Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has announced the designated recreational fishing dates for the 2025/26 West Coast Rock Lobster season, as follows:
- 20, 21, 27 and 28 December 2025
- 3, 4, 24, 25 and 31 January 2026
- 1 February 2026
- 21 and 22 March 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 Minister Aucamp.
Breeding season
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.
Purchase online or at SA Post Office
Recreational West Coast Rock Lobster Permits can be purchased at any South African Post Office or online via the Department’s official e-permitting platform at: https://www.fishing.dffe.gov.za
The Department will continue to engage proactively with coastal communities, organised recreational fishing structures and all stakeholders to maintain a responsible and environmentally conscious recreational fishing environment.
“Thank you for your patience during the process of finalising and gazetting the dates,” said Minister Aucamp.
“Responsible recreational harvesting today safeguards the ecological integrity of our marine ecosystems and secures this heritage resource for generations to come.”
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