Testing the level of environmental regulatory awareness of freshwater recreational anglers in South Africa

Abstract

Freshwater recreational angling is growing in popularity internationally. Due to the potential negative environmental impacts different regulatory systems exist. In South Africa, freshwater recreational angling is regulated through a complex legal framework, consisting of national as well as provincial legislation dating back to the 1960s. Moreover, the legislation also relates to current and historical provincial boundaries that adds to the regulatory complexity. Due to this complexity the question arises whether freshwater recreational anglers are aware of the legislation applicable to them. Low levels of awareness would suggest an ineffective regulatory system. The aim of this research is to test the regulatory awareness of freshwater recreational anglers. Firstly, a literature review was conducted of the national and provincial legislation, together with the rules applicable to organized freshwater recreational angling. Secondly, an online questionnaire testing awareness was distributed, targeting members of the South African Freshwater Bank Angling Federation (SAFBAF). The results from the survey indicate that the regulatory awareness of freshwater recreational anglers is low. However, the low level of awareness of legislation can be ascribed to the complex regulatory system and not an unwillingness of anglers to comply. This is supported by the finding that awareness and willingness to adhere to the SAFBAF rules (which is not legislation) is high. It is recommended that a single set of legislation regulating freshwater angling be drafted and implemented across South Africa, to improve awareness and thereby regulatory compliance.