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PERMITS
ISSUED
BOAT-BASED WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING (BBWW) + WHITE SHARK CAGE DIVING (WSCD)
BACKGROUND & CONTEXT
Between 2018 and 2019, the department, as empowered by the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004: Threatened or Protected Marine Species Regulations, 2017, concluded an extensive allocation process for boat-based whale and dolphin watching (BBWW) and white shark cage diving (WSCD) operating permits, including any internal appeals.
QUERIES + RESPONSES RELATED TO PROCESS CONCLUDED IN 2018 + 2019
07 July 2017 [PDF - 259,6 kb] | 03 July 2017 [PDF - 106,4 kb] | July 2017 [PDF - 131,3 kb]
APPEAL DOCUMENTS INCLUDING DECISSION + ASSESSMENT SHEETS RELATED TO 2018 + 2019 PROCESS
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all files are .pdf, unless otherwise stated. |
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06 February 2019 - General published reasons for the decisions on appeal WSCD non-consumptive sector [4.5 mb] |
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06 February 2019 - WSCD appeal decision sheet [2.3 mb] |
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13 March 2018 - Appeal decision in terms of section 43 of the NEMA, 1998 (Act no. 107 of 1998): WSCD [366 kb] |
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April 2018 - WSCD assessment sheet [233,4 kb] |
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SOUTH AFRICA'S COASTLINE - CRITICAL DRIVER OF ECONOMIC + SOCIAL BENEFITS
South Africa's coastline is globally recognised for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, positioning it as a critical driver of economic and social benefits for coastal communities. Within this context, biodiversity-based tourism, exemplified by activities such as BBWW and WSCD, plays a pivotal role in South Africa's tourism sector. These activities not only capitalise on the country's natural resources but also promote conservation awareness and research while delivering tangible benefits to local economies.
BBWW + WSCD
OBSERVATION OF WHALES AND DOLPHINS IN THEIR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT + OBSERVING FREE SWIMMING GREAT WHITE SHARKS
BBWW is a permitted activity involving observation of whales and dolphins' behaviour in their natural environment from sea-going vessels and is an avenue of socio-economic benefits for key coastal towns amongst others Hermanus, Cape St Francis, Port Elizabeth, St Lucia etc.
On the other hand, WSCD involves observing free swimming great white sharks from vessels and/or from within a protective cage that is submerged in water and is known to have contributed to structural transformation of towns such as Gansbaai and Mossel Bay. It must be noted that WSCD is limited to areas where white sharks mainly aggregate naturally, and these would mostly be at seal colonies. However, in recent years, the sector has been permitted to interact with various shark species including bronze whaler sharks; due to the sudden reduced sightings of white sharks.
Anyone identified to operate and or advertise to offer BBWW and or WSCD without a permit is contravening the NEMBA: Threatened or Protected Marine Species Regulations, 2017, Government Gazette No. 40876 of 30 May 2017.
OPERATING PERMIT HOLDERS
The following operators have been granted permits to advertise and operate BBWW and or WSCD in specified designated areas, respectively.
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all files are .pdf, unless otherwise stated. |
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BBWW operating permit holders [643 kb] |
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WSCD operating permit holders [440,9 kb] |
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POLICY DOCUMENTS
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all files are .pdf, unless otherwise stated. |
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