ensure they are going above and beyond the rules to reduce the impacts of angling. 

 

A responsible recreational angler:

1. Has a valid recreational angling permit and is familiar and  compliant with the relevant regulations;
2. Seeks information and remains informed about the status of marine resources and the impacts of angling on species and habitats;
3. Is adaptable to change and embraces recommendations made by informed researchers and fishery managers;
4. Acts responsibly when exposed to activities that will negatively impact on the conservation of marine resources;
5. Collects bait with the minimum disturbance to the environment;
6. Only keeps fish and bait sufficient for their immediate needs and does not sell fish;
7. Quickly and humanely kills fish that are retained to ensure the least amount of suffering;
8. Handles all fish that are to be returned to the sea, regardless of species, in a way that ensures their best chance of survival;
9. Uses equipment and tackle that minimises stress and injury to fish, especially when practising catch and release;
10. Appreciates the environmental and social value of a healthy environment and always disposes of unwanted fishing line and plastics appropriately leaving the fishing area in the same or better condition than when he/she arrived;
11. Reports illegal activities including poaching, environmental destruction and pollution events, to the relevant authorities;
12. Uses established legal roads and tracks when accessing fishing areas;
13. Is considerate of other legitimate marine users and respects their right to access marine resources;
14. Educates others, especially children, in sustainable fishing practices; and
15. Is a role model to other anglers and always leads by example.

 

As members of the ORI-CFTP it our hope that you will adopt these 15 points and lead by example!