I was reading an issue of a popular fishing magazine in these parts when a certain story caught my attention. A nearby lake which is just on the outskirts of our city, is frequented by many people, mostly for leisure activities like a family braai (barbeque) or boating activities or camping for the weekend. Unfortunately poachers are all over the banks of this lake fishing for bream and whatever else will bite. These people then stand on the main highway and sell their fish to passing motorists.
Well lately, it turns out that these poachers have been falling prey to crocodiles. They are often found waist deep in the lakes murky waters, trying to net as many fish as possible before National Parks officials catch up with them.The problem has become so serious that the Department of Wildlife had to do something about this unacceptable loss of life. Over a two week period, there had been eight confirmed fatal attacks on poachers and six bodies were recovered. An adult crocodile has no hesitation in taking down a fully grown buffalo and even lions would be wary when they drink at a river or lake. So a human just standing there waist deep in the water is asking for trouble. Sadly, this hasn’t stopped the illegal fishermen (and women). Given the gravity of the situation I was rather surprised at the response of the authorities. A National Parks spokesperson recently urged poachers to obtain the necessary licences and permits to fish legally on the lake as this would help to resolve the crisis. No mention of taking care. No talk of "safe zones" and designated fishing spots. She could have said that they'd be stepping up patrols to ensure public safety. Nope. She just said "get a permit and you'll be fine."
She could have said "Stop fishing there! The crocs will eat you!" She didn't find this necessary.
So there you have it. Get a permit all ye who poach, and then wade back into that water and fish to your heart’s content. Just remember to display your permit prominently on your chest and pray that those crocs can read or that they are not the kind that bite first and read the label later. Apparently, they have been informed to leave permit holders alone. I think there may be a valuable lesson in this, one of learning to "lay the axe to the root" and deal decisively with the problem.
Well lately, it turns out that these poachers have been falling prey to crocodiles. They are often found waist deep in the lakes murky waters, trying to net as many fish as possible before National Parks officials catch up with them.The problem has become so serious that the Department of Wildlife had to do something about this unacceptable loss of life. Over a two week period, there had been eight confirmed fatal attacks on poachers and six bodies were recovered. An adult crocodile has no hesitation in taking down a fully grown buffalo and even lions would be wary when they drink at a river or lake. So a human just standing there waist deep in the water is asking for trouble. Sadly, this hasn’t stopped the illegal fishermen (and women). Given the gravity of the situation I was rather surprised at the response of the authorities. A National Parks spokesperson recently urged poachers to obtain the necessary licences and permits to fish legally on the lake as this would help to resolve the crisis. No mention of taking care. No talk of "safe zones" and designated fishing spots. She could have said that they'd be stepping up patrols to ensure public safety. Nope. She just said "get a permit and you'll be fine."
She could have said "Stop fishing there! The crocs will eat you!" She didn't find this necessary.So there you have it. Get a permit all ye who poach, and then wade back into that water and fish to your heart’s content. Just remember to display your permit prominently on your chest and pray that those crocs can read or that they are not the kind that bite first and read the label later. Apparently, they have been informed to leave permit holders alone. I think there may be a valuable lesson in this, one of learning to "lay the axe to the root" and deal decisively with the problem.