Young hero saves fish from illegal gill net

Luke Brown, 8, of Frogmore Estate, has received a certificate of recognition from ward councillor Carolynne Franklin after discovering a gill net in the Keysers River at the Zandvlei Nature Reserve.

- JANICE MATTHEWS

The net, which had trapped multiple fish, was removed with the help of his father and a neighbour, allowing 18 fish to be released back into the river.

The City's Recreational Water Use By-law 2018 fishing regulations permit only rod-and-reel fishing, with a maximum of two rods per person and no more than two single-pronged hooks per line.

The use of gill nets, cast nets, stake nets, trek nets, and similar devices is strictly prohibited.

These regulations are enforced to preserve the ecological integrity of areas like the Zandvlei Nature Reserve, which is home to diverse fish species and the endangered Western Leopard Toad.

Jenny Louw, chairperson of the Zandvlei Catchment Management Forum, says there are several by-laws and provincial legislation prohibiting the use of gill nets. The Recreational Water Use By-law also prohibits the harming of indigenous fish, which enforces a catch-and-release rule.

"Offences under this legislation result in fines. In serious cases, the City can also prosecute through the magistrate and high courts.