BY Independent Online

A diving ban aimed at protecting perlemoen stocks in five areas along the SA coast will come into force on February 1, but there will only be "limited restrictions" in effect at dive sites off Cape Point, government announced on Monday.

Draft regulations calling for a total ban on diving off Robben Island, Dyer Island, Bird Island, the coastal area from Gansbaai to Quoin Point, and at Cape Point, were published on December 3 last year for public comment.

They provoked an outcry from recreational divers and those involved in dive tourism, particularly with regard to popular dive sites off Cape Point.

In a statement, Environment Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said the proposal for a diving ban was an essential component of government's strategy to protect perlemoen in certain key areas, where the stock was most likely to recover.

However, after considering comments received during the public consultation process, "a revised restriction on diving" in certain areas would now come into effect on Friday.

While the ban would go ahead around Robben, Dyer and Bird Islands, and from Gansbaai to Quoin Point, there would only be "limited restrictions" on diving at Cape Point.

"After carefully considering a total ban on diving at Cape Point, and after discussions between MCM [Marine and Coastal Management] and SANParks, we have decided on only limited restrictions in this area.

"Diving will therefore still be allowed at Cape Point, but is restricted to only shore-based diving, and only within the access times of the Cape of Good Hope section of the Table Mountain National Park.

"This concession at Cape Point will be subject to ongoing satisfactory compliance in that area," he said.

Gazetting of the regulations on Friday would coincide with the start of the previously announced suspension of the abalone fishery. - Sapa

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