This is after media reports incorrectly suggested that South Africa plans to diverge from the international consensus on the trade of ivory and rhino horns.

This comes ahead of the upcoming 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20), which will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 24 November – 5 December 2025.

“Our policy is guided by science, ethics, and global cooperation, not by commercial interest,”  statement from the DFFE said.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said: “South Africa will not support any move to reopen the ivory or rhino horn trade. Our duty is to protect our wildlife, not to profit from their destruction.”

South Africa’s approach to elephant and rhino conservation is grounded in sustainability, protection of biodiversity, and support for communities who live alongside wildlife.

The department said it will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to combat poaching, dismantle trafficking networks, and strengthen wildlife law enforcement.

“South Africa has a proud record of responsible conservation management under CITES. Our engagement in CITES processes aims to protect species, maintain ecological integrity, and ensure that conservation delivers long-term social and economic benefits.”

The department stressed that any suggestion that they seek to weaken international agreements or undermine collective conservation efforts is without basis.

“The DFFE’s priority is clear and this is to secure a future where elephants, rhinos and people can thrive together.”

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The fisherman was arrested on the Strandfontein pavilion on Friday 24 October in a sting operation conducted by law enforcement officers and DFFE Fishery Control Officers in in collaboration with the City of Cape Town Marine Unit.

“It is encouraging to note that the arrest followed reports from concerned members of the public regarding the illegal drone fishing activities in False Bay,” said DFFE Minister Dr Dion George.

“This is the kind of zero-tolerance approach that will enhance our enforcement efforts.”

The Minister said the accused holds a valid permit endorsed for recreational angling, which only authorises manually operating a rod, reel and line as defined in the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998.

“However, the use of a drone is not authorised, as stipulated in the conditions of the permit. Officers confiscated the drone, which will be used as evidence in court proceedings.”

According to the department, the enforcement action follows the Supreme Court of Appeal’s ruling on 16 July 2024, upholding the ban on the use of drones, bait-carrying remote-controlled boats and other remotely operated devices in fishing operations.

The department explained that the use of these drones for fishing has been illegal since 2005, and recreational anglers and members of the public have previously been warned that they could face enforcement action should they be caught using such devices.

The department stated that it remains committed to the conservation and sustainable management of South Africa’s marine resources.

“We believe that the ban on drones and remote-controlled devices in marine environments is crucial in preserving the delicate balance of our oceans and protecting vulnerable species.”

The Minister has emphasised that enforcement capabilities and partnerships will continue to be strengthened to ensure that those who exploit natural resources face the full consequences of the law.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every officer and partner involved in these operations. Their hard work and sacrifices are crucial in safeguarding South Africa’s marine biodiversity,” added George.

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The post Authorities arrest two for possession of abalone worth R7 million appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

“We commend the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Monitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS) Unit, working together with the South African Police Service (SAPS), for their vigilance, and for ensuring that the confiscated abalone was safeguarded until it was weighed, tagged and transported to the departmental storage facilities,” Singh said on Wednesday 14 August.

This follows the arrest of a man found in possession of 27 black plastic bags containing a total of 13 661 dry abalone.

On 5 August 2024, the MCS unit based in Port Alfred was called out to Makhanda following the discovery of the poached abalone during a stop-and-search by the SAPS.

The department said the MCS Unit will continue to work with law enforcement and other stakeholders to curb the illegal trade of marine living resources through Operation Phakisa’s Initiative 5 – Compliance and Enforcement.

Departmental officials will also heighten participation in community awareness programmes by visiting schools to educate the youth on the sustainable utilisation of marine living resources.

“I urge every South African to be vigilant and report any environmental crimes to the authorities. It is crucial that our communities work hand in hand with law enforcement agencies to protect our marine resources,” Singh said.

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