West Coast Rock Lobster recreational fishing dates announced for 2025/26 season
Heritage resource
The West Coast Rock Lobster will begin this month.
Image: File
THE Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, recently unveiled the recreational fishing dates for the upcoming 2025/26 West Coast Rock Lobster season.
The dates are:
- December 20, 21, 27 and 28, 2025
- January 3, 4, 24, 25 and 31, 2026
- February 1, 2026
- March 21 and 22, 2026
“These dates have been finalised following a thorough and science-based assessment to ensure that recreational opportunities are balanced with the long-term sustainability of our marine resources,” said Aucamp.
“Responsible recreational harvesting today safeguards the ecological integrity of our marine ecosystems and secures this heritage resource for generations to come.”
The dates were determined taking into account the West Coast Rock Lobster breeding season; alignment with weekends, public holidays and the festive season; and the timing of the low tide periods to maximise safe and responsible harvesting opportunities.
"Fishers are requested to fish responsibly and to adhere to the regulations for recreational fishing. These include, but are not limited to, that fishing is prohibited on the days that are not included in the above list. Furthermore, fishers must hold a valid recreational permit and follow the bag and size limits. These measures collectively support stock recovery trajectories and contribute to ensuring that utilisation remains within sustainable thresholds," said the department in a statement.
For further information, log on to www.fishing.dffe.gov.za