Legislation in South Africa would classify brown trout and rainbow trout as invasive species, so – according to industry spokesmen – fly fishermen would be obliged to kill every trout they caught.
From The Times:
Reserve Bank governor Tito Mboweni and thousands of other fly-fishing fans will be forced to hang up their tackle if draft regulations on trout fishing become law.
The proposed legislation could result in brown and rainbow trout being reclassified as an invasive species or even placed on the list of prohibited species.
If this were to happen, the country’s multimillion-rand trout industry would collapse, as it would be illegal for anyone to either farm trout or fish for the species, industry players said this week.
The government view seems to be that native species should be protected, so aquaculturists would be required to acquire expensive permits, and fishermen would be required to kill any trout they caught.
Sonja Meintjes, deputy director for biodiversity compliance in the Department of Environmental Affairs, said trout industry concerns would be accommodated “in a way that will not harm the environment”.
See you on the bike route, Tom Chandler.
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Hey Tom, I as a South african fly fisherman, along with others are a bit concerned about the proposed new legislation, but like with any new legislation its got to be implemented, and with our current government?With their gross incompetence? Theres no worries here, our trout are all safe for now. I think its just a ploy for government to get their hands into a lucrative industry. If I remember correctly doesnt this proposed act only apply to certain systems not the whole of S.A? So this now prompts me to go off, do some research and another idea for a future post. Great blog by the way.. Tight lines.
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Jody: Thanks for updating us. If you find out anything more, please don’t hesitate to let us all know. It’s an issue worth tracking.
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