Fisherfolk say Blue Lagoon ban hurting livelihoods
Local
fisherfolk have demanded answers from eThekwini Municipality over the banning
of fishing and recreational activities at Blue Lagoon Beach.
" We would like to know if it's that dangerous. What's the level of E. coli in the water, and how long will it take for the E. coli to subside?"
The Umngeni Estuary to the Blue Lagoon non-bathing beach has been closed since January due to high E. coli levels. It follows a Coastal Compliance Notice issued by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment.
Kamal Singh, from the Blue Lagoon Angling Crew, says the lengthy ban is hurting fishing clubs and families, many of whom rely on their catch for income. Fishing is still permitted at the Snake Park, Battery Beach, and Country Club piers.
But Singh says there are limitations.
" The piers are not big, and they do not accommodate all anglers. There's not enough space for the guys to fish there. If the other three piers were open, then I think it would be fine. The piers have been closed for a few months now. Obviously, it's not legal to fish on them, so you cannot access them."
The City says the closure is a safety precaution and will remain in place until the bacterium in the water drops to acceptable levels.
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