Media Release: Poachers’ loss is TMNP’s gain

A new anti-poaching patrol vessel was launched on 26 August 2009 by the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) Marine Section. Chief Director of Coastal Zone Management at Marine and Coastal Management Dr Razeena Omar launched the boat named the Jasus Lalandii, the Latin name for the West Coast Rock Lobster, at the Oceana Powerboat Club.

A series of events led up to the TMNP Marine Section being in the position to take ownership of this vessel to patrol and protect its coastal zone from poachers.

Three years ago Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area (TMNP MPA) staff in partnership with Marine and Coastal Management carried out a three-month operation that netted them 640kg of abalone, a 4x4 vehicle, and two vessels – three suspects were also taken into custody.

TMNP MPA, with the aid of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), and Marine and Coastal Management, petitioned the courts and were allowed to take possession of the two vessels to be used as patrol vessels for the Marine Unit.

Senior Section Ranger for TMNP MPA Robin Adams said that the two “vessels became known as having belonged to poachers and that carried an air of caution”.
The 8,6m vessel was refitted and brought up to standard, but it was old and its engines were tired. In the meanwhile the 7,4m vessel which had become a “vital tool” in the fight against environmental crimes was suffering from hull leaks, tube failures, and engine problems.

TMNP MPA approached Gemini, the only boat building company in South Africa that is approved to construct vessels to military specification. Using their 8,6m platform that is used by a number of navies the craft was re-designed to patrol the coastal area covered by TMNP. The outboards from the seized vessel were used, but soon began “to give problems,” said Adams, “and we started to look at finding new outboard motors”.

Through Anchor Boat Shop and Yamaha the TMNP MPA was made an “offer we could not refuse: two outboards for the cost of one engine”.

Adams said he would like to thank all those who had made the launch of the new patrol vessel possible including the Hout Bay Police, the NPA, the AFU, the Courts, Gemini, and Anchor Boat shop.

“This vessel will be used to protect and to save our marine reserves from criminals and syndicates who strip our marine resources. It represents the proud history of service and passion of the individuals who are part of the TMNP Marine Unit,” said Adams.

“The TMNP MPA had made over 200 arrests of poachers since 2004, the highest of any MPA in the country for this period, and the partnership between DEAT MCM and SANParks was proving effective in bringing poaching under control. Community support for the work of the authorities is vital if we are to succeed in using marine protected areas to ensure the future of inshore fisheries,” said Dr Omar.

Issued by:
HWB Communications on behalf of Table Mountain National Park

Inquiries:
Lucy Phama, Table Mountain National Park, Tel: 021 701 8692, e-mail: lucyph@sanparks.org