Apart from several sizeable busts in recent weeks, the unit within the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement Department has also seen a notable increase in proactive patrols and checkpoints, among others.
The Marine Unit is one of the specialised units within Law Enforcement. They have 15 uniformed staff members, assisted by a small crop of volunteers.
A seven-month comparison of the unit’s activities over the past two years shows an uptick in operations:
| ENFORCEMENT CATEGORY | Jul 2024 – Jan 2025 | Jul 2025 – Jan 2026 |
| Complaints received | 24 | 44 |
| Fishing vessels and permits checked | 1 447 | 1 995 |
| Proactive patrols | 2 019 | 2 103 |
| Notices issued | 1 421 | 1 939 |
| Marine Living Resources impounded | 1 091 | 1 668 |
| Vehicles impounded | 2 | 3 |
| Slipway inspections | 493 | 533 |
| Operations | 236 | 258 |
During this period, the unit made at least a dozen arrests and impounded a vessel, with a raft of successes since mid-January that also led to the recovery of nearly 5 000 West Coast rock lobster tails:
-
On 15 January 2026, officers arrested two men, aged 45 and 47, for the illegal possession of nearly 400 West Coast Rock Lobster tails in Ravensmead
-
The next day, in the same area, officers arrested a 50-year-old man from Uitsig in a shopping centre parking lot for the illegal possession and transportation of 300 West Coast Rock Lobster tails
-
On 21 January, officers arrested three men (26, 33 and 43) in the parking lot at Vangate Mall for the illegal possession of 1 000 West Coast Rock Lobster tails
-
On 24 February, officers confiscated 3 162 West Coast Rock Lobster tails at a house in Bishop Lavis and arrested a suspect, and earlier on the same day, they assisted in an operation led by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), where DFFE confiscated four vessels and arrested 10 fishermen for catching crayfish in a Marine Protected Area off Cape Point
‘The plundering of marine resources is a longstanding challenge in Cape Town. Apart from overfishing in general, the poaching of resources like abalone and rock lobster to fund criminality is an issue that has demanded constant attention. The City’s Marine Unit works closely with other agencies responsible for policing this space. The uptick in operations and successes speaks to the unit’s commitment to the cause,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The Marine Unit’s activities are not limited to the coastline.
They also work closely with other City departments, and in particular, the conservation rangers within the Environmental Management Department – to address some of the more regular non-compliance issues related to by-law transgressions within City-owned nature reserves.
‘It’s worth reminding the public that while we all have equal access to nature, we can’t simply do as we please when it comes to natural resources. Also, if you see something, or know something, then report it. The City’s dedicated tip off line guarantees anonymity to those who share information,’ added Alderman Smith.
The public can report concerns about illegal fishing or related activities to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.
Anonymous tips can be directed to 0800 110077, 24-hours a day.
