Abalone Poaching in South Africa

Please have a look at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/420829084

The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has proposed new legislation to ban diving (scuba, spear fishing, skin diving and rock lobster diving) in specific areas in the Western and Eastern Cape. This legislation While the poaching of abalone is a serious problem, the new legislation will do nothing to stop the poachers. There is little point to imposing new laws owes to the department's inability to prevent poaching of abalone along our coast: a situation that has worsened with the recent closure of marine protection projects.

when the current laws are not enforced. The proposed legislation will only penalize law abiding citizens, legitimate businesses and coastal communities; and South Africa's wider tourism industry. It will also remove the watchful eyes of the diving community from the specified areas - one of the most valuable deterrents to poaching that we currently have. We have until 15 January to act: make your voice heard! Please add your name to this petition

Contributed by DanielM added 2007-12-13