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Poachers braaied in reserve
03/11/2004 09:22 - (SA)
Cindy Preller, Die Burger
Port Elizabeth - Arrogant abalone poachers have taken over Bird Island to such an extent that they allegedly camp overnight on the island and even held a braai on the protected land.
In June this year, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, minister of environmental affairs and tourism declared the island as one of four marine reserves in South Africa.
Inspector Sandor Naggy, commander of the abalone task team, said the two nature conservation officials who work on Bird Island contacted the task team last weekend after alleged poachers lit a fire on the island.
"The police's air wing and other officers later put an end to the braai, but nobody was arrested," Naggy said.
Hire security firm
Eugene Swart, regional head of law enforcement at Marine and Coastal Management, said he was aware of the braai that the alleged poachers held on the island.
"We were informed of it, but the protection of the island is the mandate of the national parks board. They have to find an internal solution for the problems on the island."
He said the task team and members of Marine and Coastal Management patrol around the island day and night to protect marine life in the area.
"Our boats were out of order, but they are all in use again. Early in September we introduced a plan of action, involving the Jasus - our biggest boat - to act against poaching around the island," Swart said.
He said good work has already been done in the area and two suspect boats will probably be raided soon.
Case being investigated
"As far as the two officials of the parks board on the island go, we cannot live on the island as well to protect them against the poacher's intimidation. Our people already have their hands full and the parks board can hire a private security firm if things are getting out of hand," Swart said.
The Bird Island group is surrounded by territorial waters that resort under the Algoa Bay marine reserve and has been incorporated into the greater national Addo park.
Megan Bradfield, spokesperson for Addo, confirmed that a fire had been lit on the island. "The case is under investigation. We want to strengthen ties with Marine and Coastal Management to protect the island even better," she said.
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