Dept clarifies regulation of trout species

© Sophia Winters – za.fotolia.com

This, after the department had noted that there had been some confusion in the listing of these species. In that regard, the July 2013 regulations are to be replaced by the new 2014 regulations.

Invasive alien species are species that are introduced into an area in which they did not naturally occur, and have been able to out-compete indigenous (and other) species. The impact of this can be devastating.

The purpose of the published Regulations is to prevent the illegal introduction of alien and potentially invasive species into the country, and to regulate listed invasive species and potentially invasive species within the country. Invasive species can have profound impacts on the environment, biological diversity, the economy and ecosystems and their services.

Trout is a group name for fish belonging in the Salmonidae family and are often used as indicator species to monitor rivers and lakes.

The existing permits will remain valid for a period of two years.

Addressing the media in Cape Town earlier today, Department of Environmental Affairs Deputy Director General Guy Preston said there has been a need for a new legislation to address the problem of trout invading more waters and how this is controlled.

"There is no threat to the continued operations of existing, legal trout industries as a result of the proposed regulations and listing of trout as invasive species," he said.

Preston said the legislation is important for the trout industry to stop trout waters being invaded by fish species that out-compete trout.

"It is important to state that trout are already regulated. No trout farm may operate without a permit," Preston said.

Preston explained that a permit is required to stock trout in rivers and dams.

Regulations were published in July 2013 in which trout were listed as Category 1b species. These regulations were in line with the enabling provisions in the NEMBA at that time.

The Act was amended and more flexible exemption, categorisation and prohibition provisions were inserted.

The new provisions in the Act enabled the department to propose a more nuanced approached, that allows for the management of invasive in a manner that provides for the flexibility required for certain species, including among fresh-water fish.

It also allows the department, where appropriate, to address the complexities involved in balancing the threat to biodiversity.