The decision follows new scientific evidence showing that abalone populations have declined to less than 2% of their original levels, with near-zero densities recorded along much of the coastline.
George said the drastic cut forms part of broader efforts to combat poaching and close loopholes in international trade that continue to threaten the species.
“The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has taken decisive action to protect SA’s abalone industry. Scientific evidence has shown that stocks have collapsed to less than 2% of their actual levels,” he said.
He added that the government will move to list dried abalone under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, in an attempt to shut down illegal international trade networks that have driven large-scale poaching.
–SABC/ChannelAfrica–
