Commercial Fishers: Admit “Guilt” or Lose Your Livelihood?
How the Department’s questionable interpretation of satellite vessel tracking (VMS) regulations is forcing commercial abalone fishers to admit “guilt” or lose their livelihoods.
Statement from Anton Kruger
“I am writing this knowing it may come at a personal cost, but the public deserves to know what is happening behind the closed doors and tight security of our fisheries department.”
Anton Kruger, a commercial abalone rights holder, has raised serious concerns about the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s handling of the abalone verification process.
Key Concerns
- Fishers are being compelled to sign Admission of Guilt fines or risk losing their permits.
- Many fines relate to Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), which fishers cannot practically verify while at sea.
- Fisheries offices open too late to confirm VMS functionality before launch, creating technical non?compliance.
- Written defenses are rejected without explanation, and legal representatives or witnesses are reportedly barred from meetings.
- Section 33 of the Constitution guarantees fair administrative action — but fishers are being denied meaningful opportunity to challenge allegations.
The Consequence
Without permits, fishers cannot legally harvest, export, or earn an income. For many, litigation is unaffordable, leaving them with no choice but to admit “guilt” and pay fines that create damaging official records.
Call to Action
Kruger has forwarded this letter to elected representatives of the Democratic Alliance (DA), urging immediate intervention.
“If the DA genuinely believes in due process and the rule of law, it should intervene immediately to ensure that any practices inconsistent with the Constitution are corrected, and that commercial fishers are afforded a fair and practical opportunity to challenge allegations without first placing their livelihoods at risk.”
Contact: Anton Kruger
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