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ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Threats
Acid Mine Drainage

Un-rehabilitated mine site
The following threats are placing undue pressure on our natural river systems and species:
Over population
Over harvesting
Pollution
Habitat destruction
Habitat fragmentation
Alien invasive species

At FOSAF we have decided to introduce an environmental section to our web page. It is no secret that our rivers and oceans are coming under increasing threat from a variety of quarters. Rampant development along our water courses and along the coast, poaching, over fishing, mining, agriculture and the poor management of our waste water by our local authorities are just a few of the problems we are faced with. The underlying issue to all of the above seems to a lethargic government unwilling to exercise their legal mandate. A more vigilant sciety and informed citizens who form pressure groups and lobbies seem the only solution ahead. By creating this page we hope to promote a better understanding of issues and an angling community that is willing to take action.

There are many illegal activities occurring throughout the South African landscape, largely going unnoticed simply because the public are unaware of what is happening. This page is being created to achieve three main objectives. Firstly, we want to record all developments that affect our fishing resources. Secondly, the information here will serve to educate and keep our members informed of those projects and developments that are negatively affecting our fisheries. Thirdly, we are creating an interactive site in which through which members can actively get involved with developments that concern them by actively contributing to the contents of projects on the site.

The format to be used when registering a project is attached. Fill it in and submit it to us so that we can verify the information before it gets published on the web site. Each issue will be updated when the latest information is received. If a project comes to a standstill for a time it will be logged as such and placed in the archives.

We are starting off with a few projects that we know about. If you have more to add please let us know and we will update it. Of course the person who brings a project to the website is responsible for keeping it up to date.

We are hoping to grow this page so that it deals with more than just development issues to later include fish distribution maps and scientific studies. With your support this page will be one way of addressing the myriad of environmental issues that challenge our pastime.

Have you seen something or heard of an environmental issue that concerns you? Submit an Environmental Issue for review.

Current Issues:

  1. Illegal netting
  2. New fish disease (EUS) widespread in Southern Africa
  3. Proposed amendment to Coastal Management Act
  4. Update on the NEM:BA AIS Regulations
  5. Acid mine drainage in Tweeloopies Spruit (Gauteng)
  6. Emfuleni’s proposed new sewage works
  7. Pollution of the Vaal from the Barrage to Parys
  8. Mining threat to Mpumalanga's Trout Triangle
  9. William Bower open cast coal mine - application for a licence to mine
  10. Pollution in Mpumalanga
  11. Clanwilliam sandfish in trouble

Links to Environmental NGO's:

  1. Birdlife South Africa
    www.birdlife.org.za
  2. Centre for Environmental Rights
    cer.org.za
  3. Federation for a Sustainable Environment
    www.fse.org.za
  4. Endangered Wildlife Trust
    www.ewt.org.za
  5. Wetlands Forums
    www.wetlands.za.net
  6. Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa
    www.wessa.org.za

Links & information on mining & water

  1. EWT’s Mining Toolkit
    http://www.miningtoolkit.ewt.org.za/
  2. Guideline for compilation of EMP - to be submitted with prospecting right application
  3. Consultation process - communities and I & AP's
  4. South Africa's Water Sector 2011
  5. The real cost of coal to SA

 

 

Illustrations on Fishing Reports by Sarah Boulton