Major progress in upgrading South Africa’s fishing harbours

13 July 2025

• The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is making steady progress at 12 proclaimed fishing harbours in the Western Cape.

• Minister Dr Dion George confirms improvements in safety, signage and infrastructure to support local fishing communities.

• SAMSA tasked with removing abandoned vessels following legal notice expiry in June.

• High-risk harbours to receive 24/7 surveillance and armed response, with more upgrades underway.

• Over 300 vessels currently moored across 12 Proclaimed Fishing Harbours, which handled more than 1,000 last year.

The revitalisation of South Africa’s Proclaimed Fishing Harbours is delivering real results, with upgrades completed at 15 sites that support the country’s coastal communities and the broader fishing economy. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has welcomed the Department’s June 2025 progress report, which outlines improvements in harbour safety, infrastructure and daily operations. "These harbours are more than physical structures. They are the engine rooms of local economies, supporting fishers, small businesses and the communities that depend on them. We are now seeing the impact of steady, focused work to restore and secure these public assets," said Minister George. In the 2024 to 2025 financial year, the 12 Proclaimed Fishing Harbours handled more than 1,000 vessels. Thirty-three vessels have already been serviced this financial year, and more than 300 currently make use of mooring facilities. This reflects the critical role these harbours play in enabling sustainable fisheries and coastal livelihoods.

Completed work includes full signage installation at 15 sites to improve access and navigation, 24-hour security measures at high-risk locations such as Saldanha and Paarden Eiland, and progress in addressing sunken and abandoned vessels that create safety and environmental hazards.

A Marine Notice issued to vessel owners expired on 16 June 2025 with no response. The Department has now initiated processes with the South African Maritime Safety Authority in terms of the Wreck and Salvage Act. Minister George confirmed that SAMSA is required to remove the wrecks and recover costs from the responsible parties.

The Department is also considering further options, including issuing directives, engaging the Navy for vessels of military interest, and unlocking the Maritime Fund.

Security interventions already in place include real-time monitoring, alarm systems and armed response within ten minutes. Six more harbours, including Lamberts Bay, St Helena Bay, Hout Bay, Kalk Bay, Hermanus and Gansbaai, are scheduled to receive electronic security upgrades. Procurement is in progress following the submission of Terms of Reference in June. The remaining five harbours, currently classified as low risk, will be prioritised in the next quarter depending on budget availability.

Signage upgrades were completed between April and June 2025 at all 12 Proclaimed Harbours, along with Elands Bay, Doringbaai and Yzerfontein. Additional signage was added at St Helena Bay on 19 June. These improvements help users navigate sites more easily and reflect the Department’s commitment to restoring visibility and functionality.

Minister George thanked the teams and stakeholders involved in delivering the revitalisation programme, saying the work is part of a broader effort to build a thriving blue economy that benefits all South Africans. "We are investing in the future of coastal communities by ensuring these harbours are safe, accessible and fit for purpose. This is meaningful progress, and it will continue," said the Minister.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Thobile Zulu-Molobi 
Mobile: +27 82 513 7154  
E-mail: tmolobi@dffe.gov.za  

Chelsey Wilken 
Mobile: +27 74 470 5996  
E-mail: cwilken@dffe.gov.za