The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), in an update on the revitalisation of the Western Cape’s 12 proclaimed fishing harbours, reports steady improvements in infrastructure, safety and operational efficiency, aimed at supporting coastal economies and sustainable fisheries.

Proclaimed fishing harbours are central to coastal livelihoods and the fishing industry and the work is being done to enhance their safety and functionality, Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dr Dion George says.

The DFFE reports that, during the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, more than 300 vessels were moored across the 12 harbours, with 33 vessels managed through slipping, side slipping and launching activities.

The department will provide the second-quarter operational report for July to September on October 3.

Additionally, Hout Bay, the Edelweiss and African Unity harbours are scheduled to undertake the removal and salvage of sunken vessels by their owners at the next low tide in October. The department is working closely with the South African Maritime Safety Authority to ensure compliance with the Wrecks and Salvage Act.

“Resolving the issue of sunken vessels is essential for safe and sustainable harbour operations,” George points out.

Further, in terms of security measures for the harbours, purchase orders for electronic security installations were issued for Kalk Bay on September 29. Lamberts Bay, Hermanus, Gansbaai and Gordon’s Bay are set to follow in early October, and installations are expected to begin this month.

Meanwhile, re-advertisements for Hout Bay, Laaiplek and St Helena Bay are under way, while requests for quotations are being processed for Still Bay, Arniston and Struisbaai.

Security at Saldanha Harbour and Paarden Eiland Workshop already includes 24/7 monitoring and rapid armed response.

George thanked departmental teams and stakeholders for their role in driving the revitalisation process.

“The dedication of our officials and partners is delivering meaningful change. We are securing the future of our proclaimed fishing harbours as vital assets for sustainable fisheries and inclusive growth,” he says.