Eastern Cape Fly-Fishing "Yours in the backing"

January 2009

This is a call to all Trout Fly-Fishers, interested and affected parties to join T.A.G.

DEAT Media Statement - 3 April 2009 (59 kB)
SMS Support for TAG

Donations can be deposited in the ECFF Account using the reference "Tag" and your surname. Account details are as follows:

• ECFF & TAG Position Paper on Trout Zoning January 2009 (85 kb)
• National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (1.13 Mb)
• CapeNature scientists runs private fish poison service

As you may be aware, there are some serious attempts by National Nature Conservation Authorities to imminently establish legislation that will effectively close the majority of our Trout waters. The NEM: BA regulations will primarily impact on Trout, because it is perceived to be a soft target. The cause which the Authorities are fighting for is to “eliminate alien species in South Africa”.

In view of this, an extremely concerned group of Trout fly fishers has come together to fight the plight of trout in waters where they currently exist, and to pave the way for future development of the Trout Fly-Fishing Industry. We feel that a representative body of trout users needs defend our interest. We appeal to you to throw your weight behind T.A.G. and to give us your mandate to represent your interests in Fly-Fishing.

Trout have been established in South Africa for over a century. They are sensitive, freshwater angling and table fish that exist only in high altitude, high quality, and low temperature waters in our country. They do not have the capacity to invade beyond where they currently exist, except possibly on a micro-scale. We believe that the current organisations purporting to represent our interests are not mandated by us and may be misrepresenting us. The viewpoint we hold is shared by many others, and I quote P J Jacobs:

“We would like to work with conservation organizations, and not against them. By the same token, we wish our concerns (and rights) to be taken seriously. It’s our country (and fish) too.” We need a strong mandate from Fly fishers, resort owners, Riparian owners, Sport shops and their Employees to enable us to put trout’s case forward in the most serious sense possible.

If the above concerns you, please add your name to the list by sending an SMS right now, with your Name and organisation to 08332600629043 or contact Johan Van Jaarsveld on the number shown below. A senior Advocate has already been tasked to look into our rights from a legal perspective.

Funding for above is essential and donations towards T.A.G will be most appreciated.

Yours in trout

T.A.G.

Contact person:

Martin Fick 083 278 4201

Johan van Jaarsveld 082 524 1877