South Africa: Landmark August 12 verdict expected over illegal fishing inside Marine Protected Areas

In three weeks, the Bredasdorp Magistrates’ Court in the Western Cape is expected to deliver a judgment that will set a precedent for illegal fishing in South Africa – irrespective of which way the decision goes.

In the case between the State and Unathi-Wena Fishing, the State is prosecuting the fishing company for likely causing a detrimental impact on the environment by fishing inside the De Hoop Marine Protected Area (MPA). This has never been done before and the offence carries a…