Reform South Africa’s Fishing Regulations

Endangered species don’t belong on dinner plates. It’s time to align South Africa’s fishing laws with conservation science.

Across South Africa’s oceans, some of our most iconic and ecologically vital marine species are facing extinction, yet many of them are still legally caught under current fishing regulations.

Sharks like the critically endangered ragged-tooth and soupfin, as well as red steenbras, dageraad, and other at-risk species, are currently permitted for retention, either recreationally or commercially, in South Africa.

While some appear as “prohibited” in brochures, many of these protections have not been formally gazetted, leaving them unenforceable and meaningless in practice.

At Earth Legacy Foundation, we believe endangered means protected, not permitted.

What We’re Calling For

We are urging the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to:

1. Remove all IUCN-listed Critically Endangered and Endangered marine species from South Africa’s Permitted Catch Lists.
2. Formally gazette the prohibited status of all Sphyrna spp.
3. Adopt a science-led, precautionary approach to fisheries management, putting conservation before short-term catch yields.
4. Engage marine scientists and ocean advocates in shaping transparent and ecologically sound fishing regulations.

Why This Matters

• Several of South Africa’s permitted species are classified as Critically Endangered (CE) or Endangered (EN) by the IUCN.
• Species classed as Critically Endangered are nearing collapse and might not withstand further pressure.
• The continued inclusion of endangered and critically endangered species on South Africa’s permitted catch lists contradicts the conservation objectives outlined in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and our commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
• This campaign is backed by scientists, citizens, and ocean advocates globally.

Why It’s Urgent

Extinction is forever. And without clear legal protections, we’re allowing irreplaceable species to disappear, simply because the law hasn’t caught up with science.

What You Can Do

Open Letter: Calling for the Removal of Endangered Marine Species from South Africa’s Permitted Catch List

To:
The Honourable Minister Dion George
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Republic of South Africa

Subject: Urgent Appeal to Align National Catch Regulations with Global Conservation Standards

We, the undersigned marine scientists, conservationists, environmental organisations and concerned citizens from South Africa and across the globe, write to express our urgent concern over the continued inclusion of Critically Endangered and Endangered marine species on South Africa’s Permitted Catch List for both recreational and commercial fisheries.

At a time when marine ecosystems face increasing pressure from overfishing, habitat degradation and climate change, it is imperative that national fisheries regulations align with global scientific consensus and international conservation commitments.

The Problem

Currently, several species listed as Critically Endangered (CR) and Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the world’s most authoritative conservation assessment, are still legally permitted for retention or catch in South Africa.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Carcharias taurus (Ragged-tooth shark) – Critically Endangered
• Galeorhinus galeus (Soupfin shark) – Critically Endangered
• Chrysoblephus cristiceps (Dageraad) – Critically Endangered
• Mustelus mustelus (Smooth-hound shark) – Endangered
• Petrus rupestris (Red steenbras) – Endangered
• Sphyrna spp. (hammerhead shark) – (Critically Endangered to Vulnerable)

The inclusion of these species in the permitted list contradicts South Africa’s national biodiversity strategy and undermines international conservation frameworks such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, to which South Africa is a signatory.

Moreover, while some species, namely Sphyrna spp., appear as “prohibited” in recreational brochures, their protection has not been formally gazetted, rendering enforcement impossible and leaving critically vulnerable species exposed to continued exploitation.

Our Call to Action

We respectfully urge the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to:

1. Immediately remove all IUCN-listed Critically Endangered and Endangered marine species from South Africa’s Permitted Catch List.
2. Formally gazette the prohibited status of any threatened species currently listed in public materials but not in legislation.
3. Adopt a precautionary, science-led approach to fisheries regulation, in line with South Africa’s commitments under national and international conservation law.
4. Engage stakeholders, including conservation scientists, NGOs, and local communities, to develop sustainable, ecosystem-based fishing policies.

Why This Matters

Failing to protect species at risk of extinction both damages marine ecosystems and South Africa’s global reputation as a leader in conservation. It jeopardises marine biodiversity, food security, and the long-term sustainability of fisheries. It also sends a conflicting message to the public, undermining marine education and responsible ocean stewardship.

This is a rare opportunity for swift, low-cost, high-impact action that will be applauded by the public, the scientific community, and conservation partners globally.

We stand ready to assist the department in making this transition, and respectfully call for your immediate attention and leadership on this urgent matter.

Yours sincerely