Question NW4009 to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

(1) Whether her department has been informed of the large number of poachers allegedly using the Hawston Harbour to poach abalone as far as Robben Island and beyond; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the specified harbour is (a) still a registered harbour and/or slipway and (b) policed by her department; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (3) whether, considering that Hermanus' New Harbour is only five kilometres away, her department has considered closing and requesting the demolishing of Hawston Harbour to curb the extensive poaching network that operates from there; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?