Travel Destinations and Holiday Accommodation
The Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park
kwaZulu Natal South Africa
Accommodation Album Contact Details
Fishing Report Elephant Coast StLuciaOrgZa
THE GREATER ST LUCIA WETLAND PARKFISHING JETS SKI ON HERITAGE SITE
December 15, 2006
The Greater St Lucia Wetland Authority in St Lucia has announced a new regulation that allows Fishing Jet Ski to operate in the Wetland Park Marine Protected Area with immediate effect. The new regulation, which will be on trial for a year to allow for this type of visitor use to be assessed, is intended for fishing jet ski purposes only. It will be limited per site on a first come first served basis. The areas and numbers of jet ski that may be used for fishing purposes are as follows:
Maphelane designated launch site 3 vessels
St Lucia temporary beach launch site* 5 vessels
Cape Vidal designated launch site 3 vessels
Sodwana Bay designated launch site 5 vessels
Operators must comply with all relevant legislation referred to in the Marine Living Resource Act (1998), the Protected Areas Act (2003) and NEMA Control of Vehicles in the Coastal Zone (2001). A daily permit issued by the relevant EKZNW officer on site is a prerequisite and operators will be expected to comply with lawful instructions issued to them by the Marine/Beach Control Officer.Mr Peter Dearling of the Ski Boat Club in Richards Bay said they were very excited with the new regulation and were looking forward to utilize the facilities at different parts of the park. "We are extremely grateful that the Wetland Authority has eventually issued these regulations. We worked on a lot of documentation in the past 13 months to make sure that the environment remains protected with jet ski fishing. We didn't want any irresponsible behaviour on the beach and at sea."
Jet ski fishing is a sport that is still in its infancy in South Africa, and although fairly expensive it is becoming very popular. Herbert Mthembu, Director of Park Operations for the Wetland Authority said, "We are excited to announce this new regulation. To ensure that visitor experience is protected, no jet ski will be allowed on the surf zone except for launching and beaching of a vessel at the designated sites. Self regulation by users is the starting point for compliance." To get a copy of full details of registration contact the Wetland Park Authority conservation compliance officer at hartleypete@mweb.co.za
For more information contact:
Pontso Pakkies
Media Officer
Wetland Authority
035 590 1633
083 760 3667
No comments:
Post a Comment