The City’s Law Enforcement Marine Unit had a busy weekend. On a new mission to cut the local supply of illegal rock lobsters the team, assisted by a Table Mountain National Park ranger, conducted inspections of local restaurants.

The arrest that has made the news pertained to more than 850 unexplained rock lobsters found in a Glencairn restaurant. The owner was unable to produce a receipt, and attempted to bribe the staff with R15 000.

Just to be clear rock lobster is what we call crayfish – if you’re unsure what we’re talking about check THIS out.

She was arrested for “possession of rock lobster without an invoice, possession of undersized rock lobster, and attempted bribery,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. He continued:

This arrest came about because our officers turned their attention to the end of the value chain in the illegal rock lobster trade. This was a significant bust and a timely reminder that poachers enjoy support even in the local market. That the woman had the temerity to try and bribe our staff casts further doubt on her character and also makes me wonder what else she might be involved in to go to those lengths.

She was one of 165 suspects arrested by the City’s enforcement agencies in the past week.

The name of the business has not been released, as legal proceedings are still to follow, but you can be sure it won’t be anywhere near THIS list.

The news comes after the South African government has come under fire over its dealings with our local sea resources, and just who is to blame? From illegal fishing vehicles to local poachers, the question remains: will legal, and fair, access to our seas hinder poachers?

It’s about time consumers actively educate themselves on the source of their seafood.

[source: thebillboard&iol]